Tauber River Valley Romantic Road
Germany Bike Tours
Bike from Würzburg to Donauwörth
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length5–8 days
- Prices from€444 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Germany’s famous Romantische Strasse covers some of Europe’s most beautiful and interesting trails where old-world charm and tradition run deep and well-preserved medieval towns line the route. Würzburg, the center of the Franconian wine region, is the perfect starting point for this tour, also known for its great Baroque architecture.
One of the great highlights of this bicycle tour in Germany will be the picturesque town of Rothenburg, which is said to epitomize the Romanesque style. Discover the old town and don’t forget the great Franconian wines and beers!
At last, the tour ends in Donauwörth, which lies at the mouth of the Wörnitz as it joins the Danube River. It has splendid imperial streets with impressive old buildings and a lovely town square.
Highlights
- Vineyards, forests, and meadows
- Culture, history, and architecture
- Wurzburg, with its Unesco World Heritage residence
- Rothenburg and its 7 ancient gates
- Castles
- Monasteries
- Old world charm
Want to see more bike tours in Germany or all of our bike tours along the Danube?
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, 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 way, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
8-day tour - Würzburg to Donauwörth
Day 1: Arrival in Würzburg
Day 2: Würzburg - Wertheim, 28 mi. (46 km)
Day 3: Wertheim – Bad Mergentheim, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 4: Bad Mergentheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 5: Rothenburg – Dinkelsbühl, 36 mi. (60 km)
Day 6: Dinkelsbühl – Nördlingen, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 7: Nördlingen – Donauwörth/Rain, 24/39 mi. (39/63 km)
Day 8: Departure from DonauwörthDay 1: Würzburg
The starting point of your journey is the residence town of Würzburg, scene With its splendid buildings, including the residence and fortress Marienburg, the town became world-famous. There lived great artists such as Balthasar Neumann, Tilman Riemenschneider, and Tiepolo. Enjoy the charm of this town that lies among vineyards at the Main-riverside, and experience the romantic wine rooms. Your overnight stay is in Würzburg.Day 2: Würzburg - Wertheim, 28 mi. (46 km)
Today you'll leave Würzburg on a woody path through the Steinbach Valley, and cycle through small villages and along the picturesque Aalbach. Near Bettingen, you'll finally reach the Main. Worth seeing is the Gothic fortress-church with the Saint Mary's altar at Dertingen. Now there are only a few kilometers left until Wertheim. This small town between Spessert and Odenwald is located picturesquely at the mouth of the Tauber as it runs into the Main. The beautiful castle ruin made of striking red sandstone lies high above the old city. In the evening, enjoy the romantic atmosphere of this Gothic town. Your overnight stay is in Wertheim.Day 3: Wertheim - Bad Mergentheim, 30 mi. (48 km)
Today you'll leave the Main and bike further on through the Tauber valley. You will have both pure nature and art-historical sights of a thousand-year-old history. For instance, Balthasar Neumann became the artist of the bridge-building of the Tauber Valley. Through many bends, the river runs in the direction of Gamburg. A little later, you'll arrive at Tauberbischofsheim with its great castle. This town has an interesting history that you can easily see from its many great buildings and monuments. From now on, you'll be following the Romantic Road Street to Bad Mergentheim, your overnight stay.Day 4: Bad Mergentheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 32 mi. (53 km)
First of all, you should plan a visit to the lively and friendly town of Bad Mergentheim. It has a pretty renaissance market place surrounded by incredible buildings. Nearby, you can visit a castle with a museum. Soon after leaving Bad Mergentheim, you can visit the water fortress of Weikersheim with its Rococo-style park. At Creglingen, you should take the time to visit the well-known Saint Mary's altar of Tilmann Riemenschneider. Finally, there's the highlight of your journey, Rothenburg. Stroll around through this world-famous Gothic town that is surrounded by thick walls with seven doors. During the evening hours, you will enjoy a tour with the "watchman" in Rothenburg.Day 5: Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Dinkelsbühl, 36 mi. (60 km)
The next destination of your journey is Schillingsfürst with a very nice Baroque Castle. Before you get there, there's a small ascent to cover. Cycling through Zumhaus with its Bicycle Museum and Feuchtwangen, you will then reach the day's destination, Dinkelsbühl. This town lies in the idyllic Wörnitz Valley. There's a beautiful market place as well as some quaint traditional restaurants to visit. Something special at Dinkelsbühl is the night watchman.Day 6: Dinkelsbühl - Nördlingen, 23 mi. (37 km)
Today you will ride through a region of special geographical interest, namely the Nördlinger Ries. Fifteen million years ago, there was a meteorite 1200 meters in diameter that impacted the area and left a crater of 20 to 25 kilometers in diameter. The destination of this stage is Nördlingen, which has Germany's only fully-conserved town wall to walk on. You can enjoy the view of Saint George's church from a bell tower of 90 meters high. For those who are geologically interested, there's the Crater Museum. Overnight stay is at Nördlingen.Day 7: Nördlingen - Donauwörth, 24 to 39 mi. (39 to 63 km)
On today's route, you'll leave behind the Ries region and bike through the beautiful Wörnitz Valley. You'll pass Harburg, whose old fortress lies high above the valley. Then, you'll reach Donauwörth at the mouth of the Wörnitz as it enters the Danube. An essential part of the town is the splendid imperial street with impressing buildings, one beside the next. Another special attraction of this town is the Käthe-Kruse Puppet Museum. Overnight stay is in Donauwörth.Day 8: Individual departure.
Departure following breakfast.5-day tour - Würzburg to Rothenburg
Day 1: Arrival in Würzburg
You start your tour in the old Franconian city Würzburg. The town is famous for its many spectacular old buildings. Renowned artists like Balthasar Neumann, Tilman Riemenschneider, and Tiepolo lived and worked here. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the town, beautifully situated among vineyards on the banks of the Main, and get to know the Franconian Joie de Vivre in one of the romantic wine bars. You spend the night in Würzburg.Day 2: Würzburg - Wertheim, 28 mi. (46 km)
You leave Würzburg on forested trails along the valley of the Steinbach river and bike through small villages beside the Aalbach river. The medieval fortified church in Dertingen has a beautiful altar that is worth a visit. You reach the Main River in Bettingen. From here it is only a short way to Wertheim: The small city is located between the hills of Spessart and Odenwald forests, where the Tauber joins the Main. A charming ruined castle built out of red sandstone sits majestically above the small, narrow alley of the historic town center. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of this medieval town during a relaxed evening. You spend the night in Wertheim.Day 3: Wertheim - Bad Mergentheim, 30 mi. (48 km)
Today you leave the Main and continue into the Tauber Valley. This region combines beautiful countryside with art-historical relicts from over 1000 years of history. Balthasar Neumann is one of the area’s many artists and is known as the “Master Bridge Builder of the Tauber Valley”. The river follows a winding path before arriving in Tauberbischofsheim. The “Kurmainzische Schloss”, a pretty castle with thick walls and impressive towers, is a silent witness to the interesting history of the town. Numerous monuments and old buildings show architectural influences from several different ages. From here you take the Romantic Road to Bad Mergentheim, where you spend the night.Day 4: Bad Mergentheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 32 mi. (53 km)
You spend the morning in Bad Mergentheim, a lively and friendly spa town. The renaissance market square is surrounded by grand old townhouses. Shortly after Bad Mergentheim, you pass the Weikersheim Palace with its lovely baroque park. Then you continue to Creglingen where you can see the famous altar to Mary by Tilman Riemenschneider. Finally, you cycle onwards through the charming Tauber Valley to Rothenburg. Just before midnight the Rothenburg night watchman offers guided tours of the city (included in tour price). He has many exciting stories to tell about life in the Middle Ages! You spend the night in Rothenburg.Day 5: Individual departure
5-day tour - Rothenburg to Donauwörth/Rain
Day 1: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
You start your tour in charming Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The town is an excellent example of German romance and boasts a historical town center with many beautiful medieval buildings that are surrounded by 2 impressive city walls. The famous carved altar by Tilman Riemenschneider in the Church of St. Jakob is a must-see. Enjoy the flair of the city during an evening stroll through the quaint and lit alleys. You spend the night in Rothenburg o. d. Tauber.Day 2: Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Dinkelsbühl, 36 mi. (60 km)
The first destination of your bike tour is visible from afar: The old, baroque castle in Schillingsfürst rises mightily above the town. A short climb takes you up to Schillingfürst, then you continue to Feuchtwangen. Finally, you reach the former free imperial city of Dinkelsbühl in the idyllic Wörnitz Valley. The town square is surrounded by beautiful, colorful old townhouses. Enjoy Frankish cuisine in one of the traditional restaurants. A city tour with the Dinkelsbühl nightwatchman is highly recommended. You spend the night in Dinkelsbühl.Day 3: Dinkelsbühl - Nördlingen, 23 mi. (37 km)
Today you cycle to the Nördlinger Ries, an area of great geological interest. 15 million years ago a meteorite with a cross-section of 1500 meters hit the earth at a speed of 72,000 km/h in this spot and left a 20-25 km large crater between the Swabian and Franconian Alps. Your destination today is the former free imperial city of Nördlingen. Don’t miss Germany’s only entirely preserved city wall! It is even possible to walk around on it. The 90 meters high bell tower of St. George’s Church is known as “Daniel” and offers an amazing view into the Ries (the meteorite crater). Another point of interest is the old tanners’ quarter and of course the Ries Crater Museum for the geologically enthusiastic. You spend the night in Nördlingen.Day 4: Nördlingen - Donauwörth/Rain, 24 to 39 mi. (39 to 63 km)
You leave the countryside of the Ries and bike through the beautiful Wörnitz Valley. Soon you pass Harburg with its lovely castle, situated high above the valley. Visit the charming old town center between the river and the castle. You continue to Donauwörth, where the Wörnitz meets the Danube. The Reichsstreet is the main attraction of the city: This lovely street is bordered by numerous amazing old townhouses, like the Tanzhaus and Café Engel. Also, visit the Käthe Kruse Doll Museum! You spend the night in Donauwörth or Rain am Lech.Day 5: Individual departure
Please note that all distances are approximate.If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Hotels & Bikes
Comfort Category: Comfortable middle class 3 and 4-star hotels
Standard Category: Quality inns and 3-star hotelsBicycles
Touring bike
Unisex/ladies and men's frames
- Upright but relaxed riding position
- 21/24-speed (freewheel) touring bike
- Aluminum frame
- Upright handlebar
- Comfortable saddle (different brands, partly gel saddles)
- Shimano gear change
- Flat pedal
- Mechanical or hydraulic brakes (depends on the bike)
- Rear rack
- Mudguard
- 28-inch wheels
Ebike
Unisex frames
- Upright handlebar
- 7-speed (stepless NuVinci-gear shift)
- Centrally located Bosch motor (400 Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
- Bosch battery Power Pack, 36 V (reach approx. 80-100 km in Eco modus and on flat terrain, only in Turbo modus approx. 45 – 50 km)
- Comfortable saddle (different brands, partly gel saddles)
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical or hydraulic brakes (depends on the bike)
- Rear rack
- Mudguard
- 28-inch wheels
Accessories
- Odometer
- 1 waterproof Ortlieb pannier
- 1 handlebar bag (per room)
- Klick fix on all bikes
- Repair kit
- Lock for 2 bikes together (normal bikes)
- Lock directly on all E-bikes
Please note: Helmets are not included. You will need to bring your own.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 4 or 7 nights in booked category
- Breakfast buffet
- Luggage transportation
- Route descriptions with maps
- 7-speed bike with back pedal brake or 21/24 speed bicycle with freewheel
- Guided tour with the night watchman in Rothenberg
- GPS data (on request)
- Service hotline
- Bicycle protection
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Bus transfers
- Helmets (bring your own)
- Visitor’s tax
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Arrival possible daily from April 20 to October 5, 2021
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
8-day tour - Würzburg to Donauwörth
Comfort Category
April 20 to April 30: $ 1114 £ 628 $ 1,095 € 694 NZ$ 1194 kr 7121 $ 860
Single room: $ 1435 £ 810 $ 1,410 € 894 NZ$ 1538 kr 9173 $ 1,107
May 1 to July 14 | August 16 to October 5: $ 1305 £ 736 $ 1,283 € 813 NZ$ 1399 kr 8342 $ 1,007
Single room: $ 1626 £ 917 $ 1,598 € 1013 NZ$ 1743 kr 10394 $ 1,255
July 15 to August 15: $ 1353 £ 763 $ 1,330 € 843 NZ$ 1450 kr 8650 $ 1,044
Single room: $ 1674 £ 945 $ 1,646 € 1043 NZ$ 1794 kr 10702 $ 1,292
Half board: $ 271 £ 153 $ 267 € 169 NZ$ 291 kr 1734 $ 209
Standard Category
April 20 to April 30: $ 1034 £ 583 $ 1,016 € 644 NZ$ 1108 kr 6608 $ 798
Single room: $ 1355 £ 764 $ 1,332 € 844 NZ$ 1452 kr 8660 $ 1,045
May 1 to July 14 | August 16 to October 5: $ 1193 £ 673 $ 1,172 € 743 NZ$ 1278 kr 7624 $ 920
Single room: $ 1514 £ 854 $ 1,488 € 943 NZ$ 1622 kr 9676 $ 1,168
July 15 to August 15: $ 1225 £ 691 $ 1,204 € 763 NZ$ 1313 kr 7829 $ 945
Single room: $ 1546 £ 872 $ 1,519 € 963 NZ$ 1657 kr 9881 $ 1,193
Half board: $ 271 £ 153 $ 267 € 169 NZ$ 291 kr 1734 $ 209
5-day tour - Würzburg to Rothenburg
Comfort Category
April 20 to April 30: $ 713 £ 402 $ 701 € 444 NZ$ 764 kr 4556 $ 550
Single room: $ 905 £ 511 $ 890 € 564 NZ$ 970 kr 5787 $ 699
May 1 to July 14 | August 16 to October 5: $ 808 £ 456 $ 794 € 503 NZ$ 865 kr 5161 $ 623
Single room: $ 1000 £ 564 $ 983 € 623 NZ$ 1072 kr 6392 $ 772
July 15 to August 15: $ 840 £ 474 $ 825 € 523 NZ$ 900 kr 5366 $ 648
Single room: $ 1032 £ 582 $ 1,014 € 643 NZ$ 1106 kr 6598 $ 796
Half board: $ 175 £ 99 $ 172 € 109 NZ$ 188 kr 1118 $ 135
Standard Category
April 20 to April 30: $ 633 £ 357 $ 622 € 394 NZ$ 678 kr 4043 $ 488
Single room: $ 825 £ 465 $ 811 € 514 NZ$ 884 kr 5274 $ 637
May 1 to July 14 | August 16 to October 5: $ 727 £ 410 $ 715 € 453 NZ$ 779 kr 4648 $ 561
Single room: $ 905 £ 511 $ 890 € 564 NZ$ 970 kr 5787 $ 699
July 15 to August 15: $ 745 £ 420 $ 732 € 464 NZ$ 798 kr 4761 $ 575
Single room: $ 952 £ 537 $ 936 € 593 NZ$ 1020 kr 6085 $ 734
Half board: $ 159 £ 90 $ 156 € 99 NZ$ 170 kr 1016 $ 123
5-day tour - Rothenburg to Donauwörth/Rain
Comfort Category
April 20 to April 30: $ 745 £ 420 $ 732 € 464 NZ$ 798 kr 4761 $ 575
Single room: $ 938 £ 529 $ 921 € 584 NZ$ 1005 kr 5992 $ 723
May 1 to July 14 | August 16 to October 5: $ 840 £ 474 $ 825 € 523 NZ$ 900 kr 5366 $ 648
Single room: $ 1032 £ 582 $ 1,014 € 643 NZ$ 1106 kr 6598 $ 796
July 15 to August 15: $ 857 £ 484 $ 843 € 534 NZ$ 919 kr 5479 $ 661
Single room: $ 1064 £ 600 $ 1,046 € 663 NZ$ 1141 kr 6803 $ 821
Half board: $ 169 £ 95 $ 166 € 105 NZ$ 181 kr 1077 $ 130
Standard Category
April 20 to April 30: $ 665 £ 375 $ 653 € 414 NZ$ 712 kr 4248 $ 513
Single room: $ 857 £ 484 $ 843 € 534 NZ$ 919 kr 5479 $ 661
May 1 to July 14 | August 16 to October 5: $ 759 £ 428 $ 746 € 473 NZ$ 814 kr 4853 $ 586
Single room: $ 952 £ 537 $ 936 € 593 NZ$ 1020 kr 6085 $ 734
July 15 to August 15: $ 791 £ 446 $ 778 € 493 NZ$ 848 kr 5059 $ 611
Single room: $ 984 £ 555 $ 967 € 613 NZ$ 1055 kr 6290 $ 759
Half board: $ 159 £ 90 $ 156 € 99 NZ$ 170 kr 1016 $ 123
Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental 8-day tour: $ 169 £ 95 $ 166 € 105 NZ$ 181 kr 1077 $ 130
Electric bicycle rental 5-day tour: $ 120 £ 68 $ 118 € 75 NZ$ 129 kr 770 $ 93
Bus transfers (Must be reserved in advance. Price is per person including own bicycle):
Rothenberg to Würzburg (daily departure at approx. 10:30 am, min. 2 participants): $ 136 £ 77 $ 134 € 85 NZ$ 146 kr 872 $ 105
Donauwörth/Rain to Würzburg (daily departure at approx. 9 am min. 4 participants): $ 153 £ 86 $ 150 € 95 NZ$ 163 kr 975 $ 118
Donauwörth/Rain to Rothenburg (daily departure at approx. 9 am, min. 4 participants): $ 128 £ 72 $ 126 € 80 NZ$ 138 kr 821 $ 99
Extra nights (price is per person/night):
Comfort
Würzburg: $ 119 £ 67 $ 117 € 74 NZ$ 127 kr 759 $ 92 Single room: $ 169 £ 95 $ 166 € 105 NZ$ 181 kr 1077 $ 130 Donauwörth/Rain: $ 120 £ 68 $ 118 € 75 NZ$ 129 kr 770 $ 93 Single supplement: $ 175 £ 99 $ 172 € 109 NZ$ 188 kr 1118 $ 135 Rothenburg: $ 100 £ 56 $ 98 € 62 NZ$ 107 kr 636 $ 77 Single supplement: $ 151 £ 85 $ 148 € 94 NZ$ 162 kr 965 $ 116Standard
Würzburg: $ 103 £ 58 $ 101 € 64 NZ$ 110 kr 657 $ 79 Single room: $ 149 £ 84 $ 147 € 93 NZ$ 160 kr 954 $ 115 Donauwörth/Rain: $ 104 £ 59 $ 103 € 65 NZ$ 112 kr 667 $ 81 Single room: $ 144 £ 82 $ 142 € 90 NZ$ 155 kr 923 $ 111 Rothenburg: $ 88 £ 50 $ 87 € 55 NZ$ 95 kr 564 $ 68 Single supplement: $ 135 £ 76 $ 133 € 84 NZ$ 145 kr 862 $ 104Komoot cycling navigation: $ 48 £ 27 $ 47 € 30 NZ$ 52 kr 308 $ 37
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
Easy to moderate self-guided hotel tour. Cycling distances range from 19 to 30 miles, with an average of 28 miles a day over 6 days. Routes are well marked and consist of flat terrain with hills scattered throughout. You cycle on small, quiet and paved country roads as well as on paved and packed cycle paths. Ascents and partly hilly terrain are to be expected on the well-signed route between Würzburg and the Tauber valley, through the Wörnitz valley and th Nördlinger Ries.
Airport Info
Fly into Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).
Local Travel
Take a train from Frankfurt International Airport to Würzburg. This takes approx. 1-2 hrs.
Climate
Würzburg (Bavaria) in Germany is characterized by a pleasant climate - ideal for cycling! Spring is cool with temperatures warming up to the mid-’20s in June, July, and August. Rainfall can be expected throughout the season. It is recommended to check local weather conditions prior to departure. Please take a look at the estimated rainfall and monthly temperatures for Würzburg below.
Remarks
Tour is also available as 5 days/4 nights from Würzburg to Rothenburg or from Rothenburg to Donauwörth. Please see the itinerary for details.
Important to know
Komoot Navigation:
Komoot is the perfect supplement to the travel documents of your bicycle tour. Whether on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, this app will greatly improve your self-guided tour. The precast route always runs on the main cycle track, if your hotel should be in the neighboring place or a little bit apart, this is stated then either on the hotel list or in the travel documents as a supplement.
Luggage:
Luggage transportation is available between 9 am and 5h30 pm daily. There is no limit to the number of luggage pieces.
Travel Documents:
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
Extra nights are possible!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Velotours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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