The first trip takes in the largest interconnected woodland area in Germany, known as Pfälzer Wald. Your destination is Donnersberg, the highest peak at 686 m. On the high plateau there are still some remains of a Celtic rampart. A winding start is your reward for the efforts of the climb. Before returning to Bad Dürkheim, the trip includes a fantastic cycle ride through vine-covered hills in the Palatinate region, with quaint wine villages such as Bobenheim and Weisenheim.

It is also possible to choose a shorter and less challenging route.

Bad Dürkheim – Heidelberg (about 105 km (65 miles) / about 1000 Hm)

The first part of today’s trip includes rolling hills along the German Wine Route, where you will be met by an impressive landscape with vineyards and almond trees, as well as plenty of pretty wine villages.

From Maikammer you cycle uphill to the “Große Kalmit” (673m). Let your gaze wander towards the expansive Rhine valley on one side and the green of the Pfälzer Wald on the other. Having crossed the town of Landau in South Palatinate you leave the vine-covered hills and finally reach the Rhine valley. Here you can take a well-deserved break, in the ancient Emperor’s town of Speyer, for an ice cream and to admire the impressive cathedral there.

Today’s trip begins with a steep climb up to the 566 meter-high Königsstuhl. You will then be cycling through the Odenwald to the medieval town of Mosbach am Necker. Here it is really worthwhile delving into the sea of half-timbered houses so that you can gather all the necessary strength for your return cycle ride, which includes long stretches up and down throughout the rest of the route.

There are plenty of orchard meadows – how could it be otherwise? – and forested areas along the way there; the final section of this route along the Necker back to Heidelberg is flat.

It is also possible to choose a shorter and less challenging route.

Heidelberg – Mainz. About 110 km (68 miles) / about 600 Hm

Your trip today starts on flatland. You cross the Neckar to reach the village of Ladenburg, small but attractive with its half-timbered houses. Along the border of the area of the Baden wine route, you cycle through wheat and corn fields towards Worms.

After a stop at the majestic Sankt Peter Cathedral, you finally reach the extensive wine region of Rheinhessen. Also here, on your way to the capital city of the province, Mainz, you will be cycling through lovely wine villages such as Oppenheim und Nierstein.

There is also a longer and more challenging route through Birkenau and Heppenheim.

Lorelei round trip. About 130 km (80 miles) / about 2000 Hm or about 100 km (62 miles) / about 1600 Hm)

You leave Mainz and cycle north through the woodland region of Hohen Taunus. It takes fairly robust pedalling to follow that route until you reach Schlangenbad. Also the rest of the trip to the famous Lorelei is characterised by an undulating landscape. You will be rewarded, however, by a beautiful view of the Mittelrheintal. Long stretches through the valley and cycling along the Rhine will lead you back to Mainz.

It is also possible to choose a shorter and less challenging route.

Mainz – Bad Dürkheim. About 130 km (80 miles) / about 2000 Hm or about 90 km (56 miles) / about 1000 Hm)

The final trip starts from the Rheingau wine region and the town of Rüdesheim which is part of the world heritage list. You then cross to the other side of the Rhine by ferry, to the town of the Mouse Tower, Bingen. You will enjoy expansive views cycling through the hilly wine area of Rheinhessen.

Cycling hrough Bad Kreuznach and Alzey you reach Bockenheim from where you get back on the German Wine Route to your point of departure. You will have definitely earned a glass of Riesling on Römerplatz in Bad Dürkheim at the end of your road bike tour of the Palatinate region.

It is also possible to choose a shorter and less challenging route.