Strasbourg to Mainz: Imperial Cities and Charming Landscapes Along the Rhine

Day 1: Arrival in Strasbourg

Your journey begins in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and a city where French and German cultures meet. Wander through the charming old town, explore Petite France with its canals and half-timbered houses, or admire Strasbourg Cathedral before settling in for the evening.

Overnight in Strasbourg.

Day 2: Strasbourg – Rastatt
40 mi / 65 km

Leave Strasbourg on a dedicated cycle path that leads you to the banks of the Rhine River. Following the river through the flat Rhine Valley, you’ll cross by ferry at Drusenheim and continue through tranquil meadows to Rastatt, known for its baroque palace and historic old town.

Overnight in Rastatt.

Day 3: Rastatt – Germersheim
34 mi / 55 km

Today’s ride follows old arms of the Rhine through one of the largest protected wetlands in the Palatinate, the Hördter Rheinauen nature reserve. Surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, you’ll eventually reach Germersheim, once a fortress town. The redeveloped riverbank and relaxed town center are perfect for an evening stroll.

Overnight in Germersheim.

Day 4: Germersheim – Heidelberg
31 mi / 50 km

Cycle along the Rhine to Speyer, home to the UNESCO-listed Speyer Cathedral, one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Europe. Continue past Schwetzingen, where the palace and gardens showcase centuries of royal heritage. Your destination is Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, famous for its castle, old bridge, and lively student culture.

Overnight in Heidelberg.

Day 5: Heidelberg – Worms
28 mi / 45 km

Follow the Neckar River to the Roman town of Ladenburg, where narrow alleys and medieval architecture reveal its long history. Continue through the Rhine Valley to Worms, an imperial city with a 12th-century cathedral, strong Reformation ties, and the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe.

Overnight in Worms.

Day 6: Worms – Nierstein
34 mi / 55 km

This stage takes you through fertile farmland and across branches of the Rhine. As you near Nierstein, the scenery shifts to vineyards, marking your entry into one of the Rhine’s most renowned wine regions. Known for its Riesling, the village offers the perfect opportunity to sample local wines in the evening.

Overnight in Nierstein.

Day 7: Nierstein – Mainz
12 mi / 20 km

A short ride gives you plenty of time to enjoy the Rhine wine country. Cycle through vineyards with views of steep slopes descending to the river before following the riverside path into Mainz. Highlights include the imperial cathedral, medieval old town, and lively squares filled with cafés and wine taverns.

Overnight in Mainz.

Day 8: Departure from Mainz

After breakfast, your tour ends in Mainz. Extend your stay to explore more of the Rhine Valley, or continue onward to Frankfurt, just a short train ride away.