Bavaria by Bike: Castles & Breweries

Arrive in the city of Nuremberg and make your way to the first hotel. It is well worth taking some time to visit the sites of this fascinating city. The castle, which has accommodated numerous emperors and kings, overlooks the imperial city majestically. Nuremberg was once the preferred residence of many German kings and is full of architectural wonders. It was the birthplace of artist Albrecht Dürer and site of the Nuremberg Trials. Your bike will be available at the hotel either this afternoon or first thing in the morning.

There is time this morning to see more of Nuremberg before you set out on your cycle trip. The Regnitz cycle path begins directly in the old town of Nuremberg - the largest city in Franconia. The route takes you north through green meadows and shady floodplain forests. On the sandy meadows, typical of the Regnitz valley, you roll into the Huguenot, university and industrial city of Erlangen. There is a shorter option if you wish to stay along the canal.

Todays route continues along the Regnitz valley through beautiful landscapes with impressive weirs. On your left is the hills of the Steigerwald while on your right is Franconian Switzerland, aptly named by poets and writers, and part of the northern Jura mountains. The Strullendorf lock and the Hirschaid hydroelectric power station are interesting sites on the route which also crosses the Main-Danube Canal. Continue to Bamberg, with its numerous sights that shouldn't be missed. Visit the imperial cathedral and wander through the beautiful old town with its town hall, located on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz river. A guided visit through one of the many local breweries is also very interesting, as is the brewery museum. Consider an extra night to explore this impressive city, ask for details.

At first you cycle a few kilometres back along the path from yesterday. If you want to shorten today's section you can take the train to Hirschaid (ticket not included, payable locally). Next, follow the valley of the little river Aisch to Neustadt, with its quaint town hall clock.

This morning cycle to Bad Windsheim, where you can admire the beautiful old town as well as the Franconian Open-Air Museum with its reconstructed historic buildings. In the pub or the town's several beer gardens you can taste the locally brewed beer. Continue to Rothenburg, where there is time to explore the attractions before a tour with the Night Watchman. The medieval city of Rothenburg (or Rothenburg ob der Tauber), was immortalised by artists such as Spitzweg and Richter. Take the time to walk through the historic centre with its impressive town hall, massive fortifications, towers, churches and patrician houses to gain an appreciation of the town's rich history. There are a number of good museums including the Imperial City Museum, the Craftsman's house, the Crime Museum and the Historical Vaults and the Doll and Toy Museum. Later this evening, if you have room for dessert you should try a Schneeball (snowball - a traditional pastry). At the time of booking, we can add an extra night if you wish to explore the city further, ask for details.

You leave the romantic Taubertal valley and follow the 'Burgenstrasse' (Castle Route) cycle path. In Colmberg, the mighty castle towers over the town. From here you follow the Franconian Rezat river to Ansbach, a splendid margrave (nobleman) residential town. Continue along the Burgenstrasse to Wolframs-Eschenbach, a lovely medieval town with a lot to see.

Today you continue along the Burgenstrasse cycle path, passing the moated castle in Lichtenau, and reach the town of Roth. Here you can visit the the Ratibor castle before following the Main-Danube Canal to return to Nuremberg.

The trip concludes after breakfast.