Two of Franconia's most beautiful cycle paths unite to form the Tauber Altmühl cycle path. From Main, the route follows the Tauber River before joining the Altmühl River to the Danube, passing magnificent landscapes and romantic half-timbered towns along the way.

The first part of the Tauber Altmühl cycle path follows the five-star cycle path ‘the ‘Classic Tauber Valley’. From Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you cycle along the breathtakingly beautiful Altmühltal cycle path.

Starting in the castle town of Wertheim, you can cycle the 217 mile (350 km) long Tauber Altmühl cycle path in seven stages. Sprawled on the banks of the Main and Tauber, Wertheim can be easily reached by train or via the Main cycle path (komoot.de/collection/897916/mainradweg).

From Wertheim you cycle through the lovely landscape of the Tauber Valley, past cultural highlights such as the Bronnbach Monastery or the Topplerschlösschen and visit charming places like Weikersheim, Bad Mergentheim and medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Here, the cycle path leaves the Tauber and leads through the picturesque nature park Frankenhöhe to the source of the Altmühl. The route then meanders along the river as far as the Franconian Lake District and the impressively beautiful Altmühlsee. From here, it continues along the Altmühl to Kelheim, passing the dry slopes near Dollnstein and countless castles perched high above the valley on impressive rocks.

In Kelheim, the final stop on your adventure, you can take the train from Saal on the Danube 3.7 miles (6 km) away, or take the bus with a bicycle trailer which is available from spring until autumn. You could also continue your adventure along the Danube cycle path.

The Tauber Altmühl cycle path is ideal for families as it is almost completely flat. As the area has good transport links, you can also easily plan day rides or short trips along the route and travel to the destinations by public transport. The region is serviced by cycle-friendly buses during the summer. This is also the best season to enjoy the cycle path through the Tauber and Altmühl valleys.

You will find numerous cozy accommodation en route with hosts who warmly welcome cyclists. You will also be spoiled with culinary delights along the Tauber Altmühl cycle path where rustic restaurants, cozy cafés and beer gardens offer a relaxing break complete with delicious Franconian cuisine.