Adventure Bike Tour for the Whole Family
- Die Radkultur Rothenburg
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
56 km through forests, villages, and to Colmberg Castle
Pedal Knights & Panoramic Bliss: The Great Frankenhöhe Loop from Rothenburg
Who says Rothenburg ob der Tauber is only for strolling through medieval alleys? Grab one of our rental bikes, leave the city walls behind, and dive into the heart of Romantic Franconia.
Today, we’re taking you along one of our absolute favorite routes: A 56-kilometer loop that leads you through Franconian villages, past beautiful lakes, and to a historic castle. This tour perfectly showcases the diversity tucked between the Tauber River and the source of the Altmühl. Pack your water bottle – let’s go!
Quick Tip: While the pure cycling time is about 4.5 hours, the stops along the way are so inviting that you should definitely plan this as a full-day trip. It’s a dream for families: with two swimming lakes, a barefoot path, a Western ranch, a knight’s castle, wakeboarding, and alpacas on the program, you might not want to leave!
The Ascent
We leave Rothenburg heading east on the "Fränkischer WasserRadweg" (Franconian Water Bike Trail). The first stretch to Neusitz is nice and relaxed. Just past the edge of town and the idyllic fish ponds, the "sporty" part of the day begins: the only significant climb of the tour leads us up into the mixed forests of the Schäferberg. But don't worry—with our e-bikes, it’s a breeze! Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful shaded paths where you can glide through the green canopy in the summer heat.
Action & Cooling Down in Nordenberg
Wir verlassen Rothenburg über das kleine Wachsenberg und steuern zuerst Linden an. Hier oben auf der Frankenhöhe rollt es sich herrlich. Unser erster großer Stopp ist Nordenberg, und hier solltet ihr definitiv kurz vom Sattel steigen. Hier ist für jeden Radler-Typ etwas dabei:
Western Fans: Experience a touch of cowboy flair at the Old West Ranch.
Water Lovers: The Nepermuk forest swimming pool is the perfect place to cool your legs (there’s also a cozy inn for a cold drink).
Nature Purists: Give your feet a break from your cycling shoes and take a stroll on the Barefoot Path in the forest.
Next, we pedal to Windelsbach – keep an eye out for the Kost Kamm wood workshop, where beautiful brushes and combs are still handcrafted from regional wood. Via Hornau, we reach a very special spot: the Source of the Altmühl River. We pass Burghausen and cycle through Binzwangen, with it's historic village centre and church, toward the region’s most famous landmark.
The Highlight: Majestic Colmberg Castle
Visible from miles away, Colmberg Castle towers over the valley. Coming from Binzwangen, you’ll have a perfect view of this 1,000-year-old, phenomenally preserved fortress. Take your time for the short climb up to the castle:
For Families: The fallow deer enclosure right by the walls is a highlight for all ages. There is also a small playground for little knights and princesses in the courtyard.
Views & Flair: The courtyard transports you straight back to the Middle Ages and offers great views of the surrounding countryside.
For Foodies: If you need a break, the castle’s restaurant is top-tier for a coffee break or authentic Franconian cuisine.
The Flat Finale: Waterways & Mohrenhof
After visiting the castle, it’s all downhill and flat. We follow the bike path toward Dornhausen, where we meet the young Altmühl river. The route now winds through the water-rich plains of the Sulzach and Ödenbach streams. Via Kreuth (stop at the farm shop for snacks!), we reach Lauterbach.
Here at the Mohrenhof, you can truly let the day fade away. It’s an adventure world of its own: watch alpacas and goats, see the wakeboarders on the lake, or jump in the water yourself.
The final stretch takes us from Lauterbach along the Hirtenbach stream. We pass through Morlitzwinden and enjoy the cool forests of the Schäferberg one last time before a final descent via Neusitz brings the towers of Rothenburg back into view.
Tour at a Glance:
Distance: approx. 56 km (Circular route)
Pure Cycling Time: approx. 4.5 hours
Route: Rothenburg – Nordenberg – Windelsbach – Binzwangen – Colmberg – Lauterbach – Neusitz – Rothenburg.
Get the tour on your phone
To make sure you can focus entirely on the scenery, we’ve mapped out the entire route for you on Komoot. Komoot is a handy navigation app for cyclists that you can easily download to your smartphone. It keeps the entire route and all the highlights right in your pocket, providing easy turn-by-turn directions while you ride.
Check out the tour here: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2888494127
E-Bike or Conventional Bike?
For these 56 kilometers, we clearly recommend an e-bike. The steep climb to the Frankenhöhe ridge right at the start is much more enjoyable with a motor. You’ll arrive at the top relaxed and still have plenty of energy to enjoy the stops at the castle and the lakes.
Our e-bikes are perfectly equipped for this adventure. You can book your bike directly online and start your tour right at our shop in Rothenburg! Renting locally at Radkultur means no stress with transport or delivery – you start and end exactly where the trail begins.
Rent your bike in Rothenburg online starting at €18/day
For more information, detailed maps, and further tour suggestions, visit: https://www.rothenburg.de/erleben/aktiv-sein/radeln
Book your rental bike in Rothenburg online now!
