The Mainradweg
Cycling along the Mainradweg is an incredible way to experience Germany's hidden treasures. This bike tour will take you through stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and historic towns, all while enjoying the fresh air and exercise. In this article, we'll provide you with a 7-day itinerary for mainly cycling the Mainradweg from Aschaffenburg to Bayreuth. We've included recommended places to eat and stay overnight to make your trip planning as easy as possible. Note: if you once should feel too tired to cycle you could also take the bike on a boat or train transfer.
Day 1: Aschaffenburg to Miltenberg (38 km)
Start your adventure in Aschaffenburg, a historic town with a beautiful castle and gardens. From there, cycle along the river to Miltenberg, a medieval town known for its half-timbered houses and wine. Don't miss the Miltenberg Castle and the St. Jakobus Church.
Recommended restaurant: Gasthaus Zum Riesen
Recommended accommodation: Hotel Schmuckkästchen
Day 2: Miltenberg to Wertheim (40 km)
Continue your journey along the Mainradweg to Wertheim, a picturesque town located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers. Don't miss the Wertheim Castle, a stunning medieval fortress overlooking the town.
Recommended restaurant: Gasthaus Zur Rose or Restaurant Schwan.
Recommended accommodation: Hotel in den Herrnwiesen
Day 3: Wertheim to Würzburg (57 km)
Today's ride will take you through the Franconian wine region, passing through charming villages and vineyards. You should definitely also book a wine tasting in advance or just on stop at a lovely winery on the go. Arrive in Würzburg, a city famous for its Baroque architecture and wine. Don't miss the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Marienberg Fortress.
Recommended restaurant: Stachel or Alte Mainmühle.
Recommended accommodation: Das v Evert Hotel or Hotel Würzburger Hof
Day 4: Rest day in Würzburg
Take a break from cycling and explore Würzburg's rich history and culture. Visit the Mainfränkisches Museum or simply enjoy a glass of local wine in one of the city's many wine bars. I can highly recommend the Wine tour at Juliusspital Weingut followed by dinner at Juliusspital Weinstuben. If you fancy a hike I can highly recommend the Steinweinpfad offering a fantastic panorama of Würzburg.
Day 5: Würzburg to Kitzingen (23 km)
Today's ride is shorter, giving you more time to explore the charming town of Kitzingen. Known for its wine and traditional Franconian cuisine, Kitzingen offers a taste of authentic Germany. Don't miss the Falterturm and the Kitzinger Church.
Recommended places restaurant: Schlemmerei or Gasthaus Stern.
Recommended accommodation: Hotel Deutsches Haus
Day 6: Kitzingen to Bamberg (71 km)
Get ready for a longer ride today as you make your way to Schweinfurt and then Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a stunning old town and beer culture. Stop at Schweinfurt and have a little tour around - You could take one of the Schweinfurt’s best sides tour which is none other than a delicious city tour offering exquisite Franconian red wine, high quality chocolate and the most beautiful sights of Schweinfurt. Further along the ride, you’ll soon reach Bamberg that has also lots to offer. Don't miss the Altes Rathaus, a historic building located in the middle of the river, and the Bamberg Cathedral.
Recommended restaurant:Spezialkeller Bamberg or Fässla.
Recommended accommodation: Hotel Goldener Adler
Day 7: Bamberg to Bayreuth (61 km)
The final leg of your journey will take you to Bayreuth. First off you will ride to Kulmbach, where you can visit the Brauerei- und Bäckereimuseum. Otherwise, continue straight the last 30 km to Bayreuth, the cultural center of Upper Franconia. Bayreuth is renowned for its Richard Wagner Festival, held annually in the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, and the Margravial Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bayreuth also has several museums worth visiting, including the Richard Wagner Museum, the Bavarian Army Museum, and the Jean-Paul Museum.
I truly recommend also to participate in the Urban Art, Beer & Good Food tour of Bayreuth. It’s a great way to experience the modern art in town followed by all the famous sights.
Recommended restaurant: Gasthof Zum Hirschen in Bayreuth
Recommended accommodation: Hotel Goldener Hirsch in Bayreuth
Good to know
As you embark on this delightful cycling adventure, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.
First and foremost, renting a bike is an essential step before setting off on the Main-Radweg. Fortunately, there are several options available to cater to your needs. In larger towns such as Würzburg, Frankfurt, or Bamberg, you'll find numerous bike rental shops that offer a variety of bicycles suitable for long-distance cycling. Additionally, many hotels and guesthouses situated along the route may provide bike rental services or assist you in arranging bike rentals. It's advisable to book your bike in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and to specify any particular requirements you may have. More information here
While cycling along the Main-Radweg, it's important to be prepared for any unexpected repairs or maintenance needs. In case of a flat tire or other minor issues, carrying a basic bike repair kit with you, including spare tubes, tire levers, and a compact pump, can be incredibly helpful. However, for more complex repairs, it's advisable to locate bike repair shops along the route. Towns like Aschaffenburg, Würzburg, and Bamberg have reliable repair services where skilled mechanics can assist you with any bike-related problems. Stay alert to any signs or recommendations from locals regarding bike repair shops, or you can always consult your guidebook or online resources for information on bike repair services nearby. By being prepared and informed, you can ensure that your cycling adventure along the Main-Radweg remains enjoyable and hassle-free.
Cycling the Mainradweg is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful German countryside, and this itinerary provides a great overview of what to expect on your journey from Aschaffenburg to Bayreuth. From the historic towns along the Romantic Road to the stunning scenery along the Main river, this cycling tour offers something for everyone. Along the way, you'll enjoy delicious local cuisine, meet friendly locals, and create unforgettable memories. So, get ready to pack your bags, hop on your bike, and embark on an adventure through the hidden gems of Germany on the Mainradweg - #enjoyhiddengermany