Bamberg to Regensburg

Day 1: Arrival in Bamberg
Day 2: Bamberg - Erlangen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Erlangen - Nuremberg, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Nuremberg - Hilpoltstein, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Hilpoltstein - Beilngries, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Beilngries - Riedenburg, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Riedenburg - Regensburg, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 8: Departure from Regensburg

Day 1: Arrival in Bamberg
Take time to explore Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city brimming with medieval charm. Wander its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the Bamberg Cathedral, and stroll along the Regnitz River. Don’t miss sampling the city’s signature smoked beer (Rauchbier) in one of its cozy taverns. With its canals, old bridges, and hillside vistas, Bamberg offers the perfect introduction to Franconia.

Day 2: Bamberg - Erlangen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Your cycling adventure begins through the Regnitz Valley, where meadows and riverside paths create a peaceful route south. Stop in Forchheim, a welcoming Franconian town known for its colorful half-timbered houses and historic fortress. Then continue to Erlangen, a university city with baroque charm and lively cafés. The Schlossgarten, with its palace and landscaped park, is the ideal place to relax after your ride.

Day 3: Erlangen - Nuremberg, 19 mi. (30 km)
Today’s route follows flat terrain through pine forests and shaded river meadows dotted with wild hops. A detour to Fürth reveals a lovely old town full of character. Continue along the Regnitz Cycle Path, crossing Nuremberg’s famous wooden bridges, Kettensteg and Henkersteg, before arriving in Nuremberg, a captivating city where medieval fortifications meet vibrant modern life. Visit the Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg) and enjoy the lively Hauptmarkt, home to the city’s legendary Christmas Market.

Day 4: Nuremberg - Hilpoltstein, 25 mi. (40 km)
Follow the historic Ludwig Canal, built in the 19th century under King Ludwig I to link the Main and Danube rivers. Once an engineering marvel with 101 locks, it remains a peaceful cycling route lined with lush greenery and canal bridges. As you approach the Rothsee Nature Park, the scenery opens into shimmering lakes and forest trails. Overnight in Hilpoltstein, a quiet town with castle ruins overlooking the Franconian Lake District.

Day 5: Hilpoltstein - Beilngries, 25 mi. (40 km)
Ride through one of Bavaria’s most scenic landscapes, the Altmühl Valley. Following the Altmühl Valley Cycle Path, you’ll trace the curves of the Main-Danube Canal past meadows, cliffs, and lock stations. Your destination, Beilngries, is an old town with medieval towers, colorful houses, and plenty of inviting beer gardens. It’s a delightful place to relax after a day on the bike.

Day 6: Beilngries - Riedenburg, 19 mi. (30 km)
This route offers perhaps the most beautiful stretch of the Altmühl Valley. The path features informative panels describing the region’s history and unique geology. Enjoy tranquil stops along the way for coffee or quiet contemplation amid the valley’s limestone cliffs and riverside woods. End your day in Riedenburg, known as the “Pearl of the Altmühl Valley.” With its trio of castle ruins, forested hills, and riverfront, it’s a perfect place for nature and history lovers.

Day 7: Riedenburg - Regensburg, 34 mi. (55 km)
Today’s route leads through peaceful farmland and small Bavarian villages. Stop in Kelheim, where the Altmühl joins the Danube beneath the grand Hall of Liberation (Befreiungshalle), built by King Ludwig I to commemorate the Wars of Liberation. A short climb rewards you with sweeping views over the river landscape. Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities. With its Gothic St. Peter’s Cathedral, 12th-century Stone Bridge, and lively old town, Regensburg is the perfect finale to your cycling journey.

Day 8: Departure from Regensburg
After breakfast, check out by 9:00 a.m. Enjoy a final stroll through Regensburg’s cobbled lanes or relax by the Danube with a coffee before your journey home. 

Day 1: Arrival in Regensburg
Day 2: Regensburg - Riedenburg, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 3: Riedenburg - Beilngries, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Beilngries - Hilpoltstein, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Hilpoltstein - Nuremberg, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Nuremberg - Erlangen, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Erlangen - Bamberg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure from Bamberg

 

Day 1: Arrival in Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage city and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Its old town and Stadtamhof district feature more than 6,000 listed buildings, including the Stone Bridge and St. Peter’s Cathedral. Explore historic streets, visit a traditional beer hall, and enjoy your first taste of Bavarian culture before beginning your journey.

Day 2: Regensburg - Riedenburg, 34 mi. (55 km)
Cycle through peaceful countryside and small Bavarian villages to Kelheim, where the Altmühl meets the Danube. Visit the Hall of Liberation (Befreiungshalle), a grand monument built by King Ludwig I with panoramic views of the river valley. Continue into the Altmühltal Nature Park, passing rocky cliffs, castle ruins, and quiet forest trails before reaching Riedenburg, known as the “Pearl of the Altmühl Valley.” Relax in one of its riverside beer gardens or explore the old castle ruins above town.

Day 3: Riedenburg - Beilngries, 19 mi. (30 km)
Follow the well-marked Altmühl Valley Cycle Path through scenic countryside with gentle terrain and minimal inclines. Information signs along the way share the valley’s geological and cultural history. Stop for coffee in a small village or enjoy a picnic along the river. Your destination, Beilngries, is a picturesque town with winding alleys, a baroque parish church, and welcoming local inns.

Day 4: Beilngries - Hilpoltstein, 25 mi. (40 km)
Ride through rolling Franconian landscapes toward Freystadt, home to one of Germany’s most important baroque pilgrimage churches, the Maria-Hilf-Wallfahrtskirche, set amid peaceful meadows. Continue to Hilpoltstein, a charming town with castle ruins and views over the Franconian Lake District.

Day 5: Hilpoltstein - Nuremberg, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today’s route follows the historic Ludwig Canal (Main-Danube Canal), built in the 19th century under King Ludwig I. Once an engineering marvel with 101 locks, it now offers scenic flat cycling paths along the water. Pass through the Rothsee Nature Park before arriving in Nuremberg. Explore the Imperial Castle, walk the Historic Mile, and see the carefully reconstructed old town that blends medieval architecture with modern life.

Day 6: Nuremberg - Erlangen, 19 mi. (30 km)
Follow the Regnitz Cycle Route, starting with Nuremberg’s historic bridges: Kettensteg (Chain Bridge) and Henkersteg (Hangman’s Bridge). Ride past the Weißgerbergasse, lined with traditional craftsmen’s houses, and continue through the green Hallerwiesen meadows toward Fürth, worth a short detour for its market square and cafés. Then, cycle through flat countryside shaded by oaks and pine forests to Erlangen, known for its baroque layout and university life.

Day 7: Erlangen - Bamberg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Your final cycling stage takes you through the Regnitz Valley, a landscape of meadows, rivers, and charming small towns. Stop in Forchheim to enjoy a local beer or homemade cake in one of its traditional beer gardens. Continue to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its cathedral, Old Town Hall, and signature smoked beer (Rauchbier). Stroll through the old town’s cobblestone streets to celebrate the end of your journey.

Day 8: Departure from Bamberg
After breakfast, check out by 9:00 a.m. Spend your remaining time exploring Bamberg’s historic old town or relaxing by the Regnitz River before your onward travels.