Tauber River Valley Romantic Road

Day 1: Arrival in Würzburg
Day 2: Würzburg - Wertheim, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Wertheim - Bad Mergentheim region, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Bad Mergentheim region - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Rothenburg - Dinkelsbühl, 40 mi. (65 km) 
Day 6: Dinkelsbühl - Nördlingen, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Nördlingen - Donauwörth, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Departure from Donauwörth

Day 1: Würzburg
Your cycling journey begins in the Franconian residence city of Würzburg, renowned for its artistic and cultural heritage. Great masters such as Balthasar Neumann, Tilman Riemenschneider, and Tiepolo left their mark here. Nestled between vineyard-covered hills along the banks of the Main River, the city exudes charm and elegance. In the evening, immerse yourself in Franconian hospitality and savor local wines in one of the traditional taverns.

Day 2: Würzburg - Wertheim, 28 mi. (45 km)
Leaving Würzburg, follow the Aalbach cycle path through gentle countryside until you reach Bettingen, where the route meets the Main River. From here, it is only a short ride to Wertheim, a picturesque town nestled between the Spessart and Odenwald hills at the confluence of the Tauber and Main. Overlooking the crooked alleys of the old town are the impressive castle ruins, a striking landmark. In the evening, soak up the romantic atmosphere of this medieval gem.

Day 3: Wertheim - Bad Mergentheim region, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today, you leave the Main behind and follow the idyllic Tauber Valley, where unspoiled nature blends harmoniously with centuries of history. Soon you will reach Tauberbischofsheim, home to the imposing Kurmainzisches Schloss with its striking Türmersturm tower. The town’s many monuments tell the story of different eras and traditions. Continuing along the Romantic Road, your journey leads you into the Bad Mergentheim region.

Day 4: Bad Mergentheim region - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 34 mi. (55 km)
Before continuing to today’s destination, visit the moated castle of Weikersheim, known for its Renaissance architecture and beautiful Baroque gardens. Afterwards, head to Rothenburg, one of Germany’s most enchanting medieval towns. Shortly before midnight, join the night watchman on his rounds and hear fascinating tales of medieval life.

Day 5: Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Dinkelsbühl, 40 mi. (65 km) 
Your first stop today is Schillingsfürst, whose striking Baroque castle dominates the skyline from its perch on a mountain spur. After a short ascent, continue your ride through scenic countryside toward Dinkelsbühl, beautifully situated in the Wörnitz Valley. The historic center is lined with colorful townhouses and exudes a timeless charm. In the evening, savor Franconian specialties in one of the town’s traditional inns.

Day 6: Dinkelsbühl - Nördlingen, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today’s route takes you into the fascinating geological region of the Nördlinger Ries, formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. Your destination is the former Free Imperial City of Nördlingen, home to Germany’s only completely preserved and walkable city wall. Climb “Daniel,” the 90 m (295 ft) bell tower of St. George’s Church, for panoramic views. Stroll through the Gerberviertel, a quarter largely preserved in its original state, and for geology enthusiasts, a visit to the Rieskrater Museum is highly recommended.

Day 7: Nördlingen - Donauwörth, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today’s ride leads you past Harburg, where the impressive castle towers high above the valley. Continuing onward, you arrive in Donauwörth, situated at the confluence of the Wörnitz and Danube rivers. The highlight of the town is the magnificent Reichsstraße, lined with stately townhouses. Notable landmarks include the cathedral, the historic Café Engel, and the Käthe Kruse Doll Museum.

Day 8: Individual departure.
Departure following breakfast.

Day 1: Arrival in Würzburg
Day 2: Würzburg - Wertheim, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Wertheim - Bad Mergentheim, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Bad Mergentheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Individual departure

Day 1: Arrival in Würzburg
Your cycling adventure begins in the Franconian residence city of Würzburg, a place shaped by the works of great artists such as Balthasar Neumann, Tilman Riemenschneider, and Tiepolo. Nestled between vineyard-covered hills along the banks of the Main River, Würzburg offers a charming blend of culture and scenery. In the evening, experience true Franconian hospitality with a visit to one of the city’s traditional wine taverns.

Day 2: Würzburg - Wertheim, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s route leads you through the scenic Steinbach Valley, following the course of the Aalbach before reaching Bettingen and the Main River. From here, it is only a short ride to Wertheim, a picturesque town nestled between the Spessart and Odenwald hills at the confluence of the Tauber and Main. Overlooking the narrow, winding alleys of the old town are the striking castle ruins, a landmark that sets the perfect backdrop for your evening in this medieval gem.

Day 3: Wertheim - Bad Mergentheim, 31 mi. (50 km)
Leaving the Main behind, you cycle into the Tauber Valley, where unspoiled landscapes blend seamlessly with more than a thousand years of history. Soon you will arrive in Tauberbischofsheim, home to the impressive Kurmainzisches Schloss and its striking Türmersturm tower. The town’s many monuments reflect the richness of different eras. Continuing along the Romantic Road, your journey leads you into the Bad Mergentheim region.

Day 4: Bad Mergentheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 34 mi. (55 km)
Begin your day in the spa town of Bad Mergentheim before continuing on to Weikersheim, where a splendid moated castle and its gardens await. Riding further through the Tauber Valley, you’ll pass Creglingen, home to Tilman Riemenschneider’s famous Marienaltar. Your stage destination is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns. In the evening, join the Rothenburg night watchman on his rounds and hear captivating tales of life in centuries past.

Day 5: Individual departure