Robert Thorpe Bikecation – pedalnorth

Schattwald and the Tannheim Valley gravel ride – in the Austrian Tyrol

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:18:48 +0000

Tobias Arweiler

Schattwald & the Tannheim Valley

Gravel adventure in the Austrian Tyrol

This tough but beautiful ride of 54 km takes you through magnificent scenery in the Austrian Tyrol, exloring the gravel tracks in the Tannheim Valley of the Austrian mountains. The route takes you up past the Haldensee (lake) and climbs the epic Krinnenspitze for amazing mountain views.

Forests and alpine meadows mix with 14% climbs and descents on this Tyrolean gravel route, requiring good fitness and bike skills. Yet, the rewards are well worth the effort, as yu explore the beauty of the Tannheim Valley and alpine scenery.

Above image by Tobias Arwieler on Unsplash

Route Information

Stats: 54 km 1,675 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay: The Tanheim Valley has numerous options for accommodation at all price points. Likewise, places to eat are easy to locate and the food choices are excellent.

Character: Tough and steep, with a technical descents. Some bike-hiking might be found on the steeper climbs, but take the climbs as a challenge. The trails are excellent gravel. Do not tackle if your actual fitness and skill level is not up to this. However, if you’re ready for the adventure, it is an epic ride!

Route

The route – albeit seeming reasonable in length, is a tough but rewarding day in the mountains of the Tyrol. Excellent fitness is required, as is the ability to carry out trailside repairs for yourself.

Starting off from Schattwald, the route climbs initially, before dropping you down towards Tannheim.
Haledensee is soon reached, as you skirt this picturesque lake in the mountains.
Then, after 17.9km – at Nesselwangle – a steep series of switchbacks lead you upwards for 4.5 km, before more descending and riding through the trees on excellent tracks that rise and fall randomly.
At 43km you reach the quaint village of Berg, and its wealth of tradiational chalets and farms. The climbing begins once more, as the road takes you into the hills and trees. Tracks wind there way around the valley, before dropping you back onto the valley road at Schattwald where refreshments can be taken if needed, whilst you enjoy the epic views across the valley.

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Grindelwald Eiger Gravel Epic Route

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:07:23 +0000

Grindelwald Eiger Gravel Epic Route

An epic adventure off-road in Switzerland

Switzerland is the home of adventure and Grindelwald is at the heart of the action! With epic scenery and some of the best off-road trails for cyclists, it’s a haven for both mountain bikers and gravel bikers alike.

This route takes you on a 3-day adventure around the lower meadows and hills of some epic mountains: the Monch, the Eiger and the Jungfrau and to the beautiful mountain Lake Brienz, before heading back to Grindelwald. The JUngfrau Tourism experts suggest a 3-day trip, and we agree with them.

This epic gravel bike route in the Swiss mountians starts and ends in Grindelwald, at the foot of the iconic Eiger and in the shadow of its historic north face. On the three defined stages, you’ll ride through some of the most amazing mountain scenery in the world and stay in beautiful villages. The route runs entirely along official, well-signposted bike and cycle paths, and by using the GPX files on this page, makes the route navigation esy to follow.

Image courtesy of: Jungfrau Region Click to Visit

Route profiles for each day

Stage 1 Profile

Stage 2 Profile

Stage 3 Profile

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Route Information

On the Jungfrau Region website, you can book this tour and take advantage of their expertise and the following services:

3 nights (Grindelwald, Mürren, Meiringen) in a double room incl. breakfast
3 dinners
3 luggage transfers (Grindelwald-Mürren, Mürren-Meiringen, Meiringen-Grindelwald)
Ticket Glacier Gorge Rosenlaui
GPS tracks for 3 day tours
Bicycle maps and documentation

The suggested season for this gravel bike epic is June to October, when the snow has disappeared from high ground. Visit the Jungfrau Region website for more information CLICK HERE

Stats each day

Day one: Grindelwald to Murren – 30 km, 1200 metres ascent

Day two: Mürren to Meiringen – 60 km, 800 metres ascent

Day three: Meiringen to Grindelwald – 30 km, 1500 metres ascent

Refreshments & Where to Stay: The Grindelwald and Jungfrau region are well versed in where to stay and what to do. Simply contact their tourism offices and they’ll give you great advice on where to stay and where to eat. Booking the tour itself, then all will be catered for anyway!

Character: Tough and steep, this is a ride for those with experience in the hills and a god level of fitness. However, if you’re ready for the adventure, it is an epic ride!

Route

Day 1

The ride starts in Grindelwald, using cycle route 61 out of the valley and along the black Lütschine to Zweilütschinen. Once here, you change to the Alpine Route 1 to Lauterbrunnen. Arriving at Lauterbrunnen, the second climb begins, as you ride on the signposted bike trail 450 in the direction of Mürren.

From Mittelberg, leave the signposted bike route and ride on an asphalt path along the railway line directly to Mürren. It’s now time to enjoy a car-free, unspoilt panoramic mountain village, sitting at the foot of the Schilthorn and with breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – well worth the gravel grind.

Day 2

Today, you have 60 km to ride and 800 metres of ascending, so it’s aday to take your time and to enjoy the scenery. Of course, you can try to be epic and ride continuously from day one. However, we see that as a foolhardy way of exploring the Alps.

From the village of Mürren, ride back on bike route 450 along small and sometimes steep asphalt and alpine paths via the villages of Gimmelwald to Stechelberg. It’s now time to roll silently into the magical Lauterbrunnen Valley passing by the iconic Trümmelbach Falls. After Lauterbrunnen, you can choose to ride on the right side of the river on forest tracks and easy trails, Alpine Bikeroute 1 (GPS track), or you can ride on the left side of the river and stay on the road.

From Zweilütschinen, bike route 1 leads along the right bank of the Lütschine to Wilderswil and through Interlaken to the northern shore of Lake Brienz. From here, bike trail 451 leads to Brienz on partly paved and partly unpaved paths with constant ups and downs, always with a beautiful view of the deep blue Lake Brienz.

Once in the village of Brienz, it’s a change to the Aare cycle path no. 8 and the final few kilometres of the day , riding quietly along the right bank of the Aare for a much deserved rest and refreshments.

Day 3

Alpine Bike Route No. 1 starts you off today, as we head back to Grindelwald. Along the way, the route cycles past the legendary Reichenbach Falls, before the village of Rosenlaui is reached after a further 400 metres in altitude. If hunger and great food is necessary, then, after a further 100 metres in altitude, the beautiful Chalet Schwarzwaldalp beckons with culinary delights – a place that is taken on the organised ride on the Jungrau website, and a place that we also recommend.

Your route then moves onwards to the highest point of the day, the Grosse Scheidegg, with epic views all around you, before you begin the amazing descent back to Grindelwald, with the mountains standing sentinel all around.

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Day 1

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Day 2

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Day 3

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Bachalpsee MTB Loop Grindelwald

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:37:31 +0000

Bachalpsee MTB Loop, Grindelwald

Epic adventures in the Swiss Alps

This route is suggested by our friends at Grindelwald Tourism, and can be accessed in detailed on their website – link here

This route is technical and requires an advanced mountain bike riding technique and trail experience. A good balance with weight shifting to overcome obstacles, step riding, as well as a safe cornering and braking technique are necessary, along with fitness.

Since summer 2018, the mountain bike trail at Lake Bachalp – Grindelwald has been officially signposted. First, however, you’ll have to conquer the ascent from Grindelwald (bike transport is highly restricted on the cable ways in Grindelwald).

One suggestion is to take the road upwards. The asphalt pass road leads to Grosse Scheidegg. It continues on a gravel road to First and Lake Bachalp. Once you reach the top, stop and take in the breath-taking snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps and enjoy the reason that you’ve travelled all this way – the best mountain views in the world! Once sufficiently recovered, it’s time to tackle the 13 km descent all the back to town. It is a mix of rock slabs, stepped passages, meadows and woods on the 1,200 metres downhill.

Grindelwald Tourism recommendation

The ascent to the Grossen Scheidegg or First is also possible by bus or gondola. You can also enjoy the sun terrace of the restaurant Waldspitz.

Anyway, we’ve mapped out the route for you to share in their adventure – so, off you go!

Route Information

Stats: 30.42 km 1,372 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay: Grindelwald is a toursit centre and has ample options for accommodation and refreshments. As one of the best mountain villages in the Bernese Alps, it’s a great base for a mountain holiday.

Character: Tough and steep, with a technical descent. You need good fitness and good handling skills for this route. The single track descent is testing but amazing.

Route

As mentioned earlier, the cable cars are somewhat restricted for bikes. There are buses however, and these can be used on occasions. The alternative is to take the asphalt pass road leading to Grosse Scheidegg.

This route then continues on a gravel road to First and Lake Bachalp and epic views of the Swiss Alps. The route is well signed and with the GPX and a map in hand, you can enjoy the 13 km descent all the back to town.

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Masham Moor Gravel Route

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:50:08 +0000

Masham Moor Gravel Bike Route

Adventure cycling on the edge of the Dales

This short but testing ride will take you from the historic market town of Masham – home to Theakston’s Brewery – onto the epic moorland trails of the Dales. These dusty and rocky tracks are a great place to explore away from the crowds, and this ride leads to some amazing descents, through lined gravel lanes, and finishing through the local Nutwith Woods, to Nutwith Common and back into Masham for refreshments.

Masham is a great place to stay for a weekend gravel riding, and this route is a great introductory ride to set you off with.

Route Information

Stats 35.5 km 681 metres

Ordnance Survey Map:

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Masham is a great place to stay, and the White Bear, owned by Theakston’s Brewery is our choice. The café on the square, also known as ‘Johnny Baghdad’s’ is our café of choice too.

Character

A route with a tough climb to begin with, but rewarded with epic gravelly descents and winding tracks on good terrain. A superb introduction ride the gravel routes in the Yorkshire Dales area.

Nutwith Woods is owned by the Swinton Estate, so please abide by the signs and be considerate when passing through this area.

Route

From the market square in Masham, ride out towards the old Methodist Chapel on Thorpe Road, then turning off to the right and heading past Swinton Park as you climb the steep hill of Warthermarske.
Keep on to the village of Ilton, at 3 miles, then turn off on the left onto the bridleway and head up and over Masham Moor towards the track junction at High Langwith Cross (OS Maps).
Keep on towards Arnagill Moor, until you reach the track junction on the left, signed for the ‘Six Dales Trails’ – take this.
Continue along this fast and dusty track until it descents and evens out alongside trees on the right, and a track junction is reached above Ramsgill. Turn left here and climb the steep track alongside Covell House Moor (OS map) towards Dallowgill, passing through a gate before descending into Dallowgill itself.
Follow the broken road alongside the moorland, then turning off at Carlesmoor and following this track around the winding terrain above Carlesmoor Beck.
As you leave this track and rejoin the road, turn left and then almost immediately left again, onto the bridleway towards Bagwith House. Now follow the Ripon Rowell signs until you meet the bridleway at Wreaks Lane, turning down this and descending to Wreaks Beck. Then, climb up to the farms and take the bridleway on the left that climbs to Bramley Grange.
At the road, turn right and ride to Nutwith Woods, then abiding by signs as you descent the woodland to Nutwith Common.
Follow the road back into Masham – voila!

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VOTEC Gravel Fondo Route – Heidelberg Germany

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:15:38 +0000

VOTEC Gravel Fondo Heidelberg Germany

A ride into history, and the wine area of southern Germany

Heidelberg is well-known across the world for its historic centre; especially the 14th century university – the oldest in Germany. Being alongside the beautiful Neckar River in southwestern Germany, Heidelberg is a wealth of culture and history, with the venerable Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century, the Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church, which towers over the cafe-lined Marktplatz, a town square in the Altstadt (Old Town). The red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a noted example of Renaissance architecture, stand sentinel over Heidelberg, on Königstuhl hill.

It’s a town to stay for a few days in, to stand on the historical stone bridge and to see the town lit up at night, as you enjoy a mini cycling break, with culture for after the gravel trails.

For more information, visit the local tourism website for Heidelberg by clicking here

Route Information

Stats 77 km 1,869 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Heidelberg has been welcoming visitors for centuries and has ample choices for refreshments and places to stay. The Fresko Cafe & Bar is a good place to get great coffee from, and can be found at Sofienstraße 29, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.

Character

The tracks and trails are all reasonable for experienced riders. The Heidelberg area is famed for its history and culture, and the magnificent university. The ride heads out of the town and rolls around the forested hills on tracks and comfortable trails, and has ample opportunity to extend the ride in places, if you want a longer challenge. Ruined castles are all over this area, and it’s a history lovers paradise.

Route

This route requires you to follow the GPX file.
Cross over the bridge from the old town of Heidelberg and turn right towards the trees and parkland that winds towards the Philosophers” Way – Philosophen Weg on Google Maps.
The GPX route guides you along tracks and trails, surrounded by the trees, as you climb and fall, and pass several small monuments.
Once the initial climbing and descending is done, at the 37 km point, an 8 km steady climb takes you to a high point, after which a series of rolling climbs leads you forward, traversing the tree-lined hillsides above Heidelberg.
The final climb begins some 15 km from Heidelberg, alongside the Neckar River at the small but amazing, four-castle town of Neckarsteinach. Once this final climb is done, it’s a fast descent back into Heidelberg and refreshments.

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Regensburg to Kelheim Gravel Ride

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:38:07 +0000

Regensburg to Kelheim Gravel Ride

A ride into history

This reasonably short adventure gravel ride takes on the culture and history of this wine loving area of Germany and Bavaria. From the majestic history of the 12th-century stone bridge in Regensburg, you follow the river, before heading into the forests near to historic Kelheim – famed for spectacular caves and castles, before riding back to Regensburg via the river.

It’s a ride to combine with a weekend in Regensburg, taking in the history and culture of this spectacular part of Bavaria. Next to Regensburg Cathedral, the Stone Bridge is Regensburg’s most important landmark and a UNESCO site. With the start of construction in 1135, the Stone Bridge is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture and is the oldest preserved bridge in Germany and a great place to start and finish a ride into adventure from.

For more information about visiting Regensburg, visit their tourism website HERE

Route Information

Stats 70 km 1,003 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Regensburg has ample choices, such as the great burger restaurant at Adolf-Schmetzer-Straße 5. Once you get into the forests near Kelheim, a slight detour allows you to enjoy the cafe in the trees at Restaurant Frauenhäusl, which is marked on our Google map.

Character

The tracks and trails are all reasonable for experienced riders. The Regensburg area is famed for its history and culture, and wine – and this ride follows the river, before heading into the forests and exploring the trails between Regensburg and historic Kelheim, famed for caves and ruined castles

Route

This route requires you to follow the GPX file.
Follow the track from Regensburg along the south side of the Danube, then crossing the river to the hamlet of Riegling after 6.5 km.
Ride via Sinzing onto the riverside track on the north side of the Danube, to the hamlet of Gundelshausen, then turning right and riding to Kapfelburg, and climbing into the forested hills towards Wallner Kapelle at 32 km.
Descend towards Kelheim and then ride to a point where you cross over the earlier ascending track, this time climbing rolling tracks and skirting the hamlet of Saxberg, then passing the chapel at Zuylenkapelle. The track rolls you towards Alte Eich, a photo opportunity spot, before descending steeply and shortly back to the riverside paths that return you to Regensburg.

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Munich to Starnberger See Gravel Ride

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 13:07:51 +0000

Munich to Starnberger See Gravel Ride

Glorious gravel biking from Bayern Grevet

This epic gravel bike route from Munich is taken from a recent Bayern-Grevet series of gravel biking events. It takes you on either a long, one day excursion, or better still, a two-day trip into the amazing German countryside of Bavaria. Lake Starnbeger is one of the largest lakes in Germany, and is a popular trip for people from Munich, and so makes the ideal gravel biking adventure from Munich.

Route Information

Stats 154 km 1,352 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Starnberger Lake is a tourism hotspot and so has all that you need for accommodation options and places to stop off for refreshments. Likewise, once back at Munich, there are ample options.

Character

The tracks and trails are all reasonable for experienced riders. Fitness is key though, and so don’t overstretch yourself. There is one section of this route, for approximately 0.4km where you will need to dismount and walk, as cycling on that section is forbidden, and as such we support this requirement. Let’s cycle sensibly and stick to the rules please. It’s a long and flowing route, with the majority of the ride on gravel tracks or cycling trails. Over 110 km of the route is on paths or gravel trails, with 4 km of singletrack in the forests. Make sure that you are fit enough to complete this ride, and take sufficient tools and equipment with you.

If you are taking a 2-day ride, then consider using a Tailfin cycling pannier for lightness and ease of use.

Route

* Part of this route requires you to dismount and walk for 0.37 km. Please do so and cycle sensibly for all of us.

This route requires you to follow the GPX file, as it is long and complex. The ride starts in the wooded parkland at Tischler Strasse, before heading around the town of Gauting, and continuing on the gravel trails to Starnberg itself.
From here, a series of twists and turns take you into the countryside, with views over the lake itself, before arriving, after 100 km at the southern edge of the lake, where we suggest an overnight stay.
Once rested and refreshed, load up the bike and head back into the forests and rolling trails, all the way back to Munich. The return journey skirts several hamlets and villages, where you can detour for refreshments.

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Mittenwald-Ehrwald from Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bike Route

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:16:25 +0000

Mittenwald-Ehrwald from Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Gravel biking in the Bavarian Alps

Munich needs no introduction, but the countryside around this amazing Bavarian city is also worth exploring. Whilst many people consider a city break to Munich, we believe that it’s time for cyclists to consider a cycling holiday in Bavaria and Munich, too. After all, it’s the gateway to the German mountains and the Alps, and borders with spectacular mountain scenery in Austria and Switzerland too.

This one-day gravel bike route takes you from the centre Garmisch and the Bavarian Alps,

Route Information

Stats 75 km 1,091 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Garmisch is used to catering for tourists and cyclists, so there’s ample choices of biker friendly places to stay.

In terms of food, once again, this is Germany, and you’ll find everything that you need. On the ride however, take plenty of drinks and snacks, as this is a ride into the mountains and you’ll need lots of energy. However, at 52 km you’ll be pleased to reach the village of Ehrwald in the Tyrol, where you can find a good cafe to rest, eat and drink, before the final ride section back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Character

The tracks and trails are all reasonable for experienced riders. Fitness is key though, and so don’t overstretch yourself. There are some steep hills on the ride, and one with an average of 4.7% for over 2.5 km, so make sure that you and your bike is equipped for the adventure.

Route

Leave Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the E533 road. It’s an excellent road and will allow you to build up time. At Kranzbach, 11.4km leave the road onto the st2542 road, and stay on this until the picturesque village of Mittenwald (16 km
Leave Mittenwald on Leutascher Strasse, and ride along this amazing single track road, over the border and into Austria, with limestone cliffs on one side and trees all around you, and the river close at hand (Leutascher Ache), and with epic views through the trees and into the alpine countryside.
At 25 km, the hamlet of Lochlehn is reached and the scenery opens up. After 33 km, on reaching the village of Klamm, the route steepens sharply.
At the road junction in Klamm, a series of road signs (near to the alpine map), point in a variety of directions. Keep the small white painted building on your right and the alpine map (in the wooden edged glass case) on your left, and climb the narrow road upwards into the tree lined mountains of the Tyrol, with the river, Leutascher Ache, to your left hand side.
By the time you reach the mountain hamlet of Ehrwalder Alm at 46 km, you’ll be on good quality gravel and ready to rest. Stay focused though, as a mere 4 km away, there’s a lots of options to look after you. Thankfully, it’s downhill from here on in, and you’ll be able to make the most of the friendly gradients. It’s a steep downhill, until reaching the large village of Ehrwald.
On reaching the small grassy centre plaza in Ehrwald itself, a road junction is reached. Turn right at this, onto Haupt Strasse, keeping the large ‘Ski for rent’ store to your left. Take time in Ehrwald to rest and replenish energy.
Once you do set off again, you’ll soon be crossing the border and back into Bavaria. It’s a gentle ride back now to Garmisch.

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Munich to Tegernsee with Bad Tölz gravel bike route

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:46:43 +0000

Munich to Tegernsee with Bad Tölz

Gravel biking in the Bavarian countryside

This one-day gravel bike route takes you from the centre of Munich, out to the shores of the lake at Tegernsee, surrounded by the forested mountains of Bavaria, and with the Alps in view. We then cycle back via the magical town of Bad Tölz, giving you even more spectacular views of the Bavarian mountains, along with superb forest and riverside riding too. All that’s required from you is a sense of adventure – let’s go exploring Bavaria, by bike!

Route Information

Stats 141 km 855 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

This is a long day on the bike, which can be split into a 2-day gravel bike ride if you choose. That being so, we’d recommend staying at Bad Tolz, amidst the medieval beauty and amazing streets filled with colour and history. Both at Tegernsee and Bad Tolz, there are ample choices for refreshments. However, for a long ride such as this, always take plenty of drinks and snacks along, too.

Character

This ride follows cycleways alongside roads, quiet roads, country lanes and forested tracks too. The surfaces are all good and we recommend using a gravel bike, for gearing and comfort. The route climbs steadily, as you’d expect, heading out into the hills and mountains of Bavaria. However, there’s nothing too steep along the way, and the gradient is in your favour along the ride back into Munich.

Image courtesy of Tegernsee.com

Route

Whilst we’ve suggested Bavaria Park in Munich as the starting point for this ride, you can begin the ride anywhere in the city. Simply head of Munch towards the Isar River, picking up the riverside path.
Once you’ve crossed over the rail line, you’ll soon turn towards the St2072 road. Cross over this into the forests and ride along Grenz Geraumt, to a point where the cycle track then follows the direction of the rail line southwards.
At 12 km, cross the rail line and follow the forest tracks towards Furth, crossing the junction of roads and skirting around the norther edges of the small town of Furth, before heading back into the forest and southwards towards the small town of Sauerlach.
Leave the town along Muhlweg, crossing the rail line once more, and ride south-west, crossing over the autobahn, on Taxen Geraumt, and follow this route until the junction with Markweg at the 30 km point. Turn right and then left, and then 3rd right onto Haupt Geraunt, riding through the Holfoldinger Forest towards Kreuz Strasse (maps) – follow our GPX.
Winding roads and lanes now follow the Mangfall River all the way to the beautiful valley and lake at Tegernsee.
From Tegensee, weave your way westwards via Marienstein, into the forest alongside the Schierlach River, and then alongside the Große Gaißach. Pick up the Isar River and the roads that lead northwards into the town at Bad Bad Tölz. Now could be the perfect time and the perfect place to stay, and to explore this magical little town.
Once rested, either on the day or overnight, simply follow the Isar River bike route all the way back to Munich, taking in the amazing views along the river and in the forests.

Isar River route details here, for further exploration and rides

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Bavaria 5 Rivers Cycle Route

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 12:56:12 +0000

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. In terms of refreshments and places to stay, 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

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

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

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

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

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!

Robert Thorpe Bikecation – pedalnorth

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