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Metropol Region Nuremberg

Nuremberg Germany

Environment preservation park Fränkische Schweiz (and Veldensteiner Forst) is part of the Frankenalb surrounding Nuremberg in the east. A famous tourism region north-east of Nuremberg, which despite its location inside the »Metropolregion Nürnberg - Metropolitan Region Nuremberg#171;, has preserved its rural character without looking like an open-air museum.
In the south-east and east it is continued by the Nürnberger Land and the Birgland without a break. In the northwest and west lie Steigerwald, Aischgrund and Rangau and in the south the Fränkische Seenland.
Highlands with valleys of 250 to 400 meters and hills of 500 to 650 meters. Beautiful stream valleys, wooded inclines and jurasic rocks, romantic castles, »typical German« frame-work villages and small towns with town-walls ...

A paradise for friends of nature, hikers, bikers, free climbers, cave explorers, canoeists and gliders in the heart of Europe - the gographical middle of the EU lies just a stone's throw away in Veitshöchheim (Lower Frankonia).
(Just to mention: the Fränkische Schweiz is the European region with the highest brewery density of the world. And there is no lack of gastronomy, says my scales at least... ;-)

To map material and info:

Links

The paths in the Reichswald and the »Metropolregion Nürnberg - Metropolitan Region Nuremberg#171; have been marked in large extend in 2007. Almost at each bigger crossing a comprehensive sign is placed for the »Mittelfränkischer Wanderzirkus«, »Frankenalb Wanderzirkus«, and so on. Continued by »Wanderzirkus Amberg/Sulzbach-Rosenberger Land« in the east.
Just an additional small tip: one will find forest paths in maps with a scale of 1:75 000 or just better with 1:50 000 (maps for walking-tours). Above that maps put more emphasis on (tarred) roads. Highly recommended is the electronic Bayern Atlas, see the link on the right.

To follow some own proposals for half/one day trips with the recumbent or tour bike (1 km = 0.621 miles). Therefore also suitable for touring. Of course, you can combine and exchange sections of them them as you like. Tours more suitable for mountain bike you will find here in [Bike ® Noris].
By the way: as feeder from the center of Nuremberg to the south (Worzeldorf, Wendelstein) and the east (Lauf, Hersbruck) the appropriate branch of the Fünf-Flüsse-Radweg (Engl.: Five Streams Cycle Route) Nuremberg - Amberg - Regensburg - Neumarkt - Nuremberg may be suitable, see below.

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Short and painless, less than 100 km there and back or tour

Sightseeing Tour in the Lorenzer Reichswald, tour: ~ 40 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Fischbach

Start near the allotment gardens at the road to Brunn. At first use the wood cycle track to Brunn. Leave with first turnoff to the right and turn left at the next to the Steinbruchweg (Engl.: Stone quarry path; red dot). Leave the Steinbruchweg at the second turnoff to the right. Two junctions later turn right again and cross the road Fischbach - Birnthon. Follow the main path in a bow to the west until its final junction. There turn left and then half-right and proceed to the freeway A6 underpass. Down to Moosbach and just through the town to the road Feucht - Altdorf. Cross it and after the waterworks proceed half-left following the path in a bow to the east. At its final junction first turn right and then proceed left with blue line to Altenthann (Zeidler Weg; Engl.: Honey Hunter Path). Further ahead on the road in direction Wallersberg. On half way turn left on gravel northward until the road from Altenthann in direction Grünsberg. At the junction with the road Feucht - Altdorf proceed right on the cycle track. After about 150 m cross the road and follow the meadow path to the sports fields of Weinhof. Then turn left and use the underpass of the freeway A9 to reach Ludersheim. There turn right, take the underpass of the railroad line Feucht - Altdorf and just turn left on tear to the west heading for Winkelhaid. Touch Winkelhaid and proceed to the forest. Turn right and proceed with green ring (only some meters are tricky) and after the curve turn right to the Hennertsmühlgraben (a creek). After it turn right, then left and right again to the underpass of the freeway A6. At the junction turn left and enjoy the long descent. At the stone finger post turn right to Birnthon. Leftward through the town to the road Altdorf - Fischbach. After the pet boarding facility leave the road to the right. Then follow the main path to Netzstall. Pass Neztzstall on the road to Brunn. There immediately after entering turn left to the wood cycle track back to Fischbach.

Mostly on (fine) gravel and only short sections on less frequented roads. In the first half numerous, but moderate inclines. Nice views.

Comfortable trip in the country - fifty shades of green, tour: ~ 45 km

Start/Destiantion: Feucht

From Feucht in the cycle track to Ochenbruck. Shortly in front of the federal road B8 branch to Mimberg just turn right after the bridge over the Schwarzach heading east following the Schwarzach creek. In the Schwarzach valley pass Burgthann and in front of Grünsberg turn right in direction Rasch on gravel. At the Schwarzach bridge after Lochmannshof one can select the path to Rasch: over the bridge one can comfortably proceed to Rasch. Straight ahead through Prethalmühle after forking right in the road knee one will meet an extended stairway. In Rasch proceed over Schleifmühle - perhaps a short trip to Gnadenberg - to Hagenhausen. Proceed to Unterrieden. From there on the cycle track to Altdorf. Through Altdorf in direction Feucht. On the cycle track passing Winkelhaid and Mosbach back to Feucht again.

Sunny, mostly on tar and very good constructed cycle tracks. Often along roads, but in the country.

Reichswald - Rothsee (Engl.: Empire-Forest - Roth Lake), single: ~ 25 km

Start: Röthenbach bei Sankt Wolfgang or Nuremberg Zollhaus (Langwasser); destination: Rothsee.

Signed long distance cycle route away from frequented roads, through meadows and woods and back perhaps partly along the (Rhine) Main Danube Canal (MD Canal, or New Canal). Original route: Röthenbach or Nuremberg Zollhaus - Wendelstein - Raubersried - Furth - Harrlach - Guggenmühle - Heubühl - Birkach.

There are two alternatives. The fast one: using the cycle track to Sperberslohe along the road to Allersberg and from there over a gravel path open for cars (dust!) to Furth.
The nice one: over the Bruckkanal (also Brückkanal, König Ludwig Donau Main Kanal, Alter Kanal; Engl.: Bridge Canal, King Ludwig Danube Main Canal, Old Canal) up to south of Schwarzenbruck and from there to the picturesque Dürrenhembach. From there on a shady road closed for traffic to Birkenlach. Directly there crossing the road to Allersberg and (north of the open-air game enclosure near Straßmühle and Faberhof; side-trip?) tunneling the freeway A9 and the ICE line and further to the marked original cycle route one reaches in Harrlach again.

Mostly on fine gravel.

Rothsee - Brombachsee and Fränkischer Seenweg (Engl.: Roth Lake - Brombach Lake and Franconian Lakes Route), tour: ~ 45-55 km

Start/Destiantion: Polsdorf at the Rothsee.

Signed long distance cycle route. Follow the south beach of the Rothsee westward to the Main Danube Canal. Cross the canal at the lock northward to Eckersmühlen and over Hofstetten to Roth. Passing both railroad stations southward on the Bransdorfer Weg along the railroad line over Unterheckendorf to Georgsgmünd. Either follow the signed route over Hauslach and Mosbach to Spalt or on the former railroad line to Spalt - Georgsmünd to Spalt. Proceed to the Igelsbachsee. At its beach eastward to the Großer Brombachsee (Engl.: Great Brombach Lake) and at its beach to the eastern dam wall and turn left and proceed to Stirn. From there to Mühlstetten and proceed over Röttenbach, Altenheideck, Tautenwind and Hofstetten to Hiltpoltstein. On the cycle track to Heuberg back to the Rothsee again.
There is also a shorter connection Eckersmühlen - Wallesau - Wernsbach - Petersgmünd - Georgsgmünd.

Tar and fine gravel or sand by turns, a few roads.

Small western bow, tour: ~ 40-55 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route over Steinbrüchlein (Engl.: Little Stone Pit) to Worzeldorf. From there over Herpersdorf and Pillenreuth in direction Königshof. There at the T-junction on the Wiener Straße to the Main Danube Canal and follow it rightward in direction Bamberg until the railroad bridge behind the Lock Nuremberg. Immediately after the railroad bridge turn left upward and follow the railroad line to the station Nuremberg Eibach. There turn right into the Werkvolkstraße and proceed with Ahornstraße and Schußleitenweg. After the 180° curve turn right into the Castellstraße and proceed to the T-junction with the Nürnberger Straße (Federal Road B14) in Stein. Turn left over the Rednitz and take just the next street on the right (Mühlstraße). Follow it until the end of the town and then turn left in direction Unterweihersbuch, either yet in the last row of houses or with the Fichtenweg. Proceed to Oberweihersbuch - Loch - Unterbüchlein - Oberbüchlein - Sichersdorf until Anwanden. There rightward either on the cycle track or after the railroad bridge on the road to Rehdorf and Unterasbach. Along or through the Naturschutzgebiet (Engl.: nature reserve) Hainberg to the bridge over the Rednitz at the Rothenburger Straße and turn left to the spring Gustav-Adolf-Quelle (»Gaggalasquelle« or »Gaggerlasquelle«; Engl.: egg spring; due to its smell) and proceed to the Main Danube Canal. Bridge the Rednitz, down from the canal and follow the brook down in direction Fürth. Pass the Sieben-Bogen-Brücke (Engl.: Seven Bow Bridge) and the public bath in direction sports fields in the Pegnitz valley. First bridge the Rednitz and then at the graveyard take the bridge over the Pegnitz. Turn right and proceed upward in the Pegnitz valley in direction Nuremberg. Cross the Hauptmarkt (Engl.: Main Market) to reach Insel Schütt.
There are two extension routes. The northern alternative: from Anwanden over Lind to Leichendorf into the Bibert valley. Follow the Bibert through Zirndorf to Fürth-Dambach and reaching the Sieben-Bogen-Brücke proceed as mentioned above.
The southern alternative: turn to the left in Sichersdorf heading for Großweismannsdorf proceed over Regelsbach through the Zwieselbach valley to Wolkersdorf. From there use the the cycle track along the federal road B2 or over the sports fields to Reichelsdorf and then through the Rednitz valley to Stein and back again to Nuremberg as mentioned above. See below for tour In the two river land Mesapotamia - rivers and lakes as well.

Depending on route completely on tar. Less frequented roads or cycle tracks.

Pegnitz valley - Laaber, single: ~ 40-45 km (route length depending on route)

Over Weiher (also Engl.: pond) in case of flood

Start: Hersbruck or Henfenfeld; destination: Laaber spring in Laaber.

Signed long distance cycle route partly using less frequented roads. Rough route: Hersbruck - Henfenfeld - Engelthal - Offenhausen - Püscheldorf - Oberrieden - Unterrieden - Hagenhausen - Gnadenberg - Unterölsbach - Oberölsbach - Langenthal - Oberried - Bräunertshof - Buschhof - Trautmannshofen - Laaber.

Reach the start by train or with the Five Streams Cycle Route; way back by choice, e.g. via Neumarkt (Ludwig Danube Main Canal), Altdorf (Grafenbucher Forst), or Lauterhofen/Alfeld ...

The original route almost completely is on tar.

Reichswald - Brombachsee (to the Franconian Lake Region), single: ~ 40-45 km

Start: Röthenbach bei Sankt Wolfgang or Nuremberg Zollhaus (Langwasser); destination: Brombachsee (See, Engl.: lake).

Signed long distance cycle route away from frequented roads, across (southern) Middle Franconia. Route: Röthenbach or Nuremberg Zollhaus - Wendelstein (Sorg) - Großschwarzenlohe - Leerstetten - Harm - Rednitzhembach - Weihersmühle - Ottersdorf - Ungerthal - Kühedorf - Gauchsdorf - Bechhofen - Abenberg - Obersteinbach - Mosbach - Hügelmühle - Großweingarten - Enderndorf or (shorter, but steeper) Mosbach - Wasserzell - Spalt - Enderndorf.

(Crossing the hill between Ungerthal and Kühedorf is rather toilsome for recumbents. Also the former(!) passage north-east in front of Abenberg is not very comfortable due to the bad condition of the path, too. Therefore do not cross the Staatsstraße 2224 (Engl.: county road) in Ottersdorf in order to reach Ungerthal, but follow it. Over Tennenlohe, Breitenlohe and Asbach one reaches Mäbenberg. After the end of the village take the road on the right side through the forest to Untersteinbach ob. Gmünd. Leaving the village in direction south-west on a gravel path one meets the original cycle route again after about 2 km shortly in front of Mosbach.)

Mostly on tar.

Half-pass: Regnitztal - Pegnitztal (Engl.: Regnitz valley - Pegnitz valley), single: ~ 45 km (route length depending on route)

Start: Erlangen; Destination: Ranna/Neuhaus.

Signed long distance cycle route partly using less frequented roads. Rough route: Alt-Erlangen (Schwabachanlage) - Buckenhof - Dormitz - Kleinsendelbach - Brand - Büg - Stöckach - Igensdorf - Gräfenberg - Sollenberg - Lilling - Wölfersdorf - Hiltpoltstein - Schossaritz - Obertrubach - Neudorf - Stierberg - Betzenstein - Ottenhof/Plech - Bernheck - Ranna/Neuhaus.

Reach the start by train or along the Main Danube Canal or Regnitz Valley Cycle Route from Nuremberg to Erlangen and way back using the Pegnitz Valley Cycle Route and later the Five Streams Cycle Route. The route distance is then approximately 100 km. Various chances to discover nice corners. For instance it is recommended not to cycle over Hiltpoltstein - Schossaritz into the Trubach valley, but from Wölfersdorf to Kemmaten. From there using the cycle track along the federal road B2 in direction Hiltpoltstein for short and then turning left to Großenohe through the lovely »Krummes Tal« (Engl.: Crooked Valley) over Spiesmühle into the Trubach valley.

Tar, fine gravel or sand paths.

3x Röthenbach - 3-Canyon-Trip, tour: ~55 km

Start/Destination: Röthenbach an der Pegnitz

From Röthenbach a. d. Peg. in front of Renzenhof to the Birkensee lake. Proceed in direction Brunn and in the Röthenbachklamm through Ungelstetten up to Röthenbach near Altdorf. From there via Ludersheim through the woods and under the freeway A3 in direction Weinhof. By first chance (yet in the woods) turn right in direction Penzenhofen. At the eastern town end use the meadow path in direction Altenthann. There after the church with blue dash into the Thanngraben. At the second junction turn left (yellow dot) and follow the Höhenbach creek in direction Rummelsberg-Fröschau. Pass between both ponds, cross the road and the Schwarzach creek and follow the Schwarzach Valley Track to Ochenbruck. Proceed through the Schwarzachklamm to the Bruckkanal. From there with blue dash to Röthenbach bei Sankt Wolfgang. There cross the channel and proceed to the graveyard and via Jägersee pond to Feucht. Use the traffic circle to get to the Nordtangente in direction Nuremberg. Turn right, passing the sporting grounds into the woods in direction Birnthon. West from there at the animal hotel through the woods via Netzstall to Brunn. Thru the Eichenhain passing the tennis courts in direction Birkensse and back to Röthenbach a. d. Peg.

Mostly on gravel and sand. Indeed no roads, partly demanding. Walking section in the Schwarzachklamm (but it is worth it).

Tar des hommes - tar trip, tour: ~ 70-75 km

Start/Destination: Behringersdorf

In Behringersdorf take the cycle track in direction Güntersbühl. At the road junction head for Heroldsberg (Mühlweg). Drive through Heroldsberg in western direction (Schützenstraße) and to the connecting road Buchenbühl - Kalchreuth. Directly cross this one and proceed some hundred meters on gravel (Heroldsberger Weg). At the first junction turn left and at the next turn right and you reach the tarred access to the golf course near the airport. Follow this road to Kraftshof. (Tarred alternative: follow the connecting road to Buchenbühl and pass the airport at its southern side (Marienbergstraße and Flughafenstraße).)
From Kraftshof turn right to Neunhof and take the cycle track to Kalchreuth. Leave the traffic circle at the third exit and down the hill and turn right into the junction to the Kreuzweiher (Engl.: Cross Pond) on gravel. Follow the road to Unterschöllenbach. It lies left handed. There in a right-left combination at the outskirts of the village cross the road to Oberschöllenbach and proceed on the old road to the cycle track to Brand. (Tarred alternative: follow the road to the junction to Brand and use this one.)
In Brand turn right to Eckental. At the junction with the federal road B2 take the cycle track to the east and just take the bridge over the B2 and follow the direction. At the junction turn right and directly proceed over the crossing onto the Eckentalerstraße and to Eckenhaid. After the junction with the main street just turn right into the Eisenstraße to Bullach. In Bullach proceed in a left-right-left combination into the Untere Eisenstraße and on the following cycle track to Simonshofen. On the cycle track to Kuhnhof and further on to Lauf until the federal road B14 (main street). Directly cross the B14 in direction Altdorf and leave the traffic circle at the third exit heading for Altdorf. Follow the cycle track, pass the junction Röthenbach-Renzenhof and proceed to Diepersdorf. There take the cycle track to Schwaig. Leave the traffic circle at the first exit. In the curve turn left and then half-right down the double hill and then turn left. At the junction turn right and take the cycle track back to Behringersdorf.

Case-by-case all on tar. Especially cycle tracks and some less frequented roads only.

In the two river land Mesapotamia - rivers and lakes, tour: ~ 75 km

Bridges over troubled water

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Crossing the Hauptmarkt to reach the Kettensteg (Engl.: Chain Footbridge) and ahead the cycle track along the Pegnitz to Fürth. At the graveyard, just before river Pegnitz and Rednitz from the Regnitz, turn left to the bridge over the Pegnitz and then half-right to the bridge over the Rednitz. Then turn left following the Rednitz upward to the public bath or the along the Uferpromenade (Engl.: waterside promenade). Ahead in the valley through the Sieben-Bogen-Brücke (Engl.: Seven Bow Bridge) to Dambach.
Tunneling the Main Danube Canal bridge and upward the Bibert until just to Zirndorf. There turn left to the main street (Rothenburger Straße) and on the cycle track after the bridge over the Rednitz turn right into the nature reserve Hainberg. Alternative: up to the canal and in direction Nuremberg down again the next incline and passing the spring Gustaf-Adolf-Quelle (»Gaggalasquelle«; Engl.: egg spring) to the Naturschutzgebiet (Engl.: nature reserve) Hainberg.
Follow the Rednitz passing power station Franken I. On the crossing road (Mühlstraße) left to Stein up to the main street (Nürnberger Straße). Cross it in a right-left combination and proceed on the tarred road (Gerasmühler Straße) up to the Gerasmühle. (At Neuwerk there is an open-air terrarium; opened on week-end, admission free).
At the end of the mill quarter turn to the left and a little back over the bridge of the Rednitz. Then turn right again and on the tarred cycle track heading for Reichelsdorf. In front of the valley bridge cross the main street (federal road B2) and proceed on the Schalkhausersraße with destination Reichelsdorfer Keller/Neukatzwang.
At the beginning of Neukatzwang cross the Vorjura Straße heading east to the tarred roller skate road and follow it into the forest. Just before the Main Danube Canal you'll find a marked path on the left and after some hundred meters a small canal underpass leading you to Weiherhaus.
Cross the main street and take the cycle track along the road (Radmeisterstraße) in direction Herpersdorf. At the traffic lights straight ahead over the crossing (into Kubinstraße) passing the Schwedenkreuz (Engl.: Swedish Cross Mark) to Kornburg.
Drive round Kornburg in the north and then eastbound, parallel to the freeway A6, pass the sports fields and proceed to the Old Canal.
Turn right and follow the canal to Röthenbach bei Sankt Wolfgang. At the end of the town cross the canal and pass the graveyard at its right side then tunnel the freeway A73 to get to the Jägersee (Engl.: Hunter Lake, a bathing pond) and the Krugsweiher (a wetland biotope worth to visit) near Feucht/Jägersee. Carry on passing the railroad station to the rotary traffic.
Turn left to the cycle track to Nuremberg. At the bypass first left then right up to the sports fields. Passing them on the right into the forest.
After the forest car park turn to the left in direction Fischbach and tunnel the freeway A6 on the gravel path to reach the mixed manure factory. There turn half-right and steep down (breaks!).
At the junction with the tarred road turn to the bridge on the left crossing freeway A9. Turn right passing the graveyard to reach the main street. There first left direction Nuremberg, then right into the Pellerstraße. Turn left into the cycle track along the Fischbach (a brook) into the forest.
Passing three ponds: Eisweiher and Holzweiher heading for the Valznerweiher in Nuremberg. Pass the last pond at its right side and along the Goldbach (a brook) cross the main street in Zerzabelshof. Continue to follow the Goldbach to the Zeltner Wasserschloss (Engl.: water castle). In front of the railroad underpass turn right and follow the embankment to the Tullnaustraße and turn to the right there.
After the railroad bridges pass the pond in the Tullnau heading for the Wöhrder See (Engl.: Lake of Wöhrd; in real the Pegnitz). There turn to the left and use the cycle track back to the Insel Schütt.

Tar and fine gravel by turns, less frequented roads, even just cycle tracks.

To the Frankenhöhe (Engl.: Franconian Heights) and back, tour: ~ 75-80 km

Start/Destination: Solar Mountain near Vach.

Lap using different long distance cycle routes. From Stadeln up the brook Zenn over Flexdorf, Ritzmannshof and Kreppendorf to Veitsbronn. Carry on to Retzelfembach and in the middle of the village turn in direction Puschendorf up the Fembach valley on gravel west of the railroad line to Würzburg (signed »Siebener Radweg«). Passing Kirchfembach and Oberfembach to Erlachsmühle. Passing Bräuersdorf turn northward over Trübenbronn, Brandhof, Elgersdorf, Günzendorf to Wilhelmsdorf. Carry on over Ebersbach and Trabelshof to Oberreichenbach. Follow the Reichenbach brook downward and reach over Unterreichenbach at Falkendorf the Aurach valley. Passing Herzogenaurach valley down over Hauptendorf and Niederndorf to the MD canal at Kriegenbrunn. Along the canal (or a short distance further in the East on the cycle track along the Stadelner Hauptstraße) back to Stadeln.

Nice scenery, some inclines, according to route selection almost all the time on tar. Often on cycle tracks and if ever, then on less frequented roads. One can avoid the not tarred section between Ritzmannshof and Kreppendorf by cycling over Obermichelbach or Burgfarnbach.

Sandachse (Engl.: Sand Axis) Middle/South, tour: ~ 80 km

Start/Destination: Röthenbach bei Sankt Wolfgang or Nuremberg Zollhaus (Langwasser).

Lap using different long distance cycle routes. From Röthenbach or Nuremberg Zollhaus follow the marked Brombachsee Cycle Route up into Rednitzhembach. At the »Kunstweg« (Engl.: Art Path) or before crossing the railroad turn left following the marking Regnitz/Rezat Wanderweg (Engl.: walking path) to Roth. In Roth passing the station and following the marking Rothsee. Return from Rothsee using the marked Reichswald-Rothsee Cycle Route.

Flat routes, but varied and very nice scenery. Mainly on fine gravel or sand, hardly any roads.

Fränkisches Seenland (Engl.: Franconian Lake Region) (if one is already there), tour: ~ 80 km + 50 km

Start/Destination: turning points: Ornbau or Allersberg, resp.

Flat track, but varied, hilly scenery; rounding Igelsbachsee, Altmühlsee, Small and Great Brombachsee; additional lap around the Rothsee.

Tar and fine gravel or sand by turns, a few roads.

To the Naturschutzgebiet (Engl.: nature reserve) Biengarten, tour: ~ 80-90 km

Marsh Orchid

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Crossing the Hauptmarkt to reach the Kettensteg (Engl.: Chain Footbridge) and ahead the cycle route along the Pegnitz to Fürth.
Follow the cycle route into the Regnitz valley in direction Erlangen. (At Königsmühle there is a possibility for a western small bow to gain some distance to the road. In Eltersdorf one meets the cycle route again.)
At the end of Eltersdorf cross the valley to get to the former power station Franken II. One tunnels the freeway A3 as well. After tunneling the railroad bridge up the incline and after a right turn about 500 m on the road further on. At the (small) bridge over the Aurach turn right twice and tunnel the road and the Main Danube Canal to get to Frauenaurach.
On the cycle route upward the Aurach valley to Herzogenaurach. Follow the cycle track westward to Falkendorf.
From there on the road over Oberreichenbach to Sinntmannsbuch. There turn right and on the gravel path along the ponds to Weisendorf.
Proceed on the road to Höchstadt an der Aisch. Over Oberlindach or Boxbrunn to the ponds near Biengarten.
From there eastbound to Hesselberg and then over Niederlindach, Hannberg and Hessdorf to Untermembach (Short trip to Obermembach? And using the Main-Aurach cycle route to Herzogenaurach for further shorting?). From there on the gravel path in direction Erlangen to the Main Danube Canal.
Follow the canal on its left bank in direction Nuremberg. At the former rubble hill (at present »Solarberg#171;, Engl.: Solar Mountain; great view from its top!) just in front of the harbor of Fürth cross the Regnitz valley to Stadeln and the cycle track. Then on the cycle track back in direction Nuremberg.

Hardly any inclines. Tar and fine gravel by turns, less frequented roads, even just cycle tracks.

High Route, tour: ~ 80-95 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route to Hersbruck. At Hohenstadt turn northward into the Pegnitz valley and at Eschenbach into the Hirschbach valley. Up to Fischbrunn. There turn right and up to Hegendorf. Proceed to Heuchling and Bürtel. Over Neutras down to Lehendorf and on the Five Streams Cycle Route back again.

Possibility for a short cut over Heuchling to Pommelsbrunn. Using the short cut from Hegendorf to Neutras one avoids the biggest inclines, but also the view. On a trip in the opposite direction the descent over Hubmersberg is interesting.

All the time on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads. Inclines worth to mention - up and down as well.

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About 100 km and more there and back or tour

Erlangen - Bamberg (along the Europe or Main Danube Canal), single: ~ 50 km

Start: Erlangen, canal harbor; destination: Bamberg center.

Note: only a few shadow parts - valid for sun and wind. Scenic nicer than the counterpart Erlangen - Beilngries. Recommendation: In this direction take the Old Canal. Widely fine gravel or sand path, no roads, flat (typical for canals ;-).

Schweppermann Radweg (Robber Baron Schweppermann Cycle Route) Neumarkt - Amberg with extension to Schwarzenfeld upon the Naab, single: ~ 50 km or ~ 75 km, resp.

Start: Neumarkt, former canal harbor, Destination: Amberg center or Schwarzenfeld, resp.

Signed long distance cycle route mainly away from frequented roads. Rough route: Neumarkt along the Ludwig-Donau-Main Kanal (Engl.: Ludwig Danube Main Canal) until above Unterölsbach and drive off there. Then Oberölsbach - Sindelbach - Langenthal - Unterried - Oberried - Bräunertshof - Brenzwang - Lauterhofen. Proceed on the former railroad Lauterhofen - Amberg to Kastl. Follow the marking to Ursensollen and carry on following the marking to Amberg (step-by-step conversion of the former railroad line in a cycle route). Extension Amberg - Gärmersdorf - Hiltersdorf - Högling - Freihöls - Wolferingmühle - Knölling - Dürnsricht - Kögl - Schwarzenfeld.

Nice scenery and calm. Widely fine(?) gravel path, hardly any roads. More suitable for trekking or mountain bikes.

Bibert- and Zenntal-Radweg (Engl.: Bibert and Zenn Valley Cycle Route), tour: ~ 100 km

Start/Destination: Fürth (Zirndorf); turning point: Virnsberg or Obernzenn, resp.

Signed long distance cycle route away from frequented roads, along the brooks Bibert and Zenn. Rough route: Zirndorf - Leichendorf - Wintersdorf - Ammerndorf - Großhabersdorf - Dietenhofen - Leonrod - Frickendorf - Untern-/Obernbibert - Schmalnbühl - Neustetten - Virnsberg - Kemmathen - Sichelbronn - Eggenhausen - Obern-/Unternzenn - Ober-/Unteraltenbernheim - Buch - Trautskirchen - Neuhof - Wilhermsdorf - Laubendorf - Langenzenn - Veitsbronn - Ritzmannshof - Atzenhof - Zirndorf (along the Main Danube Canal).
A nice short cut route: Ammerndorf - Kirchfarnbach - Neuhof a.d. Zenn.

Tar and fine gravel by turns.

Fast eastern bow, tour: ~ 100 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Route: Nuremberg - Altdorf (e.g. on gravel over the Tiergarten (Engl.: Zoo) - Brunn - Ungelstetten - (through the Röthenbachklamm) Röthenbach bei Altdorf, on tar over Schwaig - Diepersdorf - Scherau - Fuchsmühle - Ungelstetten - (passing Winkelhaid) Ludersheim - Röthenbach bei Altdorf) - Ziegelhütte - Oberwellitzleiten - Unterrieden - Oberrieden - Eismannsberg - Traunfeld - Schupf - Kainsbach - Happurg - Hersbruck - (Henfenfeld - Ottensoos -) Lauf - Nuremberg.

Inclines worth to mention in front of Oberrieden and in front of Schupf. Complete on tarred roads (depending on the route to Altdorf), either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Not THAT Munich!

Small Hersbrucker Alb trip, tour: ~ 100-110 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route to Etzelwang. At the beginning of the town turn to north heading for Achtel and up the only incline of the tour worth to mention (passing München - no joke the hamlet is really named so. The »real« Munich is about 170 freeway km away).
From there down the Hirschbach valley to Hohenstadt and back again on the Five Streams Cycle Route.

There is also a less car stressed bypass of the section Etzelwang - Achtel: passing Etzelwang in direction Neukirchen and then between both towns over Neidstein to the north. At the junction with the road Kirchenreinbach - Holnstein in a right-left combination to Buchhof and proceed to the road Etzelwang - Achtel at the branch to München again.

All the time on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Nuremberg - Neumarkt, Five Streams Cycle Route along the Old Canal (= King Ludwig Danube Main Canal, therefore King Ludwig Cycle Route), single: ~ 55-60 km

Start: Nuremberg Insel Schütt; destination: Neumarkt.

Signed long distance cycle route (Five Streams Cycle Route): Nuremberg (Wöhrder See (Engl.: Lake Wöhrd) - Silbersee (Engl.: Silver Lake) - Langwasser - Steinbrüchlein) - Worzeldorf - Wendelstein - Röthenbach b. St. Wolfgang - Feucht - Schwarzenbruck - Pfeiferhütte - Rübleinshof - Schwarzenbach - Rasch - Unterölsbach - Oberölsbach - Berg - Neumarkt.
At Neumarkt possible extension to Beilngries alongside the canal or with the Five Streams Cycle Route in direction Regensburg through the valley of the Altmühl.

Flat route, but varied, hilly scenery. Note: avoid at weekends because overcrowded.
Alternative route section: down to Schwarzenbruck and from southern Ochenbruck (turn right at the federal road B8 through the big railroad bridge) over Burgthann and Rasch to Oberölsbach in the Schwarzach valley; almost nicer than along the canal.

On extra cycle routes, no roads. Partly on tar, at least on fine gravel or sand.

Nuremberg - Amberg (section of the Fünf-Flüsse-Radweg (Engl.: Five Streams Cycle Route), and the Paneurope long distance Cycle Route Paris - Prague, resp.), single: ~ 60 km

Pegnitz-Shire near Mittelbüg

Start: Nuremberg Insel Schütt; destination: railroad station Amberg.

Signed long distance cycle route partly using less frequented roads, along Pegnitz and Etzelwang brook. Route: Nuremberg - Hammer - Schwaig - Behringersdorf - Schwaig (!) - Röthenbach - Lauf - Ottensoos - Henfenfeld - Hersbruck - Hohenstadt - Pommelsbrunn - Hartmannshof - Weigendorf - Oed - Lehenhammer - Lehendorf - Etzelwang - Neukirchen - Kauerhof - Kempfenhof - Sulzbach-Rosenberg - Poppenricht - Amberg.

Tip: in Schwaig-Malmsbach at the decoration well: either continue to follow the street (see signpost), or even better turn left into the dead-end street (mark yellow bar) and cross the Pegnitz on the wooden bridge and then just turn right using the new cycle route to Beringersdorf. (It is not recommended to cross the Pegnitz valley up to Beringersdorf and the federal road B14. Except you are addicted to car noise and exhaust fumes. Oh well, at the original track you will have the chance to pass the seniors' playground - follow the trial sign before the incline to the left.)
There leftward following the wall to the street junction and the end of the cycle track. Leave the street at the next curve and proceed straight on heading to the stud farm (Am Stangenbrunn). There the cycle route continues and in front of Mittelbüg it crosses the Pegnitz again to meet the signed route.
Turn left to Röthenbach and Lauf heading for Ottensoos and Henfenfeld (along the railroad line to Amberg. In Hersbruck one meets the (former) original track along the B14 again.
Tip 1 - lack of traffic: not over Lauf Faunberg and Bräunleinsberg along the federal road B14, but proceed from Station Lauf links der Pegnitz (S-Bahn) on the narrow road to Ottensoos.
Tip 2 - luck of view: if one doesn't want to set new speed records, then one will cross the Pegnitz meadow between Ottensoos, Reichenschwand and Henfenfeld twice. Just turn half-left at the town pond in Ottensoos or carry on straight ahead in the curve at the end of the town. After some hundred meters through the forest one gains free view on the landscape. One passes the sports fields of Reichenschwand on the left and reaches the edge of the town. Just before it turn right to Henfenfeld, where one meets the Five Streams Cycle Route near the railroad station again. It really pays.

Mostly on tar.

Oberes Altmühltal (Engl.: upper valley of the Altmühl), single: ~ 65 km

Start: Berching; destination: Treuchtlingen.

Through the nature reserve Altmühltal; a few roads; flat route, but varied, fantastic scenery.

Fine gravel or sand paths.

Lower valley of the (former) Altmühl, single: ~ 60 km

Start: Berching; destination: Kehlheim.

Along the Main Danube Canal and original Altmühl rest branches; a few roads; flat route, but varied, fantastic scenery. (Before the canal was built the valley was a nature reserve...)

Fine gravel or sand paths.

Δ

Long distance over 100 km and/or heavy

To the top of the world, tour: ~ 70-105 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route to Hersbruck (Altensittenbach). Then up the Sittenbach to Aspertshofen. In the middle of the village to Stöppach leaving the village in direction Vorra. After the short 15% incline in the road bow to the right passing Kleedorf to Großviehberg. In the middle of the village take time for a short side-trip to the mobile phone mast in order to enjoy the view. Either through Kleinviehberg (steep gradient!) at Hohenstadt again on the Five Streams Cycle Route. Or - probably the most convenient alternative - the same way back.
For an extension back to Stöppach and heading for Treuf. Before Treuf take the signed junction to Siglitzberg and follow the tarred road to Artelshofen in the Pegnitz valley and back again to Hohenstadt.
If you are eager for more: from Treuf via Kreppling to Wallsdorf. From there either to Rupprechtstegen (steep gradient and T-shaped junction!) into the Pegnitz valley or - my recommendation - via Hormersdorf and Osternohe into the Schnaittach valley. And back to the Fivw Streams Cycle Route.

The long or heavy inclines are really very hard, but the views into the different valleys are fantastic. Caution: partly very steep downhills and hardly any shadow. Almost on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

River deep mountain high, tour: ~ 80-105 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Airport.

Either over Buchenbühl and Hahnenbalz (less frequented road) or over Kraftshof and Neunhof (separate cycle track) to Kalchreuth.
From there over Käswasser, then crossing the federal road B2 (traffic light) between Großgeschaid and Kleingeschaid and at the junction about 2 km behind Tauchersreuth left to Neunhof.
Shortly before the end of the town turn right to Bullach and go ahead to Herpersdorf. From there eastward to Schnaittach.
The following road fork offers the chance of a 1st mountain trial. Otherwise one cycles straight ahead and passes Laipersdorf and Untersdorf in order to reach Großbellhofen and Schnaittach.

Take Five: many ways lead to Rollhofen

1st mountain trial: at the road fork turn to Kirchröttenbach. In the middle of the village turn left to Illhof, Benzendorf and reach Mittelrüsselbach.
Up the heavy incline through Kirchrüsselbach and Oberrüsselbach and following the road circling the airfield Lauf-Lillinghof. Downhill at Lillinghof in direction Schnaittach over Freiröttenbach and Weigensdorf to Großbellhofen (breaks!).
From northern Großbellhofen (already/still in direction Weigensdorf) eastward to Lochhof. Tunnellng the freeway A9 southward using the cycle track along the main road to Hedersdorf.
There cross the road and the railroad line. In the village cycle on southward to Schnaittach.

On the way to Schnaittach one crosses the Festungsstraße (Engl.: Fortress Street). Here one can add a 2nd mountain trial. Otherwise one continues cycling to Schnaittach railroad station and over Rollhofen to Speikern. From there to Ottensoos and back on the Five Streams Cycle Route. (By the way there is a nice cycle route between Schnaittach and Neunkirchen starting about 500 m south-west after the traffic light at the bypass road. Easy and comfortably to reach by heading directly left (= southward) after passing the pond inside Schnaittach.)

2nd mountain trial: turn left and follow the Festungsstraße uphill to the parking place of the fortress Rothenberg. Downhill over Rabenshof and Kersbach to Speikern.
From Speikern one cycles to the federal road B14 and meets the Five Streams Cycle Route. The better choice, however, is to take the road to Ottensoos and from there westward over Lauf back to Nuremberg. Or one adds a 3rd mountain trial.

3rd mountain trial: from Ottensoos to Schönberg. There following the main street about 250 m in direction Röthenbach and then turn to the left to the Moritzberg (Engl.: Mount Moritz; the road is closed for cars, but it is tarred at the beginning).
After the paddocks turn to the right to Haimendorf and turn to south at the beginning of the village. Follow the gravel path until it runs into a tar path. Descent to Diepersdorf.
At the beginning of the town turn to the right and then left down through Rockenbrunn to the main street. Cross it and get half-left to the road between Diepersdorf and Schwaig. Use the cycle track to Schwaig heading for Beringersdorf then you meet the Pegnitz Valley Cycle Route back to Nuremberg again.

After the railroad bridge in Nuremberg Erlenstegen turn half-right along the public bath heading for the hospital and the animals' home. There left to the federal road B2 crossing it to get into the Bierweg. There the cycle track leads to the vicinity of the airport again.

The mountain traces are really very hard, but the views are great. Caution: steep downhills and hardly any shadow. Almost on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Hard 'n heavy, tour: ~ 90-110 km

Spring Snowflake woods

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route to Hersbruck (Altensittenbach). Then up the Sittenbach valley passing the castle Hohenstein in the west. (Or make a short visit? The vantage point is worth the painful incline.)
Go ahead passing Hormersdorf to Schermshöhe and from there southbound again to Illing or adding a bow to the west passing Strahlenfels, Wildenfels and St. Helena. In Diepoldsdorf the two tours meet again. Then passing Simmelsdorf, Schnaittach, Rollhofen, Speikern to Ottensoos and back on the Five Streams Cycle Route.

From Hersbruck to Schermshöhe almost climbing all the time, but then partly back in nosedive. All the time on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

To the Naturschutzgebiet Kauerlacher Weiher (Engl.: nature reserve Pond Kauerlach), tour: ~ 100-120 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Heading east on the Five Streams Cycle Route along the Wöhrder Wiese (Engl.: Meadow of Wöhrd). There on the cycle route to the Dutzendteich (a lake). Along the Silbersee (a lake) passing the marshaling yard (turning left after the former station Zollhaus, following the railroad line along some allotment gardens and sports fields, get through the huge railroad bridge. At t he next crossing turn right and at turn left at the next junction) to Steinbrüchlein (Engl.: little stone pit) and on the cycle route to Worzeldorf.
From there eastward along the Old Canal to Röthenbach bei St. Wolfgang.
At the eastern end of the town switch to the road to Schwarzenbruck. Proceed from Schwarzenbruck to Ochenbruck and the federal road B8. (There is a gravel path in the Schwarzach valley.) Turn to the right following the cycle route in direction Neumarkt.
At the industrial area turn right leaving the federal road B8 and on the small road through the forest again crossing the Old Canal (of course, one could follow the Old Canal up to this location) to (Unter-) Lindelburg.
From there on the road to Oberhembach and there at the junction turn left to the cycle track to Pyrbaum.
At the eastern end of the town follow the cycle route on the former railroad line to Seligenporten. There westbound direction Allersberg on the cycle track.
At the edge of the forest turn left again to Reckenricht. Over Roth to Freystadt. Between Ohausen and Forchheim cross the Main Danube Canal to Kauerlach.
Back to Nuremberg along the Main Danube Canal. After some 5 km you will pass the monument of the European Main Watershed. At the lock near the Rothsee there is the chance to switch to the Rothsee - Reichswald Cycle Route.

Hardly any inclines. Almost exclusively on tar and less frequented roads.

Take the long way home, tour: ~ 125 km

Caution: carpet crawlers?

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route up to Hersbruck. At the school turn left into the town in direction Therme (Engl.: thermal bath). Northward through the railroad underpass and turn right and use the gravel path along the railroad in direction Hohenstadt. At the railroad crossing between Hersbruck and Hohenstadt change to the other side and take the gravel path to Hohenstadt. Shortly follow the Pegnitz Valley Cycle Route and enter the Hirschbach valley via Eschenbach. Upward to Oberachtel and there turn to north in direction Rinnenbrunn and Neuhaus, resp. But round Ziegelhütte on gravel in the north and in a bow to Ratzenhof and from there to Eschenfelden. Uphill via Pruppach to Königstein. In Königstein rightward uphill to Fichtenhof. Proceed to Holnstein. Through the town in direction Sulzbach-Rosenberg and at the edge of the town turn right in direction Neukirchen. Branch away to Haghof. Back on the state road turn right to Röckenricht. There in the middle of the town turn south. At the junction proceed west over Lockenricht and Peilstein to Neukirchen and back on the Five Streams Cycle Route.

Mostly on tar and or less frequented roads. Some gravel path sections and around some hills really worth to mention.

Frankenalb and Fränkische Schweiz lap, tour: ~ 120-130 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route up to Lauf-Faunberg. Then passing Neunkirchen to Schnaittach, Simmelsdorf and Hiltpoltstein. From there to the federal road B2 junction to Obertrubach and then into the wonderful valley of the Trubach. Be careful in the incline down into Obertrubach - without massive use of the breaks beginning at the town sign it tends to end in the hospital (if one is lucky enough!).
If one wants to avoid the federal road B2 and is aware of the (harsh) incline to the junction Obertrubach one will choose a more eastern route after Simmelsdorf westwards to Diepoltsdorf through the Naifer valley to Großengsee, Wildenfels or Strahlenfels and Almos entering the Trubach valley below Obertrubach. Or just even a short distance on the federal road B2 passing Almos to the branch to Münchs, proceed to Stierberg and to the federal road B2 junction to Obertrubach.
Near Pretzfeld one meets the route of the Franconian Switzerland lap again see below).

All on tar.

Through the Veldensteiner Forst (parts of the Pegnitz Valley Cycle Route), tour: ~ 120-130 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route up to Hersbruck, then near Hohenstadt upward the valley of the Pegnitz (Pegnitz Valley Cycle Route) to Ranna. You can choose either the tarred road or a gravel path.
Keep left in the village and then take the tarred road to and through Bernheck. Carry on in a left right combination under the freeway A9 to Otterhof. Behind the end of the village turn left to Klausberg and proceed to Eckenreuth. There keep on the left to Hetzendorf. From there passing Ittling into the Schnaittach valley and via Schnaittach to the Five Streams Cycle Route and back again to Nuremberg.
A shorter, but more difficult alternative partly on gravel: from Klausberg through the Reuthof following the marking to Spieß. From there to Ittling.

If selected, all the time on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Pilgrimage to Habsberg, tour: ~ 130 km

Martagon Lily

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route to Schwaig. In the middle of the town turn south to Diepersdorf and follow the cycle track on the old Diepersdorf Road and then the succeeding cycle track to Diepersdorf, passing the Birkensee lake or its parking area, resp. (You can also take a small lap around both lakes. Take the gravel path before the freeway A9 just where the old Diepersdorf Road ends cross the new one.)
In the middle of the town turn to the right and then over Scherau to Leinburg. At the sewage plant after the sports fields in front of Leinburg turn right and at the junction left again. At the beginning of the town turn right to pass Leinburg in the south.
Cross the main road at Unterheidelbach and go ahead over Pötzling to Gersdorf. From there to Entenberg and up the (steep!) hill to Klingenhof. Just do not use the descent to Püscheldorf there, but go ahead about 100 m in direction Weißenbrunn and then turn left and on the highlands along the edge of the forest. Follow the road and down a short descent (breaks!).
At the junction turn right to Oberrieden. Tunneling the freeway A6 and at the junction to Eismannsberg. Carry on to Traunfeld and there first right then left to Grafenbuch.
Follow the road until it runs into the road Alfeld - Lauterhofen. To Lauterhofen into the middle of the town and follow the cycle track under the federal road B299 to Nattershofen and Engelsberg. Since Lauterhofen one already sees the exposed pilgrimage church Habsberg. Also the wood graveyard and the natural garden are worth to visit.
Back the cycle track to the federal road B299. Then left on the cycle route to Trautmannshofen. From there over Buschhof to Pettenhofen. There left in direction Deinschwang/Traunfeld. At the junction turn to Traunfeld. At the end of the town turn left to Dippersricht and bridging the freeway A6 down to Kucha.
From there over Offenhausen, Engelthal and Henfenfeld to the Five Strams Cycle Route and back to Nuremberg.

Very attractive scenery with many views. The 15% incline at Entenberg really is a challenge. Well, one can, however, push the bike. All the time on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Hersbrucker Alb trip, tour: ~ 120-140 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route to Hohenstadt and then turning northward into the Pegnitz valley.
At Eschenbach into the Hirschbach valley upward over Hirschbach, Achtel, Riglashof to Edelsfeld.
Just in front of Edelsfeld turn south-west to Schnellersdorf and pass Holnstein in the east. Further to Neukirchen and back again on the Five Streams Cycle Route. A somewhat shorter alternative: into and through Holnstein and further westbound over Kirchenreinbach to Etzelwang and there onto the Five Streams Cycle Route to Hohenstadt and back again on the Five Streams Cycle Route.
Extension with nice views - heaven to hollow: crossing the federal road B85 entering Edelsfeld and in the valley directly turn to the right and proceed in direction Bernricht. Down to Habres (12%!), proceed to Eckenricht and at Stegerhof, Pfeilstein turn to the left to Röckenricht. There in the middle of the town turn to the right and at the fork to the left in direction Lokenricht. Von there proceed to the Osterhöhle (Engl.: Easter Hollow; guided tours at weekends and feast days) and under the railroad directly to the Five Streams Cycle Route near Troisdorf. (Alternatively animal lovers can proceed from Röckenricht over Niederricht (game enclosure) to Untermainshof to the Five Streams Cycle Route.) Turn to the right and back again.

Especially take your time at Fichtenhof and at Edelsfeld to enjoy the panorama. All the time on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Nuremberg - Ansbach, Ansbach Downs, tour: ~ 120-140 km

Just around the world

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt; turning point: Ansbach, Schlosspark.

With the Five Streams Cycle Route to Worzeldorf, passing Dutzendteich lake and Steinbrüchlein (Engl.: Little Stone Pit). On the road (An der Radrunde) to Herpersdorf. (Tip: alternative in the first 90° curve a partly gravel cycle track leads through the paddocks in direction Pillenreuth.) On the cycle track to Weiherhaus and under (see above tour In the two river land Mesapotamia - river and lakes) or over (Marthweg/Sauerbruchstraße) the Main-Danube Canal to Reichelsdorfer Keller. Crossing the Katzwanger Hauptstraße into the Rednitz valley to the sports fields. Across the Rednitz and railroad line in direction Wolkersdorf. In Wolkersdorf find the Dietersdorfer Straße and follow the brook Zwieselbach over Dietersdorf to Hengdorf. Proceed over Zwieselhof to Kleinweißmannsberg and carry on to Defersdorf. (Shortcut: from Hengdorf to Regelsbach and proceed to Defersdorf.) From Defersdorf proceed to Buchschwabach, Raitersaich and Gottmannsdorf. (Extension: Defersdorf - Weiler - Rohr - Christenmühle - Göddeldorf - Müncherlbach - Gottmannsdorf.) From Gottmannsdorf over Bonnhof, Ketteldorf, Großhaslach, Adelmannssitz, Vestenberg, Külbringen to the federal road B14 (cycle track). The next junction left to Neukirchen. Proceed over Untereichenbach and Eyb to Ansbach. Follow the cycle track into downtown.
Back through the Bibert valley, e.g. back until Großhaslach and then northward to Steinbach and proceeding over Neumühle, Kleinhaslach to Münchzell and Großhabersdorf (Markgrafenweg). Or really striking over Wippendorf, Weihenzell, Höfen to Leonrod. A little bit easier: from Weihenzell over Petersdorf and Kleinhabersdorf to Kleinhaslach.
Numerous possibilities for short cuts, e.g. Brombachsee route, Rothsee route, Main Danube Canal.

Mainly on tar and less frequented roads.

Into the land of the blue mountains, single: ~ 70 km, tour: ~ 120-140 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt; turning point Vilseck.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route to Hohenstadt and then turning northward into the Pegnitz valley.
At Eschenbach into the Hirschbach valley upward over Hirschbach, Achtel, Riglashof to Edelsfeld.
In Edelsfeld cross the federal road B85, pass the town and then either through Boden - (Sigras) - Wickenricht -Schlicht or through Weißenberg - Schönlind - Schlicht to Vilseck. An extension to Weiden is possible. Either back the same route or over Sulzbach-Rosenberg (over Hahnbach) back again on the Five Streams Cycle Route.

Especially take your time at Fichtenhof and at Edelsfeld to enjoy the panorama. All the time on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Nuremberg - Treuchtlingen, in the valley of Rednitz and Schwäbische Rezat to the Karlsgraben, single: ~ 70 km, tour: ~ 120-140 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt; turning point Treuchtlingen.

Follow the route through the Pegnitz valley to Fürth and then up the Rednitz until Reichelsdorf, see above tour In the two river land Mesapotamia - river and lakes.
In Reichelsdorf follow the street Schalkhaußerstraße in direction Katzwang and yet before the railroad line turn right in the Steinhauser Weg to the sports fields, cross the Rednitz and proceed into Wolkersdorf and continue on the left with the roads Volckamerstraße and Wolkersdorfer Straße in direction Katzwang. (There is also gravel path to the south, its quality, however, leaves something to be desired from time to time.) In the valley reach the T-junction with the Rennmühlstraße/Flurstraße. Follow the road a bit to the right and leave it leftward and on the gravel path pass the waterworks and proceed over the Dornight Wiese (Engl.: meadow) and under the freeway A6 and the federal road B2 to Penzendorf. (Or as tar alternative just follow the street Schalkhauserstraße further on and proceed on the street Katzwanger Hauptstraße and leave the succeeding road Neuseerstraße in the curve with the road Hirschenholzstraße and proceed to Penzendorf.)
In the valley to Igelsdorf and Rednitzhembach. From there with the Regnitz/Rezat Wanderweg (Engl.: walking path) to Roth, see above tour Sand Axis Middle/South.
In Roth pass main station following the marking Rothsee/Brombachsee (Barnsdorfer Weg) along the railroad line to south. Through Unterheckenhofen to Georgsgmünd. Not before the end of the town change to the Staatsstraße 2224 (Engl.: county road) and proceed over Mühlstetten, Pleinfeld, Ellingen to Weissenburg. Directly follow the railroad line and over Graben (here more than 1 000 years ago Carl The Great begun with the Main Danube Canal or Fossa Carolina, Karlsgraben, Engl.: Carl's Trench) to Treuchtlingen.
Numerous shorting possibilities, e.g. Brombachsee route, Rothsee route, Main Danube Canal.

The gravel and meadow paths are not always easy to cycle. 50% on tar or less frequented roads.

Birgland and Lauterach valley, tour: ~ 120-140 km

Lady's Slipper Orchid

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route to Henfenfeld. Southward over Engelthal - Offenhausen - Kucha - Dippersricht to Traunfeld and proceed over Aglasterhof to Grafenbuch until the road Alfeld - Lauterhofen (Staatsstraße 2236; Engl.: county road). In zigzagways avoiding this road, but cross it at Reitelshofen and Landnerhof. Leave it at Gebertshofen and proceed southward over Wilfertshofen to Pettenhofen.
Shortcut: in Grafenbuch turn right and on gravel starting with red cross and later green bar just straight on heading south-east to Pettenhofen.
There in the middle of the village on tar over Brenzenwang to Lauterhofen. In Lauterhofen to the old station and on the former railroad line (alternatively on the road) to Brunn and following the Lauterach valley to Kastl.
There directly turn to north and via Dettnach- Betzenberg - Leinhof back to the road parallel to the freeway A6.
If there is a lust for a roller coaster then cross it and under the A6 to Ottmannsfeld, proceed over Reichertsfeld to Illschwang and cross the Staatsstraße 2164 heading for Einsricht. Over Sunzendorf, Högen and Haunritz to Hartmannshof to the Five Streams Cycle Route.
A bit more comfortable turn left and take the road to Schwenderöd, cross the Staatsstraße 2164 and proceed over Fürnried to Heldmannsberg. There turn right and over Waizenfeld to Hartmannshof reaching the Five Streams Cycle Route.
On the Five Streams Cycle Route back to Nuremberg again.

Very attractive scenery, but partly long inclines or big altitude differences, resp. All the time on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Wuthering Heights - Through the Birgland, tour: ~ 130-150 km

Start/Destination Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route up to Henfenfeld, then proceed over Engelthal - Offenhausen - Breitenbrunn - Hinterhaslach - Schupf (blue point, more than 20% incline on gravel; therefore alternative bypass Breitenbrunn - Hartenberg - Mosenhof. At the junction turn right heading for Schupf or in the south on gravel over Hinterhaslach - Traunfeld). North of Schupf to Molsberg - Wetterstein - Seiboldstetten - Alfeld - Kegelheim - Eckeltshof - Hainfeld. At the junction turn left in direction Frechetsfeld and at the next junction turn right to Woppenthal - Pesensricht - Illschwang. From there either Reichertsfeld - Ritzenfeld - Götzendorf - Ammerthal - Dietersberg - Kropfersricht or Schöpfendorf - Pürschläg - Kropfersricht. Then heading for Stifterslohe through Grund to Haar - Aichazandt - Schwand - Bachetsfeld - Högen - Haunritz - Hartmannshof and on the Five Streams Cycle Route back to Nuremberg again.
(In Kropfsricht one can shorten to Sulzbach-Rosenberg and the Five Streams Cycle Route. Also near Stifterslohe crossing the federal road B85 and reaching Breitenbrunn/Sulzbach-Rosenberg on gravel passing »Sieben Quellen« (Engl.: Seven Springs) In Ammernthal one can proceed eastward to Amberg or one can turn south over Viehberg, Kotzheim and Oberhof in direction Ursensollen or even Kastl, see above Birgland and Lauterachtal Tour.)

Very attractive scenery, rather calm, but partly long and hard inclines. Almost on tar, either cycle tracks or less frequented roads.

Fränkische Schweiz (Engl.: Franconian Switzerland) lap, tour: ~ 140-160 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route up to Hersbruck, then near Hohenstadt upward the valley of the Pegnitz to Ranna.
There passing the deserted hamlets Rauhenstein, Oberbrand, Unterbrand and Fischstein (fantastic scenery - like another world; have a look at the Kammerweiher (two lakes)?) through the Forest of Veldenstein in the direction Bronn to the crossing of the federal roads B85 and B470.
And now don't be frightened: down the federal road B470 passing Pottenstein downwards to Ebermannstatt. (The B470 is less frequented at weekends than one supposes, and the bike runs and runs and runs... And besides often there is a cycle track.)
Behind Ebermannstadt one turns to the southern side of the valley and behind Pretzfeld one can take a short cut in southern direction (best would be at Gosberg direction Neunkirchen, otherwise the incline towards Gräfenberg and Igensdorf turns rather fierce).
Or one just goes straight ahead to Kersbach, from there to Hausen and along the Main Danube Canal back to Erlangen or Nuremberg, resp.

Mostly on tar.

Westliche Oberpfalz (Engl.: western Upper-Palatinate), tour: ~ 170-200 km

Start/Destination: Nuremberg Insel Schütt.

Following the Five Streams Cycle Route over Amberg to Schmidtmühlen from there over Hohenburg to Neumarkt and along the Old Canal back to Nuremberg. (After Hohenberg one could also take a short cut over Kastl and later over Lauterhofen even directly back to Nuremberg.)

Very nice scenery and the inclines are of the bearable kind. Up to Amberg one travels on a tarred long distance cycle route, to Schmidmühlen along a sand/tar coated former railroad line, to Neumarkt one uses less frequented roads and along the Old Canal one meets sanded/gravel paths again.