Wonderful journey through history – This cycling tour takes you through idyllic landscapes. Again and again you cycle along the river past vineyards and through forests. Admire the richness of the german cultural landscape and experience the highlights of german history and culture in the Rheingau and the Palatinate. This charming, idyllic pleasure trip takes you back to the starting point Frankfurt.
Highlights
- Cycle route along the wine region “Bergstraße” with romantic places and mighty castles
- UNESCO World Heritage Heidelberg and Lorsch
- Wine region “Pfalz” (Palatinate) with overnight stay in the idyllic Rhodt under Riedburg
- Romanesque architecture in Speyer and Worms
- Tour of the Old Town of Mainz
- Cycle routes from the Rhine and Main
- Total route length: 196 miles / 315 kilometers
Itinerary
- Day 1: From Frankfurt to Zwingenberg (59 km by bike)
- Day 2: From Zwingenberg to Heidelberg (45 km by bike)
- Day 3: From Heidelberg to Rhodt under Riedburg (52 km by bike)
- Day 4: From Roth to Riedburg to Worms (58 km by bike)
- Day 5: From Worms to Mainz (58 km by bike)
- Day 6: From Mainz to Frankfurt (43 km by bike)
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Itinerary:
Day 1: From Frankfurt to Zwingenberg | Approx. 37 miles / 59 kilometers by bike
Day 2: From Zwingenberg to Heidelberg | Approx. 28 miles / 45 kilometers by bike
In Lorsch you can admire the historic “Torhalle”, which today is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The so called “Gate Hall” dates back to the Carolingian period and is the only survivor of the monastery. The highlight of today’s trip is the magical city at the Neckar river called Heidelberg. Its world famous city panorama at the foot of the Heidelberg Castle warrants a detailed tour of the old town and the alleyways around the gothic church of the Holy Spirit. The “Old Bridge” offers you an impressive view for a fantastic photo motif. The original rack railway gives you easy access to the castle.
2. Overnight in Heidelberg: Hotel Hirschgasse
Day 3: From Heidelberg to Rhodt under Riedburg | Approx. 32 miles / 52 kilometers by bike
In the center of Schwetzingen you can see the glamorous castle grounds. It was created the 18th century. The fusion of the geometric and the landscape style make it a masterpiece of european horticulture. Along the Rhine you will reach the town of Speyer, famous for its important romanesque cathedral. It is the largest preserved Romanesque cathedral in the world and belongs to the world cultural heritage! The cozy cycle route leads you to the romantic wine town of Roth. Small houses with picturesque wine growing farms characterize the face of the village. In the footsteps of King Ludwig I. you end the cycle trip in the charming Villa Ludwigshöhe.
3. Overnight in Rhodt: Hotel Reebschule
Day 4: From Roth to Riedburg to Worms | Approx. 36 miles / 58 kilometers by bike
Today you cycle through the landscape of the “Pfälzer Weinstraße”. Its many famous wine growing places can not make the heart of a wine lover beat faster. This region has a particularly mild climate! You will find charming historic buildings in the largest wine growing town of the Palatinate: Deidesheim. The bishop’s palace with its particularly beautiful castle grounds and its old aristocratic buildings, has a double flight staircase. In the footsteps of Martin Luther, the Romanesque cathedral, one of the most important medieval churches, awaits you in Worms. The Jewish cemetery, which is under monument protection, still reminds us that Worms once also had one of the oldest Jewish communities.
4. Overnight stay in Worms: Parkhotel Prinz Carl (category A) / Hotel Michelmort (category B)
Day 5: From Worms to Mainz | Approx. 36 miles / 58 kilometers by bike
Along the gentle hill chains and vineyards you will reach the historical Oppenheim, which is not only fascinating with its famous Gothic Katharinenkirche. Oppenheim is crossed by kilometers of underground passages, the origins of which are not yet fully understood. A guided tour offers you the opportunity to wander through these mysterious catacombs. The state capital of Mainz leads you through a 2000-year history. Here are still ancient roman ruins and one of the most important dome on the Rhine. The cycle route through this important bishop’s seat leads along the Rhine through a variety of places famous for its excellent wine.
5. Overnight stay at Hotel Hilton (category A) / Hotel Hammer (category B)
Day 6: From Mainz to Frankfurt | Approx. 27 miles / 43 kilometers by bike
You cycle comfortably over the Theodor-Heuss-Bridge, which connects the state of Rhineland-Palatinate with Hesse. On the Hessian shore, you can see the floods of the River Main pouring into the Rhine. This bike route is characterized by a beautiful view of the wine town of Hochheim. Hochheim is famous for the delicate Riesling wine, which especially the English kings appreciated. The river accompanies you almost the entire way back to Frankfurt. At the end of your cycling trip, you will be rewarded with the “Handkäs mit Musik” (local cheese), a Frankfurt national dish, accompanied by an apple wine. The trip ends in Sachsenhausen, the starting point of the tour.