The Main is the longest right tributary of the Rhine with 527 km.
The Main rises in the Fichtelgebirge and in the Franconian Alb. Near the castle Steinenhausen the two spring rivers merge and become the actual Main.
The Main flows slowly and on the shore you can sometimes still feel the breath of bygone times. The river flows from east to west, through Upper Franconia, Lower Franconia and Southern Hesse. The Main River crosses the city of Schweinfurt. Here the bike path changes the shore side and a ferry brings people and bicycles over. In the vicinity of Volkach, rows of steep vineyards pass by – here the heart of wine congeners beats faster. At the Mainschleife you sometimes feel swiped. In Volkach alone there are twelve winemakers and there is nothing in the way of a nice wine tasting. Cyclists do not have to thirst or starve on the Main cycle path. You’d better know the problem of deciding to stop.
How about a nice beer garden, a break in the hedge farm or in the restaurant just behind the next bend of the river? The Main Cycle Path is one of the most popular cycle routes in Germany and the beautiful refreshments are just one reason for this. The Main Cycle Path is a largely flat route and between solitude and unspoiled nature you can expect numerous beautiful Main towns and cities such as Würzburg and Wertheim.
From Würzburg, the landscape changes and creates a beautiful and varied cycling trip. Idyllic but less lonely, it is here on the Main. There are more cruise ships on the way here and there are many other towns worth seeing on this part of the Main, including Miltenberg and Aschaffenburg.
Fascinating cities and enchanted places on the Main.
Bamberg
Bamberg is probably the most popular place to start your cycling trip along the Main. Anyone who wants to take our Main Star Trip to the beautiful region around Bamberg can take a variety of excursions from this fascinating city.
The city is a World Heritage Site and always enchants visitors anew with its impressive old town. Famous sights such as the Old Town Hall, the Imperial Cathedral, the Rose Garden or the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre attracts visitors to the Franconian city of culture. The old town is characterized by its well-preserved buildings from the 11th and 19th centuries. If you get involved in the city in peace, you will not only discover culture, but also a lively city centre with many cafés and innumerable brewery restaurants.
Schweinfurt
The city has a lot to offer in terms of nature and enjoyment. Here you can enjoy the view over the castles and castles or take a leisurely stroll through the old town. Visit Schloss Werneck or the historic town hall from the Renaissance period. Particularly worth seeing is the district of Zurich with its city walls and small streets. Schweinfurt is a town in Lower Franconia, Germany. A well-known university town with a lively harbour centrally located on the Main.
Kitzingen
In Kitzingen and along the Main, wine growing and trading is an important economic sector. Everywhere along the Main you can enjoy a special drop. In Kitzingen you will also find the Kitzinger Alte Mainbrücke – one of the six medieval Mainbrücken Lower Franconia. The Old Main Bridge is closed to motorized traffic and offers a wonderful view of the city. In summer, you can enjoy the town shop on the bridge.
Marktheidenfeld
Idyllically located between Würzburg and Aschaffenburg, this vibrant little town offers lots of charm. Located directly on the Main, you can walk through lanes with half-timbered houses and on nature trails to the historic city centre. The romantic Main cycle path as well as a diverse gastronomy make this city a popular destination.
Miltenberg
Medieval half-timbered buildings and a lively history await you here. Nestled between the hills of Spessart and Odenwald, Miltenberg is romantically located on the Main. Miltenberg is particularly famous for its historic Old Town and the “Schnatterloch” on the historic market square.
Aschaffenburg
This city is always worth a trip! Visit Johannisburg Castle – it is built of red stone and is one of the most important and beautiful buildings of the late German Renaissance. Not far from the castle is the varied castle garden with a charming arcade lane. And especially recommendable is the Abbey Basilica of St. Peter and Alexander. The Abbey Basilica is richly equipped with outstanding works of art history.
Volkach
This place is particularly known for the Main loop. The only place on the entire Main where the river actually makes a loop. The wine town has a history spanning over 1100 years. Around a quarter of Franconian vineyards are cultivated at the Mainschleife. Some of Germany’s best winemakers are at home here and spoil every wine lover’s palate.
Würzburg
Here you can admire buildings in Baroque and Rococo style, especially famous for this is the Würzburg Residenz from the 18th century. With its numerous wine taverns, wine cellars and wineries, Würzburg does honour to the saying – Main and wine belong together. The Marienberg Fortress, the old Main Bridge, the St. Kilian Cathedral, the Marienkapelle are just some of the many sights of this city.
