Bavaria Crossing: Würzburg to Frankfurt Self Guided Bike Tour

Welcome to Würzburg! 

The first day of your tour starts in the glamorous baroque city of Würzburg. It is worth spending the first half of your day (or the afternoon, if you arrive at lunchtime) exploring the old town and local sights such as St. Kilian Cathedral or Würzburg Residence with its Court Gardens and Residence Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Crossing the old bridge, Alte Mainbrücke, you’ll get spectacular views of the Fortress Marienberg, the pilgrimage church, Käppele and the famous vineyards.

Today’s route: Würzburg to Lohr am Main 

Before you leave the city for your first bike ride of the tour, consider visiting the Veitshöchheim Rococo Garden, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The first route of the tour is around 68 km in length and there are several suitable spots on the way to stop for a coffee and some lunch, such as the old town of Karlstadt.

Lohr am Main is an enchanting town that sits on the edge of the River Main. It has a picturesque old town centre with many half-timbered buildings and a wealth of noteworthy sights including the Lohrer Schloss, a palatial castle built between the 15th and 17th century, or the historic Fischerviertel (“fishermen’s quarter”).

Today’s route: Lohr am Main to Wertheim 

Leaving Lohr am Main in the morning you’ll head south along the River Main and pass through the towns of Neustadt am Main and Rothenfels with its impressive castle (now also a hotel) sitting on the banks of the river.

Continuing along the cycle path, you will pass through the old town of Marktheidenfeld. You could head into the town here for some lunch and to see the Alte Mainbrücke (“Old Main Bridge”), built in the 19th century. Wertheim is a few kilometres further along the river, which winds through the landscape and makes a u-turn before you reach your destination. 

This mediaeval city is an enchanting location with churches, museums and many half-timbered houses that fill its romantic streets. Enjoy a lazy stroll around the centre and rest your legs from your day of riding. Today’s route measures just over 40 km in length. 

Today’s route: Wertheim to Miltenberg

As you start your journey from Wertheim in the morning, cross the River Main to the town of Kreuzwertheim to get back onto Bavarian soil. Today you’ll pass through the towns of Faulbach and Stadtprozelten, home to the Henneberg castle ruins. The topography of the area means that Stadtprozelten is hemmed in between the steep foothills of the Spessart, range of low wooded mountains, and the River Main, and therefore stretches along the riverbanks in an elongated fashion. 

Here you’ll find some beautiful examples of Franconian half-timbered houses and the remains of a mediaeval city wall. Today’s route is around 35 km in length. Once you reach the historic town of Miltenberg, located on a sharp bend in the river, we recommend a stroll around the centre to see the half-timbered houses, the well-known Schnatterloch and the Mildenburg, which towers over the city.

Today’s route: Miltenberg to Aschaffenburg

Today’s route measures around 42 km in length and continues along the meandering course of the Main River. The Lower Main, as the southernmost section of this river is known, is known for its viniculture and some of Germany’s best red wines.

On your way north towards Aschaffenburg, known as Bavaria’s Nice, you’ll cycle past some beautiful green landscapes and extensive vineyards. Once you reach your destination, enjoy the afternoon visiting some of the local sights, including palaces, parks and museums. 

Today’s route: Aschaffenburg to Frankfurt

Set off in the morning and continue north along the River Main cycle path. Cycle through the  romantic city of Seligenstadt with its meandering alleys, half-timber houses and basilica. Here, you will need to take a small ferry and cross the river to the other side. You will then pass through Hanau, the town where the famous authors, the Grimm brothers, were born.

You could stop for lunch or a coffee in Hanau before cycling the final few kilometres onto Frankfurt, Germany’s financial city. The central business district, Bankenviertel, is something to behold and is home to ten of the tallest skyscrapers in the country. If you’re a culture fiend, you could spend the afternoon wandering around Museumsufer, a neighbourhood dedicated to museums that will transport you to other worlds and times.

Frankfurt is a bustling city and there is always something going on. Find a nice spot for dinner and have a walk around admiring the local architecture, such as The Römer, the old town hall. 

Farewell Bavaria!

Your tour draws to an end today. But you might decide to book some extra days in Frankfurt and continue to explore this wonderful city on foot or the surrounding area by train.