Main Cycleway (Main-Radweg)

The Main Cycle Route follows the gentle, meandering course of the Main River through some of Germany's most rewarding cycling territory. Starting at the sources of the White and Red Main near Kulmbach in Upper Franconia, this route winds through the heart of Bavaria and Hesse before reaching the Rhine in Mainz. The path seamlessly connects Franconia's celebrated wine regions with its renowned beer territories, creating a journey that satisfies both the cycling enthusiast and the cultural explorer.

This route earned distinction as Germany's first cycle path to receive the prestigious 5-star ADFC certification, recognizing its exceptional infrastructure and scenic value. The path maintains remarkable consistency in quality while offering constant variety in landscapes and experiences, from the rolling hills of Franconian wine country to the historic centers of Bamberg, Würzburg, and Frankfurt.

Essential Route Information

• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, suitable for all cyclists
• Elevation profile: Mostly flat with gentle gradients; more challenging sections along the source rivers
• Surface types: 90% asphalted paths, excellent quality throughout
• Route type: Dedicated cycle paths and quiet rural roads; 77% of route wider than 2.50 meters
• Recommended direction: Either direction works well
• Recommended bike: Touring bike, hybrid, or e-bike
• Certification: 5-star ADFC rating (first German cycle route to achieve this distinction)

Route Marking & Navigation

The Main Cycle Route features excellent signage throughout its entire length, marked with the distinctive Main Cycle Route logo in both directions. The route follows a practical approach where only one riverbank is officially signposted, though both sides remain cyclable in many sections. Navigation remains straightforward as the path consistently follows the river's natural course, with 90% of the route passing through natural and scenic areas that provide constant visual reference points.

Best Direction & Season

The route works equally well in both directions, allowing cyclists to choose based on their preferred starting point or logistical considerations. The Main Cycle Route operates as part of the D-Route 5 "Saar-Mosel-Main" system, making it easily connectable with other major German cycling routes.

• April to October: Primary cycling season with optimal conditions
• Spring (April-May): Awakening nature and pleasant temperatures
• Summer (June-August): Peak season with full infrastructure open
• Autumn (September-October): Harvest season in wine regions with golden landscapes

Key Destinations & Highlights

The route connects an impressive collection of historic cities and cultural treasures. Bamberg serves as a major highlight with its completely preserved old town ensemble and vibrant beer tradition, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The path continues through the wine region around Würzburg, the medieval charm of Wertheim, and the scenic Volkach wine loop in the heart of Franconian wine country.

• Bayreuth: Festival city and official starting point
• Bamberg: UNESCO World Heritage site with exceptional beer culture
• Würzburg: Historic bishop's city in the heart of wine country
• Miltenberg: Medieval half-timbered town
• Aschaffenburg: "Bavarian Nice" with elegant architecture
• Frankfurt am Main: International metropolis with distinctive skyline
• Mainz: Historic cathedral city at the route's end

Culinary Highlights

The Main Cycle Route offers exceptional culinary diversity, transitioning from Franconia's beer culture to its renowned wine regions. Beer enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, particularly around Bamberg with its unique smoked beer tradition and countless traditional breweries. The route then transitions into Franconian wine country, where cyclists can explore the distinctive wine loop around Volkach and sample the region's celebrated wines.

• Traditional Franconian beer varieties, including Bamberg's famous smoked beer
• Franconian wines from the Main triangle region
• Regional specialties highlighting local ingredients
• Traditional beer gardens offering cyclist-friendly atmosphere

Accommodation Options

The route boasts excellent accommodation infrastructure with numerous Bett+Bike certified establishments and cyclist-friendly guesthouses distributed along the entire path. The annual inspection process ensures consistent quality and cyclist-specific services throughout the route.

• Bett+Bike certified accommodations: Extensive network of cyclist-friendly hotels and guesthouses
• Traditional guesthouses: Family-run establishments with local character
• Hotels: Full-service options in major cities along the route
• Camping: Designated camping areas in scenic locations

Access & Transportation

Getting There: All major towns along the Main connect to Germany's highway network and rail system. The route's endpoints in Bayreuth and Mainz offer excellent public transport connections, with regional and long-distance train services available throughout the route.

Getting Back: Multiple railway lines run parallel to the Main's course, providing convenient options for shortening stages or returning to starting points. During summer months, boat services between Aschaffenburg and Bamberg offer an alternative transport option.

Practical Considerations

The Main Cycle Route sets the standard for German cycle tourism infrastructure. The route undergoes annual inspection for path conditions, signage quality, and route optimization, ensuring consistent quality throughout. Bicycle service stations and repair shops are strategically located along the route, providing support when needed.

Route characteristics support various cycling styles:

• Family-friendly with wide paths suitable for child trailers
• Beginner-friendly with manageable daily distances
• Suitable for road bikes between Bamberg-Gemünden and Wertheim-Aschaffenburg
• Traffic-separated paths allow children to cycle independently on many sections

Final Tips

The Main Cycle Route demonstrates excellent German cycle tourism infrastructure, combining outstanding facilities with remarkable scenic and cultural diversity. The route's 5-star ADFC certification reflects its outstanding quality, while the gentle gradients and excellent path conditions make it accessible to cyclists of all abilities.

Consider extending your journey by connecting with the Tauber Valley route for additional medieval charm, or explore the "Yellow Wave" canoe route information system if you're interested in experiencing the Main from a different perspective. The route's integration into the D-Route 5 system also opens possibilities for longer cycling adventures through Germany's most scenic river valleys.