© Stadt Langenau
From idyllic valleys to the Swabian Alb – Germany’s Hohenlohe-Ostalb Cycle Route
Bike Touring Collection by Sebastian Gliem
2-4
days
3-6 h
/ day
125 mi
5,625 ft
5,425 ft
If you don’t see yourself as an easy-going tourer, but tough alpine stages aren’t really your thing either, then listen up. The Hohenlohe-Ostalb Cycle Route is a great ride with just the right amount of sweat.
In this four-stage version, you cycle over 200 kilometres (124 mi), with 1,700 metres (5,500 ft) of elevation gain. You ride from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Ulm, crossing the idyllic Tauber and Jagst valleys, passing the Rhaetian Limes near Rainau and spending time in the beautiful city of Ulm at the finish line.
This adventure takes you through natural river valleys and historic towns, and ensures that your leg muscles are put to work. Between Aalen and Ulm, you cross the Swabian Alb, gaining quite some altitude.
You need to be relatively fit as every stage has some climbs, although they’re usually not too steep. You’ll mostly cycle on asphalt, so at least the road surface is smooth.
Getting there and back is easy – both Rothenburg and Ulm have regional public transport connections, so you can leave your car at home. Have fun!
On The Map
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Last updated: September 24, 2022
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Tours & Highlights
- Difficult03:1831.5 mi9.6 mph1,600 ft1,625 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
A constant up and down awaits you on the first stage of the Hohenlohe-Ostalb cycle path from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Crailsheim. You have almost 50 kilometers ahead of you, peppered with almost 500 meters in altitude. By the way, the first ones await you just a few kilometers after the start - so…
- Difficult03:2532.7 mi9.6 mph1,525 ft1,250 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
The second stage of the Hohenlohe-Ostalb cycle path will not disappoint you either. In addition to the obligatory climbs, you can also look forward to idyllic lakes and breathtaking castle views over the almost 50 kilometers.
It starts in Crailsheim and after five kilometers to warm up, it goes steeply…
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- Intermediate02:5327.5 mi9.5 mph1,450 ft1,450 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
It won't surprise you, but you still have a little "work" ahead of you today. But without diligence there is no gain - and the third stage on the way to Heidenheim an der Brenz definitely has prizes in store for you!
Since Lauchheim is not on the original route and I only guided you there for the night…
- Intermediate03:3033.4 mi9.5 mph1,025 ft1,075 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Surprise! It's true that the last day of your tour on the Hohenlohe-Ostalb cycle path is up and down, but not as bad as on the last stages. On the way to Ulm you have to cope with a comfortable 320 meters of altitude difference over an easy 54 kilometers, with no inclines being steep or long and the…
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Collection Stats
- Tours4
- Distance125 mi
- Duration13:06 h
- Elevation5,625 ft5,425 ft
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