5 river round trip

Nuremberg is not only worth a visit in winter for the Christkindlesmarkt. The Imperial Castle, the Henkersteg and the Handwerkerhof are worth seeing at any time of year as witnesses to the city's 1000-year history. Arrive early to see all these sights at your leisure.

You leave the old imperial city with its imposing imperial castle, famous churches and museums and cycle along the Five Rivers Cycle Path through wonderful and unspoilt countryside. The listed Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal crosses your destination for today's stage, the town of Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz. A special landmark of the town is the Wolfstein castle ruins on a mountain ridge. Visit the beautiful old town and discover the striking church towers.

Water lilies adorn the surface of the water and a variety of plant species grow on the banks. This natural idyll accompanies you along the Altmühl today. You pass numerous places worth seeing on the Five Rivers Cycle Path. First you cycle through medieval Beilngries and Dietfurt, also known as Bavarian China. The three-castle town of Riedenburg is surrounded by magnificent deciduous forests and rugged Jura cliffs and is today's destination of the cycle tour. The town is nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the Altmühltal valley, at the foot of the two ruins of Tachenstein, Rabenstein and Rosenburg.

You reach Kelheim by pedaling. Here, the Michelsberg rises 126 meters high above the Danube. On it stands the Liberation Hall, which King Ludwig I of Bavaria had built in memory of the wars of liberation against Napoleon. From here you have a beautiful view of the Danube. Experience the Danube breakthrough of the wildly romantic Weltenburger Enge by boat (not included) and visit the oldest monastery brewery in the world. Then cycle along the banks of the Danube to Regensburg in a leisurely and relaxed manner. During a stroll through the cobbled old town around Regensburg Cathedral, you will be amazed by the numerous historic buildings. After visiting the city's castles, towers and the Stone Bridge, treat yourself to a regional beer in one of the quaint beer gardens.

The river changes, the uniquely beautiful nature remains. Surrounded by meadows, forests and high Jura cliffs, you cycle along the lovely Naab. If you decide to climb up to the castle ruins of the same name near Kallmünz, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Naab valley! You then leave the Naab and follow the Vils. You now cycle along an old railroad line on the Five Rivers Cycle Path through the charming Vils Valley. The landmark of the town of Amberg is the Amberger Stadtbrille, a water gate with two towers that spans the Vils.

You will have to pedal a little harder from time to time today - it gets hilly! Cycle up to Sulzbach-Rosenberg, a 1000-year-old town built on a mighty rock. The castle and the Gothic town hall are worth seeing here. Cycle uphill through Hersbrucker Schweiz, one of the most densely wooded areas in Germany, before continuing at a leisurely pace to Hersbruck. The former center of hop growing today impresses with its lavishly restored half-timbered houses and beautiful old town.

Have you been counting? One river is still missing on the Five Rivers Cycle Route. The Pegnitz accompanies you on your route today. Lauf is a good place for a first break. Visit Wenzel Castle, which is located on an island in the Pegnitz and can be reached via a historic drawbridge. You reach Nuremberg through beautiful green tree-lined avenues and large parks. Take time for a hearty Bavarian snack and a cold beer. You've earned it after this wonderful cycle tour!

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.