Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth
Explore valleys, villages, and vineyards alongside the glistening lakes in Southern Germany
Enjoy a bicycle tour along the famous Romantic Road in Germany from Würzburg to Donauwörth. The tour begins in the town of Würzburg, featuring splendid buildings and the world-famous Marienburg Fortress. You cycle along the Main River on the way to the Tauber River Valley.
From there, you follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg and on to Donauwörth. On this part of the Romantic Road, you bike through an amazing variety of terrain: the lovely hills of Keuperbergland on the small mountain range of the Frankenhöhe, the Wörnitz Valley with its lush meadows, the circular crater of the Nördlinger Ries, and, of course, the Danube Valley near Donauwörth. On the way, you pass countless castles and interesting historical towns.
Daily Program
Day 1: Würzburg
Your tour starts in the old Franconian city Würzburg. The town is famous for its many spectacular old buildings, like the Residenz and Marienberg Castle. Renowned artists like Balthasar Neumann, Tilman Riemenschneider and Tiepolo lived and worked in Würzburg. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the town, beautifully situated among vineyards on the banks of the Main River, and get to know the Franconian Joie de Vivre in one of the romantic wine bars.
Overnight in Würzburg.
Day 2: Würzburg – Wertheim
28 miles/45 km
Leaving Würzburg, you follow the Aalbach cycle path through gentle countryside until reaching Bettingen, where the route meets the Main River. From here, it is only a short ride to Wertheim.
Wertheim is a picturesque town situated between the hills of Spessart and Odenwald, at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers. Towering above the narrow, winding streets of the old town are impressive castle ruins that form a striking landmark. In the evening, enjoy the romantic atmosphere of this medieval gem.
Overnight in Wertheim.
Day 3: Wertheim – Bad Mergentheim
31 miles/50 km
Today you leave the Main River behind and continue into the idyllic Tauber Valley, where unspoiled nature blends harmoniously with centuries of history. Along the way, you reach Tauberbischofsheim, home to the imposing Kurmainzisches Schloss with its striking Türmersturm tower. Numerous monuments and historic buildings reflect the town’s rich past.
Continuing along the Romantic Road, your journey leads you into the Bad Mergentheim region.
Overnight in Bad Mergentheim.
Day 4: Bad Mergentheim – Rothenburg ob der Tauber
34 miles/55 km
The day begins in the spa town of Bad Mergentheim before continuing to Weikersheim, where an impressive moated castle and its gardens await. Riding onward through the Tauber Valley, you pass through Creglingen, home to Tilman Riemenschneider’s famous Marienaltar. The route then leads you to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s most enchanting medieval towns. In the evening, the Rothenburg night watchman shares fascinating stories of life in the Middle Ages during his rounds.
Overnight in Rothenburg.
Day 5: Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Dinkelsbühl
40 miles/65 km
Your first destination today is Schillingsfürst, whose striking Baroque castle rises prominently above the town on a mountain spur. After a short ascent, you continue cycling through scenic countryside toward Dinkelsbühl, beautifully located in the Wörnitz Valley. The historic town center is lined with colorful houses and exudes timeless charm. In the evening, enjoy Franconian specialties in one of the traditional inns.
Overnight in Dinkelsbühl.
Day 6: Dinkelsbühl – Nördlingen
25 miles/40 km
Today’s route leads you into the fascinating geological region of the Nördlinger Ries, formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. Your destination is the former Free Imperial City of Nördlingen, home to Germany’s only completely preserved and walkable city wall. Climb “Daniel,” the 90-meter (295-foot) bell tower of St. George’s Church, for panoramic views. A stroll through the Gerberviertel, largely preserved in its original state, is highly recommended, as is a visit to the Rieskrater Museum for geology enthusiasts.
Overnight in Nördlingen.
Day 7: Nördlingen – Donauwörth
25 miles/40km
Leaving the countryside of the Ries behind, you cycle through the beautiful Wörnitz Valley. Soon you pass Harburg, with its impressive castle towering above the valley. Continuing onward, you arrive in Donauwörth, situated at the confluence of the Wörnitz and Danube Rivers. The highlight of the town is the magnificent Reichsstraße, lined with stately historic townhouses. Notable landmarks include the cathedral, the historic Café Engel, and the Käthe Kruse Doll Museum.
Overnight in Donauwörth
Day 8: Individual Departure
Departure following breakfast.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Category A: Good to very good inns and comfortable hotels with 3- and 4-star level
Würzburg: GHotel Würzburg
Wertheim: Hotel Restaurant Bronnbacher Hof
Bad Mergentheim: Hotel Bundschu
Rothenburg: Hotel Gerberhaus
Dinkelsbuhl: Hotel Weisses Ross
Nordlingen: Wenger´s Brettl
Donauwörth: Hotel im Ried
Category B: Good inns and middle-class hotels with 3-star level
Würzburg: Hotel Residence
Wertheim: Tauberhotel Kette
Bad Mergentheim: Hotel Lochner
Rothenburg: Hotel Goldenes Fass
Dinkelsbühl: Hotel Goldenes Lamm
Nördlingen: Arthotel Ana Flair
Donauwörth: Hotel Donau
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:
- Standard touring bike, 24-speed unisex
- Electrically assisted bike*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:
- Waterproof Saddlebag
- Odometer
- Tool bag/Repair kit (one per 2 bikes)
- Lock (one per bike)
- Waterproof Handlebar bag (1 per room)
- Air pump (one per 2 bikes)
- Klick-Fix adapter for handlebar bag (one per bike)
Additional equipment available upon request:
- Second Handlebar bag
- Second saddlebag
Helmets:
Please plan to bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes. Helmet rental is not available on this tour.
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
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Surface and terrain
This tour cycles on quiet narrow paved roads. Sometimes you will cycle on sandy bike paths or on paths through fields and forests. This tour follows approximately 50% on dedicated bicycle paths, 30% on quiet roads, 15% on roads shared with traffic and 5% on dirt or gravel roads. The terrain is flat with occasional hills between Würzburg and the Tauber Valley.
How to get there
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Frankfurt, Munich, Nuremberg or Stuttgart, Germany
Nearest train station: Würzburg, Germany
Tour End
Nearest airport: Frankfurt, Munich, Nuremberg or Stuttgart, Germany
Nearest train station: Donauwörth, Germany
You can book a return bus trip back to Wurzburg for €99 per person. There is a 4-person minimum. The bus leaves at 9:00am daily, takes about 3 hours, and includes transport of luggage and bikes. Note: Must be reserved at time of booking. You will pay an additional surcharge of €20 for the transport of your own e-bikes.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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