Germany’s Romantic Road - Würzburg to the Alps

Day 1: Würzburg - Bad Mergentheim,  31 mi. (50 km)
Day 2: Bad Mergentheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber,  31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Rothenburg - Feuchtwangen - Dinkelsbuehl,  36 or 17 mi. (58 or 27 km)
Day 4: Dinkelsbuehl - Nördlingen,  23 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Nördlingen - Donauwörth,  24 mi. (33 km)
Day 6: Landsberg am Lech - Schongau
Day 7: Wildsteig - Schwangau (Füssen),  18 or 31 mi. (29 or 50 km)
Day 8: Schwangau, free day
Day 9: Schwangau

All distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, there may be temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork. Your guide will of course direct on an alternate route.

Day 1: Würzburg - Bad Mergentheim, 31 mi. (50 km)
It is advised that you book an extra night in Würzburg before your tour to recover from your flight and enjoy the city.  It is known for its lavish baroque and rococo architecture, particularly, the 18th century Residenz  Palace with ornate rooms and a huge fresco.

Your tour officially begins at 11.00 am, leaving Würzburg to head to the start of the cycling itinerary. First on the agenda is a visit to a hidden gem and lunch. Once on the bike, the route follows the river to the first hotel in Bad Mergentheim. “Bad” refers to its Spa. Famous also for its Castle of the Teutonic Order. The marketplace is a collection of buildings showing every imaginable period of history.

Day 2: Bad Mergentheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 31 mi. (50 km)
Through the Tauber Valley, you cycle upstream through charming villages. At the end, the valley gets a bit more narrow and there are some little climbs to deal with.

The incomparable silhouette of the former Free Imperial City of Rothenburg ob der Tauber rises high above the Tauber Valley. This city is the most visited little town in Germany. There is an opportunity for a guided city walk after dinner. 

Day 3: Rothenburg - Feuchtwangen - Dinkelsbuehl, 36 or 17 mi. (58 or 27 km)
Two options today:

First and easy-going: you enjoy an extended visit in the town, maybe walk along the city walls, relax and have Kaffee und Kuchen (Coffee and Cake) and then join the touristic coach at 1 pm to get to Feuchtwangen.

Second and definitely more challenging: an early start to bike to Feuchtwangen, mapped as offering “steeper slopes”.

Those who have stayed behind will be transferred to Feuchtwangen and the group will then all bike to Dinkelsbuehl through forests and meadows and undulating hills. Some little climbs to master here.

Dinkelsbuehl, described as the most closely packed and best-preserved medieval towns in Germany, shows her unspoiled townscape dating back over 400 years.

Day 4: Dinkelsbuehl - Nördlingen, 23 mi. (32 km)
Today you will experience the meteorite Crater Nördlinger Ries which was formed by the impact of an asteroid and along with it, the nearby Steinheimer Basin. These two geological features represent the only two confirmed impact structures in Germany. This flat area surrounded by higher grounds was long thought to be the result of volcanic activity in prehistoric times. But then US scientists found out that the pieces of rock they were analyzing must have been part of a large meteorite that hit the earth 15 million years ago and left a crater of 12 km.

Noerdlingen is the only town in Germany with walls and battlements that can be walked all the way around. 2.7 km in length and passing 11 towers. Perhaps you will have the energy for this or even to climb the “Daniel”m 350 steps in a 90-meter high tower. The view will be worthwhile.

Day 5: Nördlingen - Donauwörth - Landsberg am Lech, 24 mi. (33 km)
As the route continues to lead south, a pleasant stop is medieval Harburg, with its impressive castle towering above the town. It is worth a visit. Donauwoerth at the confluence of the Woernitz and the Danube (Donau in German) is next on the agenda. Originally a fishing settlement on the island in the river, it became an important traffic junction. 

An afternoon transfer is provided to Landsberg am Lech, the day's final destination, passing Augsburg and more. 

In Landsberg am Lech, you will stay in some little hotels in the market square.

Day 6: Landsberg am Lech - Schongau
Along the Lech River, you cycle through forests and meadows, passing little villages where time has stood still.  A highlight will be the Roman Basilika St. Michael, dated before the 12th century, the only well-kept Roman church, not “spoiled” by the Baroque architects with their overkill of gold plated and exuberant detailing. You are clearly heading to the Alps,  glorious peaks beckon and the panorama unfolds.

Day 7: Wildsteig - Schwangau (Füssen), 18 or 31 mi. (29 or 50 km)
The foothills of the Alps are an incredible backdrop as you bike. You will have some steep hills to cover, but the views are worth the effort. The idyllic village of Wildsteig is the perfect place for a coffee break, nestled in an Alpine countryside, with cows and bells, and the Wieskirche.

Schwangau offers a lot to do such as visiting the castles, starting with the Neuschwanstein castle right out of Disney’s picture books…or should we say very well copied in Disney pictures?

As well, you could join the guide for another loop around the lake or around the “Dreilaender Punkt” (3 country point). At the end of this day we will enjoy our farewell dinner.

Day 8: Schwangau, free day
After breakfast, your guided tour ends. Time to say goodbye to the tour leaders. The day is yours to go and explore the area!

Day 9: Departure

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You will be accommodated in local hotels and “Gasthofe”, small establishments in the midst of the historic parts of the villages They are selected on the basis of their customer reviews, level of service, available rooms, and location.

Bicycles

Touring Bicycle

Giant Touring Bike from the LIV collection

Lightweight, low-maintenance, and equipped with a belt drive, this touring bike is ideal for both daily and recreational use. Combining a synthetic belt and internal gearing with a stainless steel chainring and cog, this bike offers an exceptionally durable system requiring almost no maintenance in relation to chain drives.

• Aluxx grade aluminum step through frame
• Belt driven with internal gear hub
• 8 speeds
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Selle royal Nuvola gel saddle
• Platform pedals
• Giant 700x 45 multi-surface tires
• Rear rack
• Helmet
• 14.6 kg

Electric Bicycle

Information coming soon!