Bavarian Beer Trail Cycle

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enquire now 9 Days From NZD $1,550 pp twinshare
Independent traveller
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Beer brewing traditions are an art form in Bavaria and the region of Franconia in the north of the state is home to a third of Germany’s breweries. Following the Beer Cycle Route in the Aisch Valley – which has an average of one brewery per kilometre, making it the area with the highest concentration of breweries in the world – there is ample time to take in the laid-back atmosphere in lively beer gardens. However there is much more to the region than beer. UNESCO heritage listed Bamberg with its half timbered houses lining the river, Rothenburg which was spared bombings during WWII by the US Secretary of War and is the most medieval city in Germany, and Nuremberg with its colourful history are all explored along the way. The stages on this circular route can be shortened by using trains, and electric bikes can be hired for a supplement. After the cycle day, sample a smoky beer, experience the hospitality of your Franconian hosts and try a variety of sausages for which the region is famous.

Highlights

Cycling along the Beer Cycle Route in the Aisch Valley
Experiencing the various beer gardens en route
Exploring medieval towns and delving into the fascinating history of the region
Enjoying the hospitality of the family run hotels

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Rothenburg
On arrival in the medieval city of Rothenburg, immortalised by artists such as Spitzweg and Richter, make your way to the first hotel. Take the time to walk through the historic centre with its impressive town hall, massive fortifications, towers, churches and patrician houses to gain an appreciation of the town’s rich history. There are a number of good museums including the Imperial City Museum, the Craftsman’s house, the Crime Museum and the Historical Vaults and the Doll and Toy Museum. Your bike will be available at the hotel either this afternoon or first thing in the morning.

Day 2 Along the Burgenstrasse cycle path to Wolframs-Eschenbach (60km)
You leave the romantic Taubertal valley and follow the ‘Burgenstrasse’ (Castle Route) cycle path. In Colmberg, the mighty castle towers over the town. From here you follow the Franconian Rezat river to Ansbach, a splendid margrave (nobleman) residential town. Continue along the Burgenstrasse to Wolframs-Eschenbach, a lovely medieval town with a lot to see. (B)

Day 3 Cycle to Nuremberg via Roth (60km)
Today you continue along the Burgenstrasse cycle path, passing the moated castle in Lichtenau, and reach the town of Roth. Here you can visit the Ratibor castle before following the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. The castle, which has accommodated numerous emperors and kings, overlooks the imperial city majestically. Nuremberg was once the preferred residence of many German kings and is full of architectural wonders. It was the birthplace of artist Albrecht Dürer and site of the Nuremberg Trials. (B)

Day 4 To Forchheim then on to Rabenstein castle in the Ahorntal valley (50 or 95km)
If you’d like to explore Nuremberg this morning, we recommend shortening the stage with a train ride to Forchheim. Or if you prefer cycling to Forchheim, the stage is quite demanding. Again on the Burgenstrasse, there are some inclines and descents – but it’s well worth the effort! Beautiful landscapes and numerous castles along the way make today’s stage very diversified. At the end of the cycle the impressive Rabenstein castle welcomes you. (B)

Day 5 Via Aufsess and its breweries to Bamberg (50km)
Soon after setting out today you will reach Aufsess. It’s a small town that has made it to the Guinness Book of Records – for the most breweries per resident! Perhaps take a break here to try some of the local beer. Continue to Bamberg (B)

Day 6 Rest day in Bamberg
There are numerous sights that shouldn’t be missed in Bamberg. Visit the imperial cathedral and wander through the beautiful old town with its town hall, located on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz river. A guided visit through one of the many local breweries is also very interesting, as is the brewery museum. (B)

Day 7 Cycle to Neustadt (55 or 70km)
At first you cycle back along the path from yesterday. If you want to shorten today’s section you can take the train to Hirschaid (not included). Next, follow the valley of the little river Aisch to Neustadt, with its quaint town hall clock. (B)

Day 8 Return to Rothenburg via Bad Windsheim (60km)
Your last day of cycling leads you to Bad Windsheim, where you can admire the beautiful old town as well as the Franconian Open-Air Museum with its reconstructed historic buildings. In the pub or the town’s several beer gardens you can taste the locally brewed beer. Return to Rothenburg, where there is time to explore further attractions before a tour with the Night Watchman. If you have room for dessert you should try a Schneeball (snowball – a traditional pastry). (B)

Day 9 Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. (B)

Inclusions

8 breakfasts
8 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
27 speed bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag (electric bikes available on request – supplement applies).
Luggage transfer (max 20kgs / 44lb per piece)
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
Emergency hotline
Guided tour of Rothenburg with the night watchman
Entrance to Franconian open air museum (closed Mondays)
4 vouchers for 500ml of beer – per person (18yrs+, to be used in Bamberg)

UTX-BEE

Images courtesy of Utracks

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Bavarian Beer Trail Cycle

Highlights

Itinerary

Inclusions

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