Altmühl Valley cycle path
Germany's oldest long-distance cycle route
The Altmühl Cycle Path is one of the most popular cycling routes in Germany and delights cyclists with a unique combination of nature, culture, and relaxed riding. The route leads from the historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Regensburg and mostly follows the gently flowing Altmühl River. Along well-developed cycle paths, you will discover idyllic river landscapes, impressive rock formations, and charming towns in the heart of Bavaria. Thanks to its mostly flat terrain, the Altmühl Cycle Path is ideal for leisure cyclists, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a varied cycling holiday in the Altmühl Valley.
➡ HERE are the most popular sights ⬅
TOP sights along the Altmühl cycle path
TOUR WITH THE NIGHT WATCHMAN
in Rothenburg
This tour is included in some of our cycling holidays. A special highlight during your stay in Rothenburg is the guided walk with the Rothenburg night watchman. Offered daily, this tour takes you through the historic streets of the medieval old town while the night watchman shares entertaining stories from the past. With humor and fascinating anecdotes, you will learn about life in medieval Rothenburg. In selected cycling tours by Donau Touristik, this popular experience is already included and offers a unique way to discover the city.
HOHENZOLLERN RESIDENCE
Ansbach
The Hohenzollern Residence in Ansbach is one of the most impressive baroque buildings in the region and a cultural highlight of your cycling tour. The magnificent palace complex features elaborately designed rooms and one of the largest orangeries in Europe, surrounded by extensive gardens. During a guided tour of around 70 minutes, visitors can explore the rich history of the Franconian margraves. Literature enthusiasts are often reminded of Friedrich Schiller’s famous drama “Intrigue and Love”, inspired by the atmosphere of the court at that time.
THE BEST ICE CREAM ALONG THE ALTMÜHL
in Beilngries
A particularly enjoyable break awaits you in Beilngries, considered the culinary center of the Altmühl Valley. Opposite the Frauenkirche, you will find Gianni’s popular ice cream parlor, often described by visitors as serving “the best ice cream in Germany.” Homemade flavors, fresh ingredients, and a cozy atmosphere make this stop a highlight along the Altmühl Cycle Path. After a relaxing stage, enjoying an ice cream here is the perfect way to recharge and soak in the charm of the town.
DANUBE BREAKTHROUGH AND WELTENBURG MONASTERY
in Kelheim
A unique natural and cultural highlight along your journey is the Danube Gorge near Kelheim, located in the “Weltenburger Enge” nature reserve. This impressive rock landscape is one of Bavaria’s most beautiful natural attractions and was declared Bavaria’s first National Natural Monument in 2020. Nestled within this scenery lies Weltenburg Abbey, famous for its baroque church and the oldest monastery brewery in the world. A stop is highly recommended to enjoy the award-winning “Weltenburger Barock Dunkel” and experience the special atmosphere of this historic site.
THE BIRD ISLAND ON THE ALTMÜHLSEE
near Gunzenhausen
A special nature experience awaits at the bird island on Lake Altmühl near Gunzenhausen. Thanks to the careful separation of recreational and conservation areas, this man-made habitat has developed into an important breeding and resting place for numerous bird species. More than 300 species have already been recorded here. Observation towers and nature trails provide fascinating insights into the diverse wildlife, making it a worthwhile stop for nature lovers and cyclists alike.
TRADITIONAL FRANCONIAN CUISINE
in Pappenheim
A culinary tip along the Altmühl Cycle Path is the Gasthof Sonne in Pappenheim, known for its excellent traditional Franconian cuisine. Here, cyclists can enjoy regional specialties freshly prepared with local ingredients. A lunch stop is especially recommended during the stage from Wettelsheim to Eichstätt. Hearty dishes and a welcoming atmosphere make this inn a popular meeting point for cycling holiday guests in the Altmühl Valley.
REGENSBURG
Old Town
Regensburg’s old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006 and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Within a compact area, you will find around a thousand monuments spanning over 2,000 years of European history. Historic patrician houses, narrow streets, and landmarks such as St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Stone Bridge create a unique atmosphere. A walk through Regensburg’s old town is the perfect finale to a cycling holiday and brings history vividly to life.
ALCMONA ADVENTURE VILLAGE
in Dietfurt
The Alcmona experience village in Dietfurt is a lovingly reconstructed Celtic settlement offering fascinating insights into Celtic life in the Altmühl Valley. It also serves as the starting point for the Altmühltal Archaeological Park, which invites visitors on a journey through time with 18 stations across the region. Many of these archaeological sites are located directly along the cycle path and can easily be explored during your tour. A visit combines history, nature, and cycling in a unique way.
EICHSTÄTT
Baroque city
The historic town of Eichstätt is considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful baroque towns and impresses with its remarkable architectural heritage. Numerous magnificent buildings, squares, and churches shape the cityscape and create a special atmosphere. The cloister of the cathedral complex is particularly noteworthy and is regarded by art historian Dehio as the “finest achievement of late Gothic architecture in the German-speaking world.” A walk through Eichstätt is a cultural highlight of the Altmühl Cycle Path.
ALTMÜHLTHERME
in Treuchtlingen
With over 3,200 square meters of water surface, the Altmühltherme in Treuchtlingen is one of Germany’s largest thermal spas and the perfect place to relax during your cycling holiday. Various thermal pools, wellness areas, and relaxation zones provide recovery after an active day. An additional overnight stay is highly recommended: from Wettelsheim, it is only about 5 km to the spa – ideal for a relaxing wellness day in the Altmühl Valley.
ESSING
The idyllic village of Essing is a popular stop along the Altmühl Cycle Path. The route passes directly through the village center and invites cyclists to take a short break. A highlight is the “Old Wooden Bridge,” one of the longest wooden bridges in Europe. It connects the village with the surrounding rock landscape and offers a beautiful photo opportunity – perfect for capturing a postcard moment from the Altmühl Valley.