Altmühl Short Tour – Rothenburg to Eichstätt

Day 1: Arrival in Rothenburg
You'll arrive in the beautifully preserved medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you'll receive your information package with detailed maps and route notes. Settle in and take the evening to explore the cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and ancient city walls at your own pace.

Day 2: Rothenburg – Ansbach (54 km)
Your cycling adventure begins with a ride to the source of the Altmühl River at Hornauer Weiher. From there, you'll follow the Altmühl Cycle Path through the rolling Franconian countryside, passing the impressive Hohenzollern Castle perched above Colmberg, and continuing via Lehrberg to the Margraves' residence town of Ansbach.

Day 3: Ansbach – Weißenburg (65 km)
Today's longest stage takes you past the shimmering Altmühlsee lake — a paradise for birdwatchers — and on to the charming town of Gunzenhausen. You'll continue via Trommetsheim to Weißenburg, where Roman history comes alive at the ancient Limes fortifications and thermal baths.

Day 4: Weißenburg – Eichstätt (50 km)
You'll cycle past the Karlsgraben, where Charlemagne once attempted to build a canal linking the Rhine and Danube. The route winds deeper into the Altmühltal Nature Park, through dramatic V-shaped valleys carved into the Franconian Alb. Your destination is the elegant episcopal town of Eichstätt, a baroque gem nestled along the river.

Day 5: Departure from Eichstätt
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. You can arrange your journey home or extend your stay with additional nights to explore Eichstätt's baroque architecture, fossil quarries, and riverside promenades.