Main Cycle Path with a Child: From Bamberg to Würzburg

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This trip is planned for 20 Sept – 25 Sept 2027.

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Day 1 · Mon 20/09 2:36 hr

Arrival in Bamberg and first stroll

Arriving in the World Heritage town

No cycling on arrival day, just arriving and taking in the town at your own pace.

After the train journey, a stop at a playground does you good: the playground by Hain Park sits idyllically on the Regnitz.

Start

Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof

Your journey starts here. With bikes and trailer, you travel by train to Bamberg. Book bicycle spaces in advance for regional trains or ICE services with a bicycle compartment.

193 km · 2:30 hr · 60–120 €
1
Town

Bamberg Old Town

Bamberg's old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and is a dream of half-timbering, Baroque façades and cobblestones. The Old Town Hall, perched in the middle of the Regnitz, delights even small children, and there's something to discover round every corner of the narrow lanes.

child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

· 6 min
Stay

Hotel Nepomuk

A hotel right by the water in an old mill, central yet peaceful. Bicycles are stored securely, and it's just a short walk over the bridge into the old town.

120–160 € / night child-friendly

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 2 · Tue 21/09 42 min

Exploring Bamberg and enjoying the Hain

Rest day with culture and a playground

A deliberate rest day with no cycling, to gather strength before the riding days ahead.

The climb up to the cathedral is steep; take your time and plan a break on Domplatz.

2
Sight

Bamberger Dom

The four-towered Bamberger Dom towers over the city and houses the famous Bamberger Reiter. The Domplatz with the Alte Hofhaltung is spacious and ideal for children who want to let off steam.

0 € child-friendly
Website
1 km · 9 min
3
Sight

Klein-Venedig

The old fishing settlement with its half-timbered houses right by the water is Bamberg's postcard image. A short stroll along the bank, with views of the little gardens and boats, is enjoyable even for four-year-olds.

0 € child-friendly
Website
2 km · 18 min
4
Nature

Hain Park and Regnitz riverside

The Hain is Bamberg's large riverside park for locals, with wide meadows, old trees and playgrounds. Perfect for spreading out a blanket after your walk round town and letting your child play.

0 € child-friendly
View on map
Another night: Hotel Nepomuk
Day 3 · Wed 22/09 2:06 hr

From Bamberg to Eltmann am Main

First stage on the Main Cycle Path

About 27 km, flat, a gentle start with your child in the trailer.

Your luggage is transported directly to the next accommodation, so you only carry your day bag.

The climb up to the hill fort is optional and on foot; with a tired child, it's better to stay down by the river.

5
Activity

Bamberg harbour cycle path to the Main

On the edge of Bamberg you'll join the Main Cycle Path, which from here runs flat and well signposted downstream. The route mostly runs away from roads, alongside fields and riverside woodland.

child-friendly
View on map
10 km · 40 min
6
Nature

World Heritage town and locks at Viereth

The Viereth barrage makes for an exciting stop along the way: children love watching ships rise and fall in the lock. Peaceful riverside meadows all around are perfect for a break.

0 € child-friendly
View on map
12 km · 1:20 hr
7
Town

Eltmann with hill fort

The little town of Eltmann sits picturesquely on the Main beneath the old hill fort. A path leads up from the town to the ruin with its viewing tower; down by the river there's a playground to round off the day.

child-friendly
Website
· 5 min
Stay

Hotel Gasthof Krone Eltmann

A family-run Franconian inn right in the centre of town with hearty local cooking and secure bike storage. A great place for a proper Franconian meal after the first day's ride.

75–105 € / night child-friendly

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 4 · Thu 23/09 1:24 hr

From Eltmann to Haßfurt and Zeil

Half-timbering and riverside breaks

Only around 15 km of actual cycling, leaving plenty of time for Zeil and Haßfurt.

Early afternoon is left free for a playground and an ice cream break by the river.

10 km · 32 min
8
Town

Zeil am Main

Zeil am Main is one of the region's prettiest half-timbered towns, with an atmospheric market square and the Zeiler Käppele on the hill. A stroll through the lanes is well worth it before heading back to the riverbank.

0 € child-friendly
Website
9 km · 38 min
9
Sight

Haßfurt Ritterkapelle and old town

Haßfurt greets you with towers from the old town fortifications and the Gothic Ritterkapelle. The compact town centre is easy to explore on foot with your child, and there are shady spots to rest along the Main.

0 € child-friendly
Website
1 km · 7 min
10
Activity

Riverside playground at Haßfurt

Right by the river lies a spacious playground with views over the water. The perfect place to let your child run around after the day's ride, while the bikes take a break.

0 € child-friendly
Website
1 km · 9 min
Stay

Hotel Walfisch Haßfurt

A centrally located town hotel with family-friendly facilities and a place to store the bikes. From here, the market square and the Main riverbank are just a few minutes' walk away.

85–120 € / night child-friendly

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 5 · Fri 24/09 2:06 hr

From Haßfurt to Schweinfurt

Along the great Main

At around 34 km, the longest stage of the trip, but flat throughout.

Split the ride with a good long lunch break in the Mainaue meadows, so your child doesn't have to sit in the trailer too long at a stretch.

6 km · 26 min
11
Nature

Wonfurt and the Main loop

Between Haßfurt and Schweinfurt, the river keeps you company through wide meadows and small villages. Views of the Main open up again and again, ideal for short drink breaks.

child-friendly
Website
21 km · 1:12 hr
12
Town

Schweinfurt fortifications and museums

Schweinfurt surprises with its historic fortifications, lovely market square and expansive riverside promenade. The Mainpromenade invites you to linger and offers several play areas for children.

0 € child-friendly
Website
3 km · 15 min
13
Activity

Wildpark an den Eichen

On the edge of town lies a freely accessible wildlife park with red deer, wild boar and a playground. A peaceful, nature-filled end to the day's ride that four-year-olds love.

0 € child-friendly
Website
3 km · 15 min
Stay

Hotel Ross Schweinfurt

A traditional establishment in the town centre, well suited to families and with the option of secure bike storage. Restaurants and the Main riverbank are within walking distance.

90–130 € / night child-friendly

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 6 · Sat 25/09 2:54 hr

From Schweinfurt to Würzburg

Arrival in the Residence city

Only around 21 km of cycling, then a comfortable train ride into your destination city, keeping the arrival relaxed.

The climb up to Festung Marienberg is steep; with a tired child, the Alte Mainbrücke with its view up to the fortress is enough.

For the return journey from Würzburg there are good train connections to Frankfurt with a bicycle compartment.

30 km · 1:22 hr
14
Town

Volkach and the Main loop

The famous Volkacher Mainschleife winds through vineyards and charming winegrowing villages. Volkach itself charms with a pretty market square and the pilgrimage church Maria im Weingarten nearby.

0 € child-friendly
Website
2 km · 15 min
15
Station

Volkach-Astheim railway station

Since the final stage to Würzburg would be too long for a family day, you take the train with bicycles from here onward. This way you arrive in Würzburg relaxed and with time to spare.

View on map

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

25 km · 40 min · 8–16 €
16
Sight

Würzburg Residence

The Würzburg Residence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most magnificent Baroque palaces, home to the world's largest ceiling fresco. The extensive Hofgarten is freely accessible and lovely to wander around with children.

0–10 € / person child-friendly
Website
2 km · 20 min
17
Sight

Festung Marienberg and Alte Mainbrücke

The route leads over the Alte Mainbrücke with its statues of saints and up to Festung Marienberg, the city's landmark. The view over Würzburg and the vineyards is the crowning finish to your cycling holiday.

0 € child-friendly
Website
1 km · 16 min
Stay

Hotel Rebstock Würzburg

A traditional building in the old town with a Rococo façade, family-friendly and with bike storage. From here you can easily reach the Residence, the cathedral and the Main bridge on foot — a lovely last evening in Franconia.

120–170 € / night child-friendly

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

This trip is planned for 20 Sept – 25 Sept 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.