Vis-à-Vis cycle map
One of the best ways to explore the PAMINA region has got to be by bike. At least that’s what cyclists joining us on the three-day PAMINA cycling tour we organise every year tell us. We want to make sure that as many more recreational cyclists as possible get to enjoy our stunning scenery, so we have put together a map containing the very best stretches and a selection of routes you can cover in a day.
Now that the second edition has been released, you have even more options to choose from. No matter whether you would rather admire the idyllic natural world in the wetlands along the Rhine River or enjoy the thrill of getting sporty along the gently rolling hills in the Kraichgau and the panoramic paths in the Northern Black Forest, the PAMINA region on the German/French border has something for everybody. Even if you are keen to explore the Dahn Rockland with its red sandstone rock formations and the Northern Vosges with their Medieval castles, there’s nothing stopping you doing that by bike too. Whilst you are here, why not discover some of the traditions of the Baden, Southern Palatinate and Alsace regions by visiting some of our museums or going along to a wine or folklore festival? And, of course, your PAMINA adventure wouldn’t be complete without a pit-stop at one of the traditional wine bars, quaint taverns or friendly guest houses. Have we managed to tempt you?
Detailed descriptions to help you organise and complete the suggested routes are available to download in PDF file format free of charge on our website: www.pamina-region.info. Or you can access the routes directly on your smartphone by scanning the relevant QR code.
You can also head to our website (www.pamina-region.info) for our recommended walking routes and for further information on other exciting tourist destinations, sights and activities within the PAMINA region.
PAMINA has been all about cross-border cooperation between the Southern Palatinate (PA), Middle Upper Rhine (MI) and Northern Alsace (NA) regions for over 25 years now. Boasting a well-designed network of cycle paths, the PAMINA region is a cyclist’s ultimate dream destination. When the routes cross over into the French part of the PAMINA region, they are all on tarmac paths. On the German side, there is a mixture of tarmac stretches and ground that is either covered in fine gravel or simply as nature intended.
We are always on hand to offer you any advice or help you may need. And when we say “we”, we mean the Touristik-Gemeinschaft Baden-Elsass-Pfalz e.V., or “Vis-à-Vis” for short. If you would like us to give you some more trip recommendations or book you onto our PAMINA tour, you just need to give us a call or send us an email. Having been established back in 1990, our association now has some 80 members based across the three regions. You can find out more about us at:
www.vis-a-vis-pamina.eu.
Cross-border tour tips
Peregrine Falcon Route
10 KM | ALTITUDE 140/240 METRES| 1 HOURS 30
This fun-filled route between Burg Fleckenstein (Fleckenstein Castle) in France and Biosphärenhaus (Biosphere House) in Germany is suitable for all the family. It meanders through gently rolling hills and along the idyllic banks of the Sauer River between France and Germany. There are lots of points with puzzle clues along the way so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to rest and play.
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Cross-Border Mill Route
45 KM | ALTITUDE 100 METRES| 4 HOURS
This route makes for the perfect adventure for the whole family to enjoy. Admire the beauty of nature as you cycle alongside the most stunning of rivers close to the border between the French Pays de Bitche and the Palatinate region of Germany. There are 14 incredible mills to spot along the way and why not stop off for a rest or bit of exploration whilst you’re there?
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Cycle Route Between the Rhine, Sauer and Lauter
32 KM | ALTITUDE 166 METRES|| 4 HOURS
This cycle route is the perfect way to explore the Rhine, Sauer and Lauter Rivers. You can expect diverse landscapes, stunning views of the Northern Vosges and Black Forest and fascinating flora and fauna in the Naturschutzgebiet Sauerdelta (Sauer Delta Nature Reserve) in Munchhausen.
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Picturesque Villages in and around Wissembourg
41 KM | ALTITUDE 250 METRES| 4 HOURS
You will have plenty of chances to explore Wissembourg and the surrounding area on this delightful loop, which takes you across hilly stretches, through picturesque villages, up to the fortifications on the Maginot Line and the impressive Fort de Schoenenbourg (Schoenenbourg Fort), and through the forest and vineyards in Cleebourg.
DetailsTourentipps Elsass
Sandstone and Northern Vosges Biosphere
41,6 KM |ALTITUDE 497 METRES| 4 HOURS
This loop, which starts off on the cycle path alongside the Marne–Rhine Canal (EuroVelo 5), makes for an exciting round trip around the protected natural landscapes, taking in the exceptional cultural heritage of the Naturpark Nordvogesen (Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park). If you miss out the rocky loop via Hüneburg Castle, you will cut the route down to 29 km.
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Rohan, Schlösser und Abteien
40 km | 635 HÖHENMETER | 4-5 H
Entdecken Sie die Ausläufer der Vogesen rund um Saverne. Diese hügelige Rundtour führt an zwei Abteien und in der Nähe von 5 Burgen und Schlössern vorbei, mit fantastischem Ausblick über die elsässische Rheinebene bei der Burg Haut-Barr.
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Castle and Forest Route
41 KM | ALTITUDE 358 METRES| 3-4 H
The cycle route meanders through the wooded hills of the Naturpark Nordvogesen (Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park) and passes lots of the region’s many incredible castle ruins (including the ruins of Windstein, Fleckenstein and Schöneck Castles), which you can also explore for a while on foot whilst you’re there.
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Earth Energy Route
35 KM | ALTITUDE 240 METRES | 3 HOURS
This cycle route gives you the chance to find out about the region’s rich natural and energy resources, such as the thermal water of Morsbronn-les-Bains, previous bitumen extraction work in the mines of Lobsann and the first oil extraction sites in France and Europe, which are covered by an impressive museum in Merkwiller-Pechelbronn.
DetailsTour tips for Baden and Palatinate
Three Stream Route
37,3 KM | ALTITUDE 144 METRES| 3 HOURS
Lots of streams meander through the Kraichgau, an area within the eastern part of the PAMINA region. This route follows three of them: the Kraichbach, the Katzbach and the Hainbach. You can take in the view of the vineyards as you encounter nature reserves, lovely little towns with plenty of cultural highlights and Schloss Eberstein (Eberstein Castle) on your cycle adventure.
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Dobel/Teufelsmühle Mountain/Eyach Valley Panoramic Route
33 KM | ALTITUDE 800 METRES| 3 HOURS
This route is perfect for anyone with experience on a pushbike or electric bike. It involves a long uphill stretch to Teufelsmühle Mountain and a speedy descent through the rough Brotenau and Eyach Valley against a backdrop of stunning views across the Alb and Murg Valley. Teufelsmühle and Eyachmühle also make for two wonderfully quaint places to stop along the way.
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Kraichgau-Stromberg Castle Route
54 KM |ALTITUDE 410 METRES| 3 HOURS 30
This cycle route showcases the castles of Kraichgau and boasts some spectacular views, with the Barockschloss Bruchsal (Bruchsal Baroque Castle) as one of the highlights. You will be able to admire Graf-Eberstein-Schloss (Gochsheim Castle) as well as Gondelsheim Castle with its Nymphenbrunnen (Nymph Fountain) and Schlosspark (Castle Grounds). Not forgetting Flehingen Castle, which pays homage to the von Sickingen Dynasty.
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Schönbornroute
65 KM | ALTITUDE 115 METRES| 4 HOURS 20
Get on the saddle and prepare to cycle into the past. You will start off at the Barockschloss (Baroque Castle) in Bruchsal at the foot of the hilly Kraichgau landscape, head through the Lußhardtwald (Lußhardt Forest) and pass the Eremitage (Hermitage) and Wallfahrtskloster (Pilgrimage Monastery) in Waghäusel and the Postmuseum (Postal Museum) in Rheinhausen, before cycling through the wetlands along the Rhine River in the Romanesque cathedral town of Speyer.
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Asparagus Route
106 KM | ALTITUDE 25 METRES| 7 HOURS
Hop on your bike and cycle through the Rhine Valley, taking in the stunning scenery in one of Germany’s largest asparagus-growing regions. During asparagus season, you will be able to spot lots of helpers working hard to cut off the spears in the fields. Farm shops provide a delightful setting in which to try some tasty culinary delights.
Alb Valley Route
35 KM | ALTITUDE 590 METRES | 3 HOURS 30
This leisurely route takes in towns, countryside and river landscapes in the most northerly part of the Black Forest Valley, with plenty of historical landmarks on the way, including Schloss Ettlingen (Ettlingen Palace), Kloster Frauenalb (Frauenalb Monastery) and Bad Herrenalb. Not forgetting the outstanding museums, such as the Fahrzeugmuseum (Vehicle Museum) and the Feierabendziegelmuseum (Decorative Tile Museum), and the delicious foodie treats on either side of the Alb River.
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Cultural and Foodie Route in the Murg Valley
34 KM | ALTITUDE 356 METRES| 1 HOURS 30
This exciting cycle route along the Murg River covers diverse landscapes, passing through charming historical towns and shaded wooded areas in the Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord (Central/Northern Black Forest Nature Park). You won’t find it difficult to find a stunning spot in which to while away the time. Head to one of the local beer gardens, cafés and guest houses for some traditional Baden cuisine and fine wine.
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Karlsruhe Cultural Route
39,8 KM | ALTITUDE 0 METRES| 1 HOURS 30
Explore Karlsruhe on two wheels as you head off on a sightseeing tour of the Baden-based metropolis boasting no end of impressive sights, lovely green spots, beautiful squares and welcoming cafés. Rental bikes are available throughout the city.
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Cereal Fields Route
32,2 KM |ALTITUDE 270 METRES| 2 HOURS 23
This cycle route passes through the Kraichgau cornfields and along the Kraichbach, Eschbach, Rohrbach and Kohlbach Streams. You can traditionally be sure to find mills wherever there is water flowing. And you won’t be disappointed on this bike ride thanks to the Humstermühle and Egonmühle Mills. There is even a whole place called Mühlwald (Mill Forest). Our top tip: Come along to one of the famous wine festivals!
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Ecological Regional Route
82 KM | ALTITUDE 886 METRES| 5 HOURS 45
The Kraichgau is an ancient cultural landscape. On this route, the “Land of 1000 Hills” shows off all that nature has to offer (in the form of orchards, ravines and dry stone walls) alongside culture with castles and other hidden secrets.
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Panorama Route
52,6 KM | ALTITUDE 574 METRES| 3 HOURS 45
This idyllic route takes you on a loop through picturesque towns, up and down vineyards slopes boasting panoramic views and through flower-filled meadows and luscious green woods on hills. It’s the perfect way to experience the landscape and the people. The delightful town of Bretten, where famous humanist and reformer Philipp Melanchthon was born, has a historical old town and marketplace. Not to mention that there are all sorts of local delicacies to try out.
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Wellness Route
38,6 KM | ALTITUDE 237 METRES | 3 HOURS 15
The clue is in the name of this route! You can expect a relaxed loop around unspoilt nature reserves and wetland landscapes, with views across the vineyards and a stop-off at Hardtsee Lake for a leisurely swim, boat trip or sunbathe. A visit to the Bad Schönborn Thermalbad (Thermal Spa) at the end of the route is the very embodiment of wellness.
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Castle Route
40,8 KM | ALTITUDE 640 METRES | 3 HOURS 30
This cycle route along the Deutsche Weinstraße (German Wine Route) takes you past stunning wine-producing locations and stately castles, including Reichsburg Trifels (Trifels Castle), located not too far away near Annweiler, and Reichsfeste Falkenburg (Falkenburg Castle). When you reach Hauenstein, we highly recommend that you pay a visit to the Deutsches Schuhmuseum (German Shoe Museum) and the “Gläserne Schuhfabrik” attraction, which will give you a fascinating insight into how shoes are made.
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Marauding Knight Route
40 km | ALTITUDE 460 METRES | 5- 6 HOURS
This route celebrates nature in a fun and sporty way, featuring mighty castles and ruins belonging to once-feared knights. This loop won’t fail to impress you, as you take in all there is to see through the Dahn Rockland and the Naturpark Pfälzerwald-Vosges du Nord (Palatinate Forest/Northern Vosges Nature Park).
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Barrel Lid Route 1
36,8 km | ALTITUDE 349 METRES | 2 HOURS 10
Barrel Lid Route 1 circles Bad Bergzabern along the border between Germany and France. It meanders through the idyllic vineyards of the Southern Palatinate, featuring gentle inclines and declines as well as a view over the Palatinate Forest. Kakteenland (Cactus Land) in Steinfeld is well worth a visit and it makes for a nice place to stop for a break.
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Barrel Lid Route 5
29,6 KM | ALTITUDE 299 METRES | 1 HOURS 45
Passing by Kloster Heilsbruck (Heilsbruck Monastery), this route meanders through the “Garden of Eden” of the Palatinate region. You will embark upon a bike ride you won’t forget in a hurry, as you cycle along the Wine Route and take in its tranquil vineyards, blossoming gardens, fragrant fruit trees and inviting wine bars along the way.
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Winegrower Cycle Loop
44,5 km | ALTITUDE 359 METRES | 3 HOURS
This magnificent cycle loop is rather on the long side, taking you through idyllic little towns with plenty of opportunities for a pit-stop at the many vineyards along the way. Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, rolling vineyards and picturesque wine-producing spots, Landau in der Pfalz is well worth a visit.
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Tobacco Route
37 km | ALTITUDE 109 METRES | 2 HOURS
Old half-timbered houses, charming little spots and tobacco fields as far as the eye can see form the stunning backdrop for the Tobacco Route through the Southern Palatinate. Take in the delightful scent of tobacco as you cycle through picturesque farming villages and lush meadows. And why not enjoy a delicious range of local produce whilst you are there?
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Biosphere Route
37 km | ALTITUDE 280 METRES | 4-5 HOURS
This route for nature lovers starts in Dahn and takes you on a loop around the southern part of the Biosphärenreservat Pfälzerwald-Vosges du Nord (Palatinate Forest/Northern Vosges Biosphere Reserve), alternating between dense forests and wide-open valley meadows surrounding idyllic towns and villages. Biosphärenhaus (Biosphere House) in Fischbach, which has its own treetop path and experience stations, can provide further information on the reserve.
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Water Lily Route
25 km | ALTITUDE 130 METRES | 3 HOURS
This romantic cycle route around Dahn takes you through undisturbed forest settings and idyllic valleys with calm ponds and a number of natural lakes, which are perfect for taking a break to sit and daydream. If you’d rather take a dip, you can pay a visit to Badesee Rohrwoog (Rohrwoog Bathing Lake).
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Farmyard Route
30,2 km | ALTITUDE 152 METRES | 3 HOURS
This delightful route will take you on an adventure through the Southern Palatinate, featuring flower-filled meadows, vast fields and traditional half-timbered houses in idyllic villages. Hop on your bike and cycle from one farmyard to the next. You can also explore rustic wine cellars and quaint farm stalls when the farmers open their doors to the public (“Gudes vun do”).
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Southern Palatinate Route
136 km | ALTITUDE 508 METRES | 9 HOURS 15
This cycle route on idyllic themed paths through the Rhine Valley is perfect for families. There are plenty of things to see and places to stop for delicious food along the way, with the route passing through picturesque villages, the Bienwald, the region along the German/French border, Germany’s largest tobacco growing area and the amazing wetlands along the Rhine River.
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