My 14 day Quarantine, after arriving from Spain, was quick and is now well over! And as Germany and Bavaria are still in lockdown throughout May, I am spending my days mostly outdoors. Walking and cycling happily every day! As long as the weather permits of course! Where do I go? Well, as I am in one of the bigger Nature Parks of Bavaria (the Altmühltal Nature Park), cycling the Altmuehltal Radweg is pretty easy! Nothing like following a river through beautiful landscapes and scenery.
Reminds me a little bit of my Main river cycling trip.
Besides my longer cycling trips, it is just great to cycle to the shops, the local bakery, and even the local Biergarden! Short or long, I am on my bike almost every day, enjoying the stunning area.
Dietfurt 
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Cycling the Altmuehltal Radweg
With an overall lengths of 243 km the Altmuehltal Radweg (or ‘Altmühltal Fahrradweg’, from Rothenburg to Kehlheim) is one of the many popular cycling paths in Germany (see full path here).
The Altmühltal Nature Park is also home to the famous Archaeopteryx fossils, the link in the evolutionary chain that connects reptiles to birds. Keen to visit Jurassic Park? You will find it all here, in Altmuehltal, where you can go back over the geologic history of Earth and search for fossils in some of the stone quarries of the region. (Find out more here).
Personally, I admit, I haven’t explored the rocks or history too much. I just like looking at it on my cycling trips. That is ok as well, isn’t it?
And when I don’t cycle (or walk, or run) I just hang out in the Garden. After all, it is spring in Germany, and we are still in the Coronavirus lockdown. So I can’t really go too far! Yet!!
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Cycling Treuchtlingen – Eichstätt, approx. 40km one way
I like this cycling route. This particular Radweg leads you through beautiful scenery, fields of greenery, forests and the most unique rock formations. Not to mention the famous German version of the ‘12 Apostels’. I also like the old castle of Pappenheim, that appears around the corner coming from Dietfurt (Treuchtlingen). It is very pretty and enjoyable!
I have cycled the path towards Eichstätt many times already, although only once all the way to the stunning Baroque Style city of Eichstätt. Definitely worth a visit and stop. My normal ride, depending on how strong my legs feel, is a 25km ride to Dollnstein (back 50km) seems to be my most common route. Always passing the 12 Apostels.
I have also noticed that I didn’t take any photos of Eichstätt. But I think it was cloudy and not very photogenic when I was there. So I will post some next time..
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Cycling Treuchtlingen – Gunzenhausen, approx. 30km one way
Cycling the Altmuehltal Radweg north, towards Gunzenhausen is very different and definitely more flat. I basically follow the train line until I reach Gunzenhausen. Although, as much as a flat cycling route is nice, due to the open landscape, it seems much windier. So make sure you check the wind directions before cycling.
As for the town Gunzenhausen, cycling through the pretty centre was enough to leave a great impression. I will be back! Let’s say, on the day I visited, I was cycling 30km against the wind (I forgot to check the direction), and only enjoyed a short break and cold drink before making my way back.
The way back was with the wind and therefore much easier. Not to mention quick. And the best after a long cycling trip? Enjoying another cold drink, this time at the local Biergarden. Open again!
And so…
And so, the weeks go by easily, as I am settling in nicely, keeping fit. That said, as the hotels will open up in small steps, all around Germany, in June, I might leave the Altmuehltal Radweg behind and explore other cycling routes, outside the Altmühltal Nature Park, but still in Germany. There are definitely a few to choose from!
I wonder where I go first? Because even in June, staying outdoors and away from too many people and bigger crowds, seems to be the best thing to do!
