One of our writers, Rachel Heller, recently took one of our newest tours: Bamberg to Aschaffenburg in Germany. Here’s her response to the question “What were the highlights of the tour for you?”
This was my fifth Boat Bike Tour and my husband’s third. So I have to say first that, for me, the highlights are the same on every tour:
- I love the combination of active days with comfort on board, not having to keep packing and unpacking as we move.
- I enjoy cycling along through beautiful landscapes, feeling the wind, smelling the air, and watching out for the next interesting historical building or particularly picturesque view to stop and photograph.
- I also love the quiet of the ship when I stay on board for a day by myself.
- At the same time, I look forward to the good conversation and laughter with new friends over meals and drinks.
- The dinners are always a delightful surprise, with interesting combinations of fresh, local ingredients.
If you’re asking what the highlights of this particular tour are, keep in mind that, for me, the highlights are always the historical places. For others, it might be, for example, the fact that much of the ride was along the River Main and past some beautiful vineyard landscapes.
Bamberg: A perfect introduction to Bavaria
Bamberg is simply a beautiful historical city, and it’s a UNESCO site as a good example of an early medieval town. It’s a compact city with over a thousand medieval-period houses and churches. Some are richly decorated, some are half-timbered. The way the narrow streets wind between the buildings means that there are lots of “wow moments” when you turn a corner and see yet another picturesque street view.
The highlight of the highlight, though, is the much-photographed Old Town Hall (Rathaus). Standing right above the flowing river, it is partly half-timbered and partly plaster, covered top to bottom with ornate painted images. It’s quite remarkable.
This town has so many streets begging to be strolled that I’d suggest, if you take this tour that starts or ends in Bamberg, that you plan to spend a couple of extra nights there to see it all well.
Würzburg and its “Residence”
The word “residence” makes the Würzburg Residence sound less magnificent than it is. A better term would be “palace.”
Würzburg Residence and its gardens are another UNESCO site on this Boat Bike Tour route, added to the list because of the baroque architecture and the rococo artwork covering the interior.
And, when I say “covering,” I mean it. Walking from room to room, you’ll see unbelievably complex rococo sculpture and painting covering walls and ceilings, and the few pieces of furniture on display in the rooms are just as ornate. The grand stairway and its ceiling – partly sculpture, partly painting – are phenomenal.
The gardens are formal and the Court Church, also part of the UNESCO designation, is astounding in how ornate it is. Have you ever seen marble columns carved into spirals? You’ll see them here!
Lohr, complete with Sleeping Beauty
Lohr is a historical town with lots of pretty half-timbered houses. Its main shopping street is lovely to stroll – and to shop. Its main claim to fame, though, is that it is home to a castle that locals claim was Snow White’s home – or at least the local tourism marketing people say so.
Supposedly Snow White was based on the life of Maria Sophia Margarethe Catharina, a baroness born here in the 18th century. She matches the story in that she did have a stepmother (not all that uncommon in those days) who may have favored her own children from a previous marriage. A mirror manufacturer in Lohr at the time made the most truthful (i.e. high quality) mirrors. The dwarves? Short miners in the nearby mine.
Whether the story is true or not, the castle is fun to see. Take a look at the modern statues nearby – they’re weird and funny!
Castle views in Wertheim and Freudenberg
For my husband, another highlight was the day the bike route passed through Wertheim and Freudenberg, two particularly pretty towns. (I stayed on the ship that day.) Both these towns nestle on the river’s edge, with a castle on the mountains above them. While the castles aren’t on the route per se, he cycled up to both of them and, he says, the views made the ride up worthwhile!
Feeling Inspired?
If you’re now tempted to hop on a bike and experience the Main River in this unique way, take a look at the detailed tour description. This journey from Bamberg to Aschaffenburg is only available for a few weeks in June and July—so be sure to reserve your spot early!
Our travel experts are here to help! You can reach us at info@boatbiketours.com or call us at +1 203 814 1249. Whether it’s about the tour, accommodations, or availability, you’ll get direct support.
