Würzburg to Regensburg-7 days of bicycling, 8 nights – $1,875/pp– independently organized and led by Drew Reynolds.
This year we are offering an expanded heartland tour of Germany. It begins in the Franconian city of Würzburg on the Main River, traverses the Tauber River valley to the quaint medieval town of Rothenburg(pictured), famous for its yearly Meister-trunk Pentecost festival and its immaculate 15th century preservation. The ancient defensive wall can be traversed for 2 1/2 miles, overlooking the old city.
After a rest day touring the city, we leave Rothenburg, climbing to the source of the Altmühl River and then following it for 5 days to its confluence with the Danube River. This historically important valley formed the Limes Germanicus, the northern border of the Roman Empire. Regensburg, our destination on the Danube R, was founded by Marcus Aurelius in 167AD. The smaller towns of Ansbach, Gunzenhausen, Weissenburg, Treuchtlingen, Eichstätt, Beilngries, Kelheim are immaculate villages tucked into wooded hills and pastoral bucolic scenery. Numerous historical sites – Wurzburg Residenz, Marienberg Fortress, Colmburg, Ansbach Residence, Weissenburg, Pappenheim, Willibaldsburg, Kipfenburg, Hirschberg, Riedenburg, Prunn are adjacent to the route and can be visited but often require challenging climbs to take their tours and experience their charms.
German bike paths permit 85% of travel to be on packed gravel paths away from traffic. This area is so rich in history that it spans millenia. Eichstätt castle has a museum that displays the Archeopteryx fossil discovered in Solnhofen which scientifically validated the relationship of dinosaurs to birds. Biriciana is a preserved Roman encampment outside Weissenburg. Another in Pfunz. Charlemagne (793AD)-spent years trying to construct a canal linking the Altmuhl R and Main R. Had he succeeded, the Danube watershed would connect to the Rhine River, opening Constantinople to Amsterdam by waterway.
The Tour will start June 7th in Wùrzburg finishing in Regensburg. This 9-day/8night Tour is offered at $1,875/pp double occupancy with a standard hybrid touring bike included. Flights to Europe and transportation to Würzburg are not included but the Residenz Tour in Würzburg , the Night Watchman’s Tour in Rothenburg, Pappenheim Castle, Willibaldsburg Castle, Riedenburg Castle and the 1 hour falconry show, and the Danube River Cruise to Weltenburg Abbey are all included. A kickoff banquet the first night and all breakfasts are included as well. Lodging and Transportation from Regensburg after our arrival in the afternoon, is on your own.
Day0(June 7th)– Arrival in Würzburg – Flights from the USA typically arrive in Frankfurt in the morning. The train from the airport to Wurzburg is 1 ½ hours and costs 19-45euros, leaving every hour. Arrival in Wurzburg would be before hotel check- in but luggage can(and should be) dropped to explore the city. It is recommended to immediately head to the UNESCO World heritage site, the Residenz for the tour in the afternoon. Bike fitting at 5:00pm and then welcome banquet at 7:00.
Day 1– Wurzburg-Ochsenfurt-Rothenburg (40 miles)- The ride is beautiful, but not easy. The first 12 miles follow the Main R to Ochsenfurt. We then take the Gaubahn Cycle path uphill to the Tauber R valley. Gentle rails to trails climb for 10 miles-a 1-3% grade. Descent to Creglingen for lunch. After lunch, a beautiful but undulating ride to the ascent to Rothenburg, a very stiff climb to the old town square and a well deserved rest on the Rathaus square.
Day2– Rothenburg- Explore Rothenburg – No bike riding today. Explore a perfectly preserved 15th century German town. Museums, Christmas market, churches, tour of the defensive Wall, cafes, etc.
Day 3-Rothenburg to Herrieden –(36 miles)- Today’s ride leaves the Tauber R Valley and heads to the source of the Altmuhl River. A good climb to start the day. We traverse the Franconia Nature Preserve, admire Colmburg Castle (now a hotel) and stop for a pastry in the town. We head to Ansbach for lunch and a long break to explore the Residence and Cathedral there. The Wittelsbach Residence is undergoing renovation but the Orangey or Park beside the palace is open to visitors. After lunch we take the Nature Path to Herrieden, city of storks, to overnight(15km). It’s a small town but has two beautiful churches, the Rathaus and the old stone bridge from the 15th century.
Day 4-Herrieden-Gunzenhausen-Weissenburg-Treuchtlingen) -36 miles-Today’s ride meanders down the wide open Altmuhl River valley. Gunzenhausen is a nature preserve and recreation area for fishing, sailing, hiking, etc. We stop in town for pastries/coffee. Next we head to Weissenburg for lunch. The Ellinger Tor should not be missed and Biriciana, the Roman settlement is 1 km out of town, accessible for a visit for those so inclined. Less so is Wulfsburg Fortress on a hill 3km out of town and a 600’ climb. It is noted for being the first pentagonal defensive fort that was considered ‘unassailable”.
Day 5 – Treuchtlingen to Eichstätt -(29 miles) The day begins with a quiet NaturePark trail along the river to Pappenheim Castle. We visit the castle and admire the view. Leaving we arrive in Solnhofen and the notable rock formations called the 12 apostles. We arrive in Eichstatt in time to visit Willibaldsburg Castle above the town or check out the cathedral bells cast in the 15th century and still ringing in the hours.
Day 6 – Eichstätt to Beilngries – a leisurely day along the river. Pfunz has a restored Roman fort(100m climb). Lunch on the square below Kipfenburg Castle. It is private and cannot be toured but the town is small and walkable to stretch the legs. (29 miles)
Day 7– Beilngries to Kelheim (Riedenburg Castle and Falconry show)-We leave promptly at 9:00A to ride 18 miles and make the Falconry Show at 11:00A. One mile uphill to the parking lot and a tour in German (completely worth it). After the show we tour the castle. Lunch in Riedenburg. There is a crystal museum in town that is interesting or 4km further on is Prunn castle, looming over the valley. (30miles). We then follow the Main/Daunbe canal to Kelheim to overnight.
Day 8 -Kelheim to Regensburg (22miles)– Morning River cruise to Weltenburg Abbey. The cloister brewery there was founded in the 11th century. The dazzling church built in the early 18th century. Return by 12:30. Lunch and leave later or have prepared for a picnic along the Danube on our ride to Regensburg. The tour finishes next to the main train station at approximately 4:00pm.
INFO: Contact Drew Reynolds(256-509-0589) for more info or email at dreyn1952@yahoo.com.
