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Main, Spessart and Tauber-Valley, 7 days
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View of the village of Homburg on the Main, with a fishing barge in the foreground and hills in the background

Main, Spessart and Tauber Valley

The most beautiful tour in Franconia

7 Days / 6 Nights
Challenging
View of the village of Homburg on the Main, with a fishing barge in the foreground and hills in the background

The picturesque Tauber Valley stretches along the border between Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. For seven days, you can immerse yourself in this enchanting region, discovering its plethora of castles, mansions, and palaces on two wheels. Quaint historic towns beckon you to pause and savor the moment, while cycling along the Main and Tauber rivers offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. And no visit to this region is complete without indulging in a glass or two of Franconian wine with your snack - served in the distinctive Bocksbeutel bottle, of course.

  • Find all the information and plenty more tour tips for our cycling vacations along the Main Cycleway here.
Close to Rothenburg
Bridge of Tauberrettersheim
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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Paula Plafinger
Paula Plafinger
+43 6219 60866 128
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber serves as a globally renowned and beloved starting point. Immerse yourself in its historical charm before embarking on your journey towards the Main River. En route, you'll encounter Ochsenfurt and Sommerhausen, both epitomizing Franconian charm with their picturesque vineyards and traditional half-timbered architecture. Continuing through the Main Valley, you'll arrive at the regal city of Würzburg, where a visit to the Marienberg Fortress or the Käppele is highly recommended.

You'll journey past Veitshöchheim with its stunning rococo gardens, then cycle from Gemünden to Wertheim the following day, with its majestic castle looming overhead. Returning from the Main River to the Tauber Valley, you'll pass through Tauberbischofsheim and Bad Mergentheim before reaching Weikersheim. The concluding leg of your journey leads you back to Rothenburg. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous historical sites, such as in Creglingen, where you can explore the legacy of the sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider.

  • The delightful town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its medieval old town, complete with city walls and towers, as well as its enchanting Christmas market. But fear not, even outside the holiday season, you can still experience the magic at the German Christmas Museum on Herrngasse, open year-round. Those at home will surely be delighted (and perhaps even amazed) by the exquisite tree decorations.
  • Rococo flair and ice cream indulgence in Veitshöchheim: This charming little gem is certainly worth a longer stop, so make sure to wander through the courtyard garden with its magnificent palace and shell house. Eis-Stephan has been a fixture in Veitshöchheim for almost a century - treat yourself to a scoop or two, or indulge in the famous "Wundertüte".
  • Enjoying a traditional snack in rustic "Heckenwirtschaften": During your cycling vacation, you simply can't miss out on this Franconian tradition. "Vespern" essentially means having a snack, and "Heckenwirtschaften" are wine taverns and arbors. Indulge in traditional dishes and dry white wines that thrive on the calcareous soils.

For the approximately 270-kilometer cycling journey through the Main and Tauber valleys, we recommend having a good level of basic fitness. While the beautiful cycle paths along the rivers are flat, there are hilly sections in between. The travel package, carefully planned by our experts, includes great extras such as a city tour with the Rothenburg night watchman or admission to the castles of Weikersheim and Bad Mergentheim.

Along the well-maintained and very scenic Main Cycleway, you can expect a wide variety of sections and therefore travel options - the river can also be wonderfully explored by bike and boat.

Close to Rothenburg
Bridge of Tauberrettersheim
Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Itinerary at a glance

You'll pass through romantic landscapes, historical towns, and stately buildings in Ochsenfurt, Gemünden, and Wertheim. In Rothenburg, explore the old town and visit the famous Christmas Museum, open year-round.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is regarded as the epitome of German Romanticism and abroad as a prototype of a medieval German town. Take a stroll through the old town guided by an „original“ night watchman.

You follow the Tauber river and cross a mountain range on an old railway line. Down to the Main valley to Ochsenfurt which is enclosed by a well-preserved medieval fortification.

Take a stroll through Wurzburg and visit the majestic Residence. Cycle through vineyards to Gemunden or Rieneck.

Follow the Main to Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers. Enjoy the view over the landscape you have crossed from the remains of an old castle.

Upstream along the Tauber you cycle through more vineyards, passing Tauberbischofsheim and the romantic city of Bad Mergentheim before you get to Weikersheim.

In Creglingen you can visit the „Lindleinturm“, an example for rural life in the 18th century. Another very specialmuseum on you way is the thimble museum.

Day
07
Departure or extension
Cyclists on cycle path
Wine yards in Taubertal Valley
Fortress in Würzburg
Cyclists in Würzburg

Route Information

Challenging

On the second, fifth and sixth day the route is slightly hillier.

Prices & Dates

Category hotels of national 3***-level

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality men's touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner e-bike
E-bike 7 to 21-speed
with freewheel

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, Dutch)
  • 1 Town guidance with night watchman in Rothenburg (German)
  • 1 Entry Residential Palace Bad Mergentheim (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
  • 1 Entry castle Weikersheim
  • GPS-data
  • Service-hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Rothenburg o.d. Tauber train station
  • Nuremberg, Frankfurt am Main or Munich airport
  • Free and unguarded car park at the railway station in very limited number.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Paula Plafinger

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Paula Plafinger
Travel Specialist
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+43 6219 60866 128
Monday - Thursday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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