Bavaria 5 Rivers Cycle Route

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Bavaria 5 Rivers Cycling Route

Exploring the culture of Bavaria, on 2-wheels

For 300 kilometres, the Bavaria 5 Rivers Cycling Route flows through the magnificent countryside of beautiful Bavaria. Following the routes of the following 5 ricers: Danube, Altmühl, Naab, Vils, and Pegnitz, this is a great multi-day cycling tour in the southern Germany state. The cycling route takes you up to Nurenburg, the second largest city in Bavaia and home to numerous art treasures. From historical sites to and exciting museums to the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, Nurenburg is well worth staying a while to explore. Why not take a rest day here, park the bike up and be a cultural tourist for a while.

The classic route starts at the World Heritage site city of Regensburg, north of Munich; however, you can in reality start it at any point along the route. Regensburg is however a place worthy of being the start and finish to such an epic cycling tour in Bavaria. With over 2000 years of history contained within its beautiful streets, over 1,500 historic listed buildings, the outstanding Stone Bridge and magnificent cathedral, you could spend days exploring Regensburg.

We’ve provided a free downloadable GPX file to help you on your way, as you ride into adventure and join the cultural flow of Bavarian cycling.

Route Information

Stats  123 km  3736 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

There’s ample choices of places to stay overnight. Take a look below, using our own Booking.com link and search box. In terms of refreshments, this is Germany… you don’t need any guidance!

Character

This is a route to enjoy in a relaxed manner. It follows river paths and has a few climbs along the way. However, the wealth of culture along the route makes it a bikepacking trip to relax and enjoy.

Route

We’ve broken down the 5 stages of this epic route below, along with individual GPX files to download for each route. The best bike for this trip is a gravel bike, such as the 3T Exploro. Take a look below at each stage and plan your next gravel biking and cycling adventure in beautiful Bavaria and Southern Germany

  • Image by Leonhard_Niederwimmer, Pixabay

Check out the 5 cycling stages below

Stage 1: Regensburg to Kelheim

Along the Danube – 31km

One of the truly magnificent rivers of Europe, in every aspect, the Danube is Europe’s second-longest river and flows through an encyclopaedia  of Bavarian  and European history.  We’ve already mentioned the World Heritage Site city of Regensburg, with medieval alleyways and beautiful buildings all around you; however, this day includes Danube river gorges and an opportunity to see the Monastery at Weltenburg, as well as exploring the Liberation Hall on arrival at Kelmheim.

In terms of the route, simply follow the GPX file directions and the river itself!

GPX File Stage 1

Stage 2: Kelheim – Berching (52 km)

Along the Danube – 52 km

This stage takes in a wealth of history, taking you along Europe’s longest archaeological park. Limestone caves, and beautiful river gorges abound, as you cycling along this magnificent river. Highlights are the villages of Riedenburg, Dietfurt and Beilngries.

In terms of the route, simply follow the GPX file directions and the river itself!

GPX File Stage 2

Stage 3: Berching – Nuremberg (73 km)

Rivers & Canals & Culture

This is a day of industrial culture and heritage, and a chance to explore the historic canal as you head towards the city of Nuremburg. It’s an almost pan-flat cycling stage, that gently drops you into the city of Nuremburg at the end of an easy day cycling, giving you time to explore medieval Nuremburg.

In terms of the route, simply follow the GPX file directions and the river itself!

GPX File Stage 3

Find out more about Nuremburg here 

Stage 4: Nuremberg– Amberg (75 km)

Cultural beauty & medieval history

Stage 4 is an absolutely stunning day, taking in a wealth of medieval history, as you ride along excellent tracks. Leaving Nurenburg alongside the Pegnitz River, you’re spoilt for epic sights of Bavarian culture and history. Lauf an der Pegnitz is a particularly beautiful small town along the way, with picture-postcard views and historic buildings. In particular, by the river itself is the castle, built by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor in 1356, on the way between Prague and Nuremberg. Yes, this is a perfect spot to stop and take pictures over a coffee and cake.

Travelling then along the Vils River and into Amberg, you’re met by some of the most spectacular middle ages history in Bavaria, in this town that goes back to 1034. Is’s a beautiful place to park up the bike and to explore on foot.

In terms of the route, simply follow the GPX file directions and the river itself!

GPX File Stage 4

Find out more about Amberg here

Stage 5: Amberg – Regensburg (64 km)

Monastic history & art, alongside the Vils and Naab Rivers

The 64 km of this route stage allow you an opportunity to explore, as you ride along the Vils and Naab. Sites include magnificent monasteries and churches, river valleys and the sublime countryside of the flood plains. Located on the Naab River, about 25 km from Regensburg, the small village of Kallmünz has a beautifully preserved medieval centre, worth stopping off for, with its castle, medieval bridge and nearby monastery. After a short break, its an easy riverside ride back to beautiful Regensgurg and it’s World Heritage architecture and history.

In terms of the route, simply follow the GPX file directions and the river itself!

GPX File Stage 5

Find out more about Regensburg here

Click below  for  GPX file

Download GPX

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