The canal route mostly runs directly along the Main-Danube Canal and is pleasantly flat - ideal for families and less experienced cyclists. The valley route runs picturesquely through towns and small villages and follows the meanders of the Regnitz, although not always without climbs.
With towns worth visiting such as Bamberg, Forchheim, Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg, the Regnitz Valley is rich in history and culture - from the imperial cathedral, royal palace and imperial castle to technological monuments such as historic locks and water wheels.
Character:
There are two routes to choose from. The 84 km long valley route runs quite picturesquely through towns and small villages, following the meanders of the Regnitz on side roads and farm tracks. Parallel to this, the 72 km long canal route leads touring cyclists along the Main-Danube Canal. Both routes can be easily combined into a circular tour. In Bamberg, for example, there are connections to the Main Cycle Route, in Nuremberg to the Five Rivers Cycle Route and in Bamberg and other towns to the Brewery and Beer Cellar Tour.
Best time to travel:
May to the beginning of October.
Journey:
Both Bamberg and Nuremberg are well integrated into the German railway network. You can change trains at several places along the way. Cyclists can call the railway hotline on 01805/99 66 33 (14 ct/min. from landlines, max. 42 ct/min. from mobile phones).
Bike service:
Addresses for bike hire and workshops along the Regnitz cycle path can be found at http://www.regnitzradweg.de
Cycling hotels:
Tips for cyclist-friendly accommodation along the route include
Hotel Central in Bamberg http://www.central-bamberg.de
Hotel Garni Klughardt in Nuremberg http://www.hotel-klughardt.de
Living with heart in Pettstadt http://www.pension-pettstadt.de
Gasthof Rangau in Erlangen-Dechsendorf http://www.hotel-rangau.de Gasthaus Hotel Wurm in Hirschaid-Röbersdorf http://www.gasthaus-wurm.de
Further recommendations under http://www.bettundbike.de and http://www.regnitzradweg.de
Maps/literature:
Service booklet (48 pages) "Der Regnitz-Radweg - Tal- und Kanalroute" can be ordered from the Franconian Tourist Board (see below).
Information (general):
Tourismusverband Franken e.V., P.O. Box 440453, 90209 Nuremberg, Tel. 0911/94151-0.
Internet:
http://www.regnitzradweg.de (everything important for Regnitz cyclists)
http://www.frankentourismus.de (general information on tourism issues)
