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Wooden bench under a large tree in a meadow with wildflowers. A church tower is visible in the background among green trees.

Idyllic resting place in the Altmühl Nature Park (Copyright: hykoe)

Altmühl Valley cycle path | Rothenburg - Regensburg

Bizarre rock formations, castles and juniper heaths

Cycling holiday
8 Days / 7 Nights
Distance tour
Individual tour
Wooden bench under a large tree in a meadow with wildflowers. A church tower is visible in the background among green trees.

Idyllic resting place in the Altmühl Nature Park (Copyright: hykoe)

The Altmühl is considered the slowest river in Germany. Nevertheless, it offers its own bike paths along its banks as well as paved forest and field paths that make cycling a pleasure. The journey begins in Rothenburg and takes you leisurely to Regensburg, which also has a medieval feel. On the way, you will have plenty of time to get to know the beautiful Altmühl Valley with its historic towns, bizarre rock formations, castles and juniper heaths.

Couple with red bicycles examining a tall stone monument in Altmühltal valley, with historic town buildings visible in background.

Cyclists stopping at a wayside cross near Rothenburg (Copyright: Radweg-Reisen)

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Couple with red bicycles examining a tall stone monument in Altmühltal valley, with historic town buildings visible in background.

Cyclists stopping at a wayside cross near Rothenburg (Copyright: Radweg-Reisen)

Traditional Bavarian meal on wooden table with wheat beer, pretzel, cold cuts, salad and outdoor beer garden setting in background.

Bavarian lunch with wheat beer, Obazda and sausage salad (Copyright: RAM)

Two cyclists with red bikes and blue panniers pause by a lake on the Altmühltal cycle path under a blue sky with white clouds.

Cycling along Hornauer Weiher, source of the Altmühl (Copyright: Radweg-Reisen)

Green meadow in foreground with dramatic limestone rock formations rising from forested hillside under blue sky with white clouds.

"Twelve Apostles" near Solnhofen (Copyright: A. Rochau)

Scenic view of the Altmühl river valley with tall limestone cliffs rising from green meadows, surrounded by dense forest and blue sky.

The Burgstein rock near Dollnstein (Copyright: Radweg-Reisen)

Couple sitting on stone steps in historic town square with red touring bicycles, church tower and traditional buildings in background.

Residenzplatz in Eichstätt (Copyright: Radweg-Reisen)

Wooden footbridge leading to picturesque Altmühltal village with colorful houses along river, dominated by dramatic limestone cliff topped with castle ruins.

Essing, embedded between Jura rocks and oxbow of the Altmühl (Copyright: Radweg-Reisen)

Two cyclists with their bikes on a wooden boat deck on the Altmühl River, viewing a large baroque monastery with red roof and bell tower.

Taking the Weltenburg-Stausacker cable ferry to Weltenburg Monastery (Copyright: Radweg-Reisen)

Two cyclists with red touring bikes pause on a bridge overlooking the Danube River and Regensburg's historic cathedral and old town.

Cyclists in Regensburg, in the background St. Peter's Cathedral (Copyright: Radweg-Reisen)

The itinerary
 at a glance

For your 8-day tour from Rothenburg to Regensburg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the epitome of medieval town romantics and has been immortalized by artists such as Spitzweg and Richter. Be guided through the town in the evening by the night watchman and learnall kinds of interesting facts about life in Rothenburg back in the day.

You will start your journey in the Tauber valley and it won’t take long before you reach the river Altmühl. Alternatively you can take a challenging, but picturesque route via the Altmühl source (approx. 10 km longer). Cycle past the Zollern Castle in Colmberg and you will soon reach Ansbach.

Today you cycle leisurely through the Franconian Lake District. Take a long break at the Altmühlsee Lake! Afterwars you cycle to Gunzenhausen, which is located right on the former border of the Roman Empire, the famous Limes. Your destination for today is either the small town of Treuchtlingen or the even smaller but beautiful Wettelsheim just a few kilometres away.

On today’s stage the valley becomes narrower and the river Altmühl cuts deep into the Jurassic rock. The 12 Apostels, an impressive rock formation, are a marvellous sight. Again and again you will cycle past mighty castles on your journey to Eichstätt, a former bishop city characterised by charming Baroque buildings.

In Eichstätt take the opportunity before you leave to visit the Jura museum, which has lots of fossils of dinosaurs from the area. Your cycle tour today takes you through a juniper heath in Altmühltal valley to your destination, the charming town of Beilngries.

From Dietfurt you follow the Altmühl in the bed of the Main-Danube Canal and soon you reach Prunn Castle, which towers majestically above the river. In Kelheim you have reached your stage destination and at the same time the end of the Altmühl, because here it flows into the Danube. If you still have strength in your legs, you should make a detour to the Liberation Hall, where you can enjoy a great view. If you stay overnight in Abensberg or Bad Gögging, you will pass through the beautiful Danube breakthrough by boat before reaching your stage destination.

If you have not yet taken the boat trip to Weltenburg Monastery and the impressive Danube breakthrough, today you have the opportunity to do so. The oldest monastery in Bavaria is beautifully situated on a loop of the Danube. It awaits its guests with home-brewed beer in the large beer garden. Along the Danube you will travel to Regensburg. Regensburg‘s old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a wonderful place to stroll and discover something new again and again. Peppered with modern flair and a lively city life, your stay in Regensburg will be unforgettable.

After breakfast you start your individual return journey home or extend your stay.

Level

Beginners and dabblers

You feel right at home on flat terrain. You have nothing against a few little breaks, and sightseeing is a priority for you. These trips are also suitable for cyclists who are not super fit. In short, these tours are for all those who prefer relaxed cycling and easy enjoyment for body, mind and soul.

Topography 

The stages lead through mostly flat terrain without any notable gradients

Road conditions

You will ride on cycle paths, lakeside paths and side roads with little traffic.

Route-finding & navigation

You will navigate by yourself using maps and/or GPS data.

Overview of PEDALO Levels
Map showing cycling route from Rothenburg to Regensburg via Ansbach, Wettelsheim, Beilngries, Kelheim. Green line follows rivers Altmühl and Donau.

Services & Info
 Trip details

  • 7 x national 3*/4* level overnight stay
  • 7 x hearty breakfast buffet
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
  • Boat trip Kelheim - Weltenburg - Kelheim
  • Night watchman tour in Rothenburg
  • Carefully designed routes

  • Detailed cycling map with route information in English
  • PEDALO app and/or GPS data
  • Detailed info package per room in English
  • 7-day service hotline in English

 

Transfers

Transfer Regensburg - Rothenburg: See price table below for prices

Arrival and departure are not included in the tour price for PEDALO cycle tours, but are always organised by the traveller.

  • Arrival by car: Detailed information on parking options will be provided with your travel documents.
  • Arrival by train: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • Arrival by plane: Nuremberg (NUE), Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC)

 

If you are travelling by air, we recommend that you book your flight as early as possible - but only AFTER you have received your PEDALO booking confirmation.

Taxes & Fees

Local/resort tax: according to tariff

If applicable, these are to be paid directly to the hotel and are not included in the holiday price.

Prices & Dates
 at a glance

Arrival: Daily from 01.04. to 11.10.2026

Prices per person in EUR

Rental bikes
 Brief introduction

Red step-through bicycle with 8-speed gear, blue pannier bag with cyclist icon, black handlebar bag, fenders, and rear rack on white background.
Low step-through, 8-gears
Internal gear hub with coaster brake

Comfortable touring bike with easy mounting and dismounting and coaster brake

  • Wave frame with low step-through
  • 8-speed internal gear hub
  • Coaster brake + rim brakes
  • Puncture-proof tyres
  • Vaude handlebar bag and pannier
  • Puncture repair kit*
  • Rental bike insurance**


See price table above for prices

Red touring bicycle with 8-speed gears, equipped with blue pannier bag, black handlebar bag, and rear rack on white background.
Men's bike, 8-gears
Internal gear hub with coaster brake

Comfortable touring bike with classic diamond frame and coaster brake

  • Diamond frame
  • 8-speed internal gear hub
  • Coaster brake + rim brakes
  • Puncture-proof tyres
  • Vaude handlebar bag and pannier
  • Puncture repair kit*
  • Rental bike insurance**


See price table above for prices

 

Red low-step touring bicycle with 10-speed gears, disc brakes, black saddle, and blue waterproof pannier bag on rear rack.
Low step-through, 10-gears
Derailleur gear with freewheel

Touring bike with easy mounting and dismounting

  • Wave frame with low step-through
  • 10-speed Shimano derailleur gear
  • Freewheel with rim brakes
  • Puncture-proof tyres
  • Vaude handlebar bag and pannier
  • Puncture repair kit*
  • Rental bike insurance**


See price table above for prices

Red men's touring bicycle with 10-speed gearing, disc brakes, rear rack, fenders, and blue waterproof pannier bag on white background.
Men's bike, 10-gears
Derailleur gear with freewheel

Touring bike with classic diamond frame

  • Diamond frame
  • 10-speed Shimano derailleur gear
  • Freewheel with rim brakes
  • Puncture-proof tyres
  • Vaude handlebar bag and pannier
  • Puncture repair kit*
  • Rental bike insurance**


See price table above for prices

Red electric bicycle with step-through frame, equipped with blue pannier bag, black handlebar bag, rear rack, and fenders on white background.
Electric bike
Internal gear hub with freewheel

High-quality electric bike with low step-through frame and mid-drive motor

  • Wave frame with low step-through
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • 8-speed hub gear with freewheel
  • Puncture-proof tyres
  • Vaude handlebar bag and pannier
  • Puncture repair kit*
  • Rental bike insurance**


See price table above for prices

Smiling woman in purple tank top and white helmet riding a green touring bike with feet playfully extended, against white background.
Personal bike

Of course, you are welcome to bring your own bike, since it is perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences.

Cycle with whatever makes you happy. Every bike is welcome, whether it's a motor-powered e-bike, a comfortable Dutch bike, a speedy trekking bike or a cool gravel bike.

*) Puncture repair kit/breakdown assistance: Our mechanics check all rental bikes before their next use. If minor problems occur while you are out and about, you can fix them yourself with the repair kit. If the damage is more serious, we will ensure that your bicycle is repaired or replaced.

**) Rental bike insurance: The included insurance ensures that, in the event of theft or damage to the rental bike, we will provide a replacement as quickly as possible with no further inconvenience to yourself. Negligent or wilful acts are excluded.

Frequently asked
 questions

Happy woman wearing white Uvex bike helmet and pink cycling shirt, pointing upward with index finger and smiling broadly.
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Your travel documents usually include general travel information, a hotel list, a road book and/or detailed maps as well as a textual description of the route; you will also get luggage tags and possibly also vouchers and/or information material on the various sightseeing attractions. The exact contents of the information package depend on the booked trip and its included services.

The documents will be sent to you approx. two to three weeks before the start of your tour. Depending on the trip, you may receive them partly in digital form and partly by post – or you will receive the hotel list and general travel information in advance by e-mail, and the remaining documents along with the maps on site at your starting hotel.

Please note that the travel documents are issued exclusively for PEDALO guests and are therefore not available without a booking.

The transport of your luggage from hotel to hotel is included as part of the basic service package for all staged tours and round trips in the PEDALO programme. You simply leave your luggage out for our courier in the morning before you set off on your cycling stage. When you arrive at your next accommodation in the late afternoon or early evening, it will be there waiting for you.

Just in case, we recommend always packing a change of clothes in your saddle bag, especially for short stages which you may cover more quickly than the luggage driver.

Depending on how the logistics are organised on site, there may be restrictions on the maximum weight and/or number of pieces of luggage. You will receive more detailed information on this with the travel documents well before the start of your trip.

Travel insurance is not included in our prices. You can decide whether to get a quote elsewhere or simply book your travel insurance online at pedalo.com/en/service/travel-insurance. In any case, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance!

Please note that for last-minute bookings (less than 30 days before the start of the trip), insurance cover can only be taken out within 3 days of booking.

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