“A perfect mix of scenery, history, and nature.” —K.S.

Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

★★★★★★4.6/5 (10)

7 nights

32 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 749
Bike tour in Germany

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Program
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Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

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.
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Highlights
- Exceptional scenic bike ride through wild and romantic Tauber valley
- World famous Rothenburg with medieval center
- Guided walk with the night watchman in Rothenburg
- "Kurmainzische Schloss," ancient castle
- St. George's Church in Nordlingen
- Donauworth, where the Wornitz meets the Danube
- Nordlinger Ries, 12-15 miles (20-25 km) crater between the Swabian and Frankonian Alps
- Lovely hills of Keuperbergland
- Worntiz Valley
- Former imperial city of Dinkelsbuhl
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Learn more about self-guided tours or see more bike tours in Germany.
CC-BY-SA-3.0 - "Kurmainzische Schloss" (also Schloss Tauberbischofsheim) along the Tauber River on the Romantic Road. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Residence Würzburg. CC:Heribert Pohl' data-type='image'>

CC0 - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-2.0 - Riesling wines are a local German favorite. Aironik@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-3.0 - "Kurmainzische Schloss" (also Schloss Tauberbischofsheim) along the Tauber River on the Romantic Road. CC:Reinhard Kirchner' data-type='image'>

CC0 - Fortress Marienberg, Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany. CC:Christian Horvat' data-type='image'>

CC0 - Reichsstrasse in Donauwörth, Germany. CC:Patrick Huebgen' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Falkenhaus in Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany. CC:Krzysztof Golik' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Residence Würzburg, Germany. Photo DXR' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany. CC:H.Helmlechner' data-type='image'>

Traveler photos
Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

Tour Description Daily Program
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 (27 miles/45 km)
You leave Würzburg on forested trails through the Steinbach Valley, cycling through small villages beside the Aalbach River. The medieval fortified church in Dertingen has a beautiful altar that is worth visiting. Upon arrival in Bettingen, you reach the Main River. From there it is only a short way to Wertheim.

Wertheim is a small city located between the hills of Spessart and Odenwald, where the Tauber joins the Main. A charming ruined castle built out of red sandstone sits majestically above the small, narrow alley of the historical town center. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of this medieval town during a relaxed evening.
Overnight in Wertheim.

Day 3: Wertheim – Bad Mergentheim (31 miles/50 km)
Today you leave the Main and continue into the Tauber Valley. This region combines beautiful countryside with art and historical relics from over 1,000 years of history. Balthasar Neumann is one of the area's many artists and is known as the "Master Bridge Builder of the Tauber Valley."

The river follows a winding path towards Gamburg before arriving in Tauberbischofsheim. The "Kurmainzische Schloss," a pretty castle with thick walls and impressive towers, is a silent witness to the interesting history of the town. Numerous monuments and old buildings show architectural influences from several different ages. From here you take the Romantic Road to Bad Mergentheim.
Overnight in Bad Mergentheim.

Day 4: Bad Mergentheim – Rothenburg ob der Tauber (34 miles/55 km)
The spa town of Bad Mergentheim is first on today’s program. Afterwards you can visit the moated castle of Weikersheim. Travelling via Creglingen, where you will find the Marienaltar by Tilman Riemenschneider, you then cycle through the primal Tauber valley towards Rothenburg. Shortly before midnight, the Rothenburger night watchman will tell you tales about the medieval life of the city on his rounds.
Overnight in Rothenburg.

Day 5: Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Dinkelsbühl (36 miles/60 km)
The first destination of your cycling tour is the town of Schillingsfürst, whose baroque castle complex can be seen from afar, as it rises above the city. Before you reach the town, there is a small ascent to be overcome, as it lies on a mountain spur. Your stage destination is Dinkelsbühl in the Wörnitz valley. The city centre is rimmed with colourful town houses. Enjoy the Franconian delicacies in one of the traditional inns.
Overnight in Dinkelsbühl.

Day 6: Dinkelsbühl – Nördlingen (25 miles/40 km)
Today you cycle into an area of geological interest, the Nördlinger Ries. The stage destination is the former free empire city of Nördlingen, which owns the only completely preserved and passable city wall in Germany. One can enjoy a unique view from “Daniel”, the 90 m high bell tower of the St. Georg hall church. Another feature of urban development is the Gerberviertel, which is almost preserved in its original state. Those Interested in Geology should pay a visit to the Rieskrater-Museum.
Overnight in Nördlingen.

Day 7: Nördlingen – Donauwörth(25 miles/40km)
You leave the countryside of the Ries behind and bike through the beautiful Wörnitz Valley. Soon you pass Harburg with its lovely castle, situated high above the valley. Visit the charming old town center between the river and the castle. You continue to Donauwörth, where the Wörnitz meets the Danube. The Reichsstraße is the main attraction of the city. This lovely street is bordered by numerous amazing old townhouses, like the Tanzhaus and Café Engel. Also visit the Käthe Kruse Doll Museum.
Overnight in Donauwörth

Day 8: Individual Departure

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.

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

GHotel Würzburg, Würzburg
www.ghotel.de

Hotel Restaurant Bronnbacher Hof, Wertheim
www.bronnbacherhof.com

Hotel Bundschu, Bad Mergentheim
www.hotel-bundschu.de

Hotel Gerberhaus, Rothenburg
www.gerberhaus.rothenburg.de

Hotel Weisses Ross, Dinkelsbuhl
www.hotel-weisses-ross.de

Wenger´s Brettl, Nordlingen
wengers-brettl.de

Hotel im Ried, Donauwörth
hotel-im-ried.de

Category B: Good inns and middle-class hotels with 3-star level

Hotel Residence, Würzburg
www.wuerzburg-hotel.de

Tauberhotel Kette, Wertheim
www.tauberhotel-kette.de

Hotel Lochner, Bad Mergentheim
weinstube-lochner.de

Hotel Goldenes Fass, Rothenburg
de.goldenes-fass.de

Hotel Goldenes Lamm, Dinkelsbühl
www.goldenes.de

Arthotel Ana Flair, Nördlingen
ana-hotels.com/flair-noerdlingen

Hotel Donau, Donauwörth
hoteldonau.de

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

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

Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

Tour Photos Dates & Prices

Dates

Daily: Apr 20-Oct 5, 2024

Season 1: Apr 20, 2024 - Apr 30, 2024

Season 2: May 01, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024; Aug 16, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024

Season 3: Jul 15, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024

Prices

Tour package

Per person, double occupancy	Season 1	Season 2	Season 3
Cat A	€819	€1018	€1058
Cat B	€749	€928	€948
Single use room (1 person/1 room)
Cat A	€1159	€1358	€1398
Cat B	€1059	€1238	€1258

Bike Rentals

Standard touring bike, 24-speed	€99
Electrically assisted bike	€229

Extra Nights, Wurzburg

	Cat A	Cat B
Per person, double occupancy	€89	€79
Single use room (1 person/1 room)	€119	€109

Extra Nights, Donauworth

	Cat A	Cat B
Per person, double occupancy	€89	€79
Single use room (1 person/1 room)	€126	€109

Transfer

Return to Wurzburg, per person (Saturdays) (minimum 4), 11am	€129
Return to Wurzburg, per person (Saturdays) (minimum 4), including personal bike, 11am	€149

Included services

7 nights accommodation with private facilities
Breakfast
Luggage transfer (unlimited number of luggage items)
Detailed information with maps
Service hotline available in case of problems or questions
Night watchman tour in Rothenburg
GPS tracks available upon request
Bike insurance(if rented)

Please note visitor's tax not included.

Bike rentals

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.

Tour Company

Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

Daily program Route Map

Route Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

Dates & Prices Tour Reviews
Reviews

Write a review
- ★★★★★ Richard Robblee 5 months ago
  
  Lovely rural trail and ancient towns; variable quality accommodations.
  
  The tour itself was fun and varied. We enjoyed every day, and every day was different from the one before. Some days were virtually all in rural settings; others followed lightly-traveled roads in flat farming country which allowed us a close-up view of life in the area. The route-finding at times was tricky, having to work with a German language map book, an English translation booklet, and Komoot. We usually just followed the small bike trail signs but on a couple of occasions got thrown off as the same sign is used for various other trails. We should have paid strict attention to the English translated booklet when approaching towns instead of relying on the signs. So there was some back-tracking but nothing too serious. As to the bikes, our two bikes did not come with a repair kit or pump, and none were delivered until the end of the third day of our six day trip (when we reached the tour company they offered to send help at their expense to us on the trail if needed but for whatever reason could not get us the repair kit/pump promptly). Our trip was delayed on the fifth day by a loose screw that secured the rear fender to the frame, which meant that the retaining clip rubbed against the rear tire. The bikes themselves were on the heavy/sturdy side but worked well. Baggage transfers were reliable. Accommodations were spotty: the GHotel in Würzberg was a characterless commercial hotel; surely there are local hotels in the old town that could have been selected. The Hotel Bronnbacher in Wertheim was among our favorites - the remarkably helpful proprietor, Kai, deserves special praise. The Ringhotel Bundschu in Bad Mergentheim, despite its luxurious room and common areas, was a disappointment; the proprietor was terse and came across to us as unwelcoming, and the room was impossible to ventilate. No fan was made available in this fanciest of all six hotels. The Hotel Gerberhaus in Rothenburg was wonderful in all ways. The Hotel Piazza in Dinkelsbühl was satisfactory but otherwise unremarkable. The only utterly unsatisfactory hotel was the Hotel Wengers Brettl in Nördlingen. The staff that greeted us spoke virtually no English; no fan was available; the smoke alarm was missing from its placement in the ceiling, and the breakfast service was comparatively scant with the only employee spending most of his time reading the newspaper at the counter. Finally, the Hotel Donau was one of our favorites; set up well for bicyclists and with helpful staff. All meals with the exception of the Hotel Wengers Brettl were excellent.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  July 2023
  How many tours have you completed?
  7
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 4/5 Value
  - 4/5 Included meals
  - 4/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 4/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 4/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 4/5 Local tour company services
  - 4/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ (Nancy) Bart Hemmerich 6 months ago
  
  Authentic Picturesque Historic Geography
  
  Biking is an ideal way to take in the series of old German towns with over a thousand years of significant history. The quaint old buildings and homes adorned with bright flowers and ancient relics are such a visual treasure.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  July 2023
  How many tours have you completed?
  6 organized tours, many self-supported
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Jonathan Barker August 27, 2022
  
  Beautiful towns, safe cycle paths, one bike was poor.
  
  We enjoyed visiting the Romantic roads stunningly beautiful and well maintained towns. The hotels very varied, some modern others traditional which was great. The cycle paths were mostly off road, away from traffic and passed through moderately pretty agricultural countryside and small villages. One of the bikes was manual and was very heavy. I was told I would get 24 gears but it only had a basic 3-5 gear mechanism operated from one side of the handle bars. This meant I had to get off and push the bike up steep hills which was disappointing..
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  August 2022
  How many tours have you completed?
  This was our first
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 4/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 1/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 4/5 Scenery
  - 4/5 Ease of navigation
  - 5/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Leticia October 1, 2019
  
  Lovely tour
  
  Great opportunity to slowly enjoy the romantic road. The material provided for the self guided tour was poor, but we made it thanks to the Komoot app. The tour was mostly on paved bike paths, so it was super safe. Some parts of the way were hilly, but we would get off the bike and push it - not a problem when taking a self-guided tour. Although the distance is relevant, it is feasible if you don't want to rush. But I did expect more breathtaking scenarios - from Wuzburg to Donauworth, there aren't as many epic mountains as in Fussen region. Therefore, I'd recomend taking the longer tour until Fussen.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  September 13th 2019
  How many tours have you completed?
  It was my first
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Somewhat easier
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 4/5 Included meals
  - 3/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 4/5 Hotels or boat
  - 4/5 Scenery
  - 1/5 Ease of navigation
  - 1/5 Tour documents
  - 4/5 Local tour company services
  - 2/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Biking Pete July 11, 2019
  
  Magical Medieval Villages of Bavaria
  
  We loved our biking in Bavaria, even though it was during an extreme heat wave. We left early and took beer and water breaks in cute villages along the way. Then we showered and napped in our charming accommodations, before enjoying a stroll and dinner in the cooler evening. This was a great way to visit the romantic medieval towns in Bavaria. Rottenburg was such a treat with the Nightwatchman tour and the world famous Christmas shop.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  6/22/19 - 6/28/19
  How many tours have you completed?
  1
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe July 12, 2019
    
    So glad to hear you did not let the heat get you down and that you so enjoyed your tour! Great recommendations for Rottenburg.
  - 3/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 3/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 4/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 4/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 4/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Crew dog May 19, 2019
  
  Needed to last longer.
  
  Self guided, had a great time. The local bike company was very good. We departed Wurzburg and left some articles behind the tour company got the article to us down the road. Thanks.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  1 May to 7 May 2019
  How many tours have you completed?
  18
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 4/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 4/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Dancing Bear May 14, 2019
  
  What a way to go
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  1May-8May
  How many tours have you completed?
  2
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 4/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 2/5 Ease of navigation
  - 5/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Jenn September 19, 2017
  
  An all round good time!
  
  A great way to experience the romantic road - would highly recommend cycling as you get to see so many small towns and villages you would otherwise miss. The people are incredibly friendly and the food is excellent.
  Once we got a hang of the directions, we did not get lost. It just took us a day to adjust. Some of the English translation was a bit unclear! One day took us on a long (planned) detour through lots of forest and agriculture - we actually would have preferred the direct route to have more time to explore the amazing towns we were staying in. So it would have been nice to know the options.
  We LOVED the nightwatchman tour in Rothenburg, and our other favourite towns were Wurzburg and Wertheim.
  Four out of six hotels were superb - clean, friendly staff, great breakfast. The only two hotels that weren't great were in Bad Mergentheim (generally the town was very quiet and lacked atmosphere compared with other places) and the final hotel in Donauworth. It was a conference hotel on the side of a very steep hill and across the highway from town, making it really difficult to explore the town centre and not close to any cafes, pubs or restaurants that we were hoping to enjoy on our last day.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  Sept 4-10
  How many tours have you completed?
  0
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Somewhat harder
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 3/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 4/5 Hotels or boat
  - 4/5 Scenery
  - 2/5 Ease of navigation
  - 1/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 3/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ julieb September 8, 2017
  
  beautiful towns and great bike route
  
  Bikes and map/directions were good. Accommodations were excellent. Routes were well marked, primarily on bike paths and small country roads. Towns were interesting and charming. Terrain quite hilly. Would recommend highly.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  8/21 - 8/28 2017
  How many tours have you completed?
  10
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 4/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 4/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ kshollen August 14, 2016
  
  Great family bike tour
  
  This tour was perfect for myself, husband, and 15 year old son. It was a perfect mix of scenery, history, and nature. We really enjoyed exploring each town and all the stops in between. All the hotels and breakfast each morning were great (we took the upgrade). Finally, skipping the dinner plan was a good idea because it let us explore many more options each night.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  August 2016
  How many tours have you completed?
  2
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 4/5 Ease of navigation
  - 3/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
  - 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

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