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Nuremberg - Aschaffenburg, Main Bike Trail, Part 1 and 2
Nuremberg - Aschaffenburg, Main Bike Trail, Part 1 and 2
The culture of Mainfranken
The Main River winds through the diverse countryside of Franconia and Hesse in several large loops and passes old cities and towns full of historical attractions. Apart from the beautiful landscapes, the cultural highlights and the many art treasures, this bike trip has a lot of regional culinary specialties to offer.
Total length: approx. 396 km
Dates
Travel beginning: daily arrival
Duration: 11 days (10 nights)
Itinerary
picture 1: M. Westendorf
picture 2: Tourismusverband Spessart-Mainland/Andreas Hub, Aschaffenburg
picture 3: Archiv BAMBERG Tourismus & Kongress Service
1. Day: Nuremberg
Independent arrival in Nuremberg. Use the rest of the day for a visit to the zoo, the Delphinarium or to stroll around the old town with its medieval flair. Down town Nuremberg has something to offer for every one, be it the “Historical Mile” or the mighty city wall with its 65 towers that surrounds the ancient town centre. The historical mile is a marked trail through town that leads you to the most important old buildings and sights; a good way to get an overview of the interesting history of Nuremberg. Don’t miss the typical “Rostbratwürste”, a special type of sausage. Spend the evening in one of the cosy old restaurants. You spend the night in Nuremberg.
2. Day: Nuremberg - Bamberg, approx. 67 km
You start the day cycling along the shores of the Regnitz and make your way to the student town Erlangen via Fürth, an old railway city. You continue along the Main-Danube-Canal towards Forchheim. In every corner and alley of the town you will see the typical Franconian truss architecture. One of the prettiest spots in town is the recently traffic free Town Hall Square, from where you have an excellent view of the impressive structure of the Town Hall. The Bishop’s Castle is also worth a visit. About a third of the old castle could be preserved: the beautiful, baroque Nuremberg Gate (1698), as well as the western and northern parts of the city wall. From the beautiful city park you have a good view of the parts of the old castle. The Saltor Tower next to the Kaiserpfalz is also very popular with visitors due to its unique atmosphere. Highlight of the day is Bamberg in upper Franconia, a town spread out between seven hills that are part of the Steigerwald on the banks of the Main. The historical town centre of Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. You spend the night in Bamberg.
3. Day: Bamberg - Haßfurt, approx. 37 km
Today’s tour is short, so you can spend the morning sight seeing in Bamberg. Germany’s largest historical town centre boasts over 1200 monuments. The former fishing quarter, also known as Little Venice, and the picturesque Bridge Town Hall are two of the most interesting sights of the city. Use the opportunity to also visit the many historical buildings: the Emperor’s Cathedral, the Neue Residenz, the Böttingerhaus or the Benedictine Abbey. If that is not enough culture, check out the museums. On today’s bike tour you leave the “Franconian Beer Region” and cross to the “Weinfränkische”, the Wine Region. Through fertile fields beside the shores of the Main you bike to the quiet town of Haßfurt, where you spend the night. Two high city towers watch over the town. The Town’s Church has interesting figurines by Tilman Riemenschneider; the 15th century, late gothic sand stone chapel and the late Gothic town hall from 1514 are also worth visiting.
4. Day: Haßfurt - Volkach, approx. 54 km
Your first stop today is Schweinfurt. The town’s industry was heavily shelled during the Second World War and many historical buildings were destroyed, so that it is now defined by the sober architectural style from the years of rebuilding after the war. Near the centre, around the Schweinfurt market square, a few old town houses and the Renaissance Town Hall give a glimpse of former beauty. You continue your journey to a natural highlight: the Volkach Main Loop. You cycle through charming vineyards, orchards and lovely meadows by the river. The famous wine town Volkach is located at the “tip” of the river loop and a great example of the typical Franconian merry making spirit. It is also the centre of the wine-, fruit- and asparagus region. The rectangular market square with its typical Franconian Renaissance Town Hall and the stepped gable is well worth a visit. You spend the night in Volkach.
5. Day: Volkach - Marktbreit/Ochsenfurt, approx. 39/46 km
Today you get to explore the heart of Franconian Wine Country. In the morning you make your way to the lively town of Kitzingen, defined by its five towers. Until the beginning of the century Kitzingen’s main source of income was wine making and trade and it is still home to Germany’s oldest wine cellar in the old Benedictine Nunnery. The “Fasnacht” Museum is also very interesting. Another highlight of today’s tour is the historical town of Marktbreit. Its pretty alleys and impressive town houses make Markbreit one of the most beautiful little cities of the region. The two beautiful trade houses, the old Town Hall and the romantic Painters’ Corner on beside Reitenbach Creek are particular assets of the town. Seinsheim Castle in the centre of town is a unique example of Renaissance architecture.
6. Day: Marktbreit/Ochsenfurt - Würzburg, approx. 28/21 km
A final truss architecture highlight from the Main-Franconia Region is the town of Ochsenfurt. The three-story, late gothic Town Hall with its pretty figurines is particularly impressive. Two oxen, the symbols of the town, touch their horns together on the top of the “Lanzen” tower every hour on the full hour. You continue past beautiful villages in the fertile countryside around Ochsenfurt. In Sommerhausen the pretty town centre with the castle is worth a visit. Today’s tour is very short, so you have plenty of time to sight see in the baroque city of Würzburg. The view over town from Marienberg Castle (a winding trail without steps leads up to the castle, you can easily take your bike) or Steinburg, the impressive pilgrimage church “Käppele”, the Residency with its beautiful park, the Old Main Bridge – these are just some of the attractions that make Würzburg unforgettable. Make sure you don’t miss the old fishing quarter with its many narrow alleys and pretty houses.
7. Day: Würzburg - Lohr am Main/Surroundings, approx. 54 km
Today you pass the old truss town Karlstadt. You then continue through the lush, south facing vineyards that characterise Franconian Wine Country. Eventually you reach Gemünden, where the River Saale meets the Main. The town is known as the gateway to Spessart and Rhön areas. Today’s destination is Lohr am Main, a charming, lively city right on the edge of Spessart Nature Park. Enjoy Franconian hospitality during over a glass of wine and a hearty snack in one of the traditional restaurants. You spend the night in Lohr am Main or in Sendelbach on the opposite Main side .
8. Day: Lohr am Main/Surroundings - Wertheim, approx. 41 km
You make your way towards Wertheim via Rothenfels, Germany’s smallest city. In the morning you pass Urphar, where the small town church with its rich wall paintings from the Middle Ages is worth a stop. In Eichel you will see mighty cargo ships passing the water gates. Eventually you reach Wertheim, where you are greeted by the picturesque, ruined castle above town; one of the largest in Germany. Wertheim is situated on the junction of the river Tauber with the Main and boasts pretty riverside promenades that invite a stroll. The town combines modern day assets with a rich and long history.
9. Day: Wertheim - Miltenberg/Bürgstadt, approx. 35 km
This tour is fairly short, so you can spend the morning exploring Wertheim and admiring the beautiful truss architecture. Eventually you start today’s tour make your way towards another highlight of the trip: Biking through lovely riverside landscapes, you are surrounded by the forested hills of Spessart and Odenwald. Red sand stone formations add a colourful contrast. You get a glimpse of ruined Castle Freudenberg and arrive in Miltenberg, famous for its picturesque town centre. Explore the historical market square with “Schnatterloch” Tower, the well and the narrow alleys between richly decorated truss buildings. You spend the night in Miltenberg or Bürgerstadt.
10. Day: Miltenberg/Bürgstadt - Aschaffenburg, approx. 41 km
The last bike tour of the trip takes you along the shores of the Main to Bavarian Aschaffenburg. Large cargo ships on the Main-Danube-Canal accompany you on the last part of your journey. You pass Klingenberg and Obernburg and arrive in lively Aschaffenburg with its pretty riverside park and Johannisburg Castle, the town’s symbol. You spend the night in Aschaffenburg.
11. Day: Independent return journey
We are happy to book an additional night in Nuremberg or Aschaffenburg for you.






