Cycling day trip from Rothenburg upon Tauber to Wertheim am Main

This ride sets out from picture-perfect Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a medieval gem famous for its intact city walls, half-timbered houses, and cobbled lanes that look straight out of a fairy tale. From here, you’ll roll northeast, weaving through the lush Franconian countryside on a mix of paved tracks and quiet rural roads.

The route covers just under 88 km, with some gentle climbs (total ascent: 1,200+ meters!) but also plenty of rewarding descents. You’ll enjoy long stretches of silence broken only by birdsong, passing villages with timbered barns, flowering fields, and the occasional castle silhouette on a distant hill. Most of your ride is on cycle-friendly surfaces, with just enough twists in the road to keep things interesting.

As you descend towards Wertheim am Main, you’ll spot the riverside town’s quirky blend of Franconian and Baden-Württemberg charm. It’s famous for Wertheim Castle—peer down from its romantic, ivy-clad ruins for a great view over the Main river. Arriving here feels like a well-earned storybook ending to your day in the saddle!