The Tauber Valley panorama trail: A walk through Germany's history

Explore the charming Tauber valley and the neighbouring Main valley between Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Freudenberg am Main – and discover traces of the past.

The five stages of the Tauber Valley panorama trail take walkers through a delightful landscape, shaped by the course of the Tauber river, and along romantic pathways revealing traces of a bygone era. The trail begins in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber then continues through the Valley of Mills and along impressive stone walls to Creglingen. The route passes through Weikersheim, where walkers can visit the Renaissance palace. Climbing through the sloping vineyards the path then reaches the spa town of Bad Mergentheim with its historical market square. Passing by wayside shrines and through rows of vines, the panorama trail carries on towards Tauberbischofsheim via Königshofen and Lauda. On this stretch walkers can enjoy well-earned views overlooking the Tauber Valley and Beckstein. Once in Tauberbischofsheim, the Kurmainz Castle with its Tauber-Franconian Country Museum und the Türmersturm watchtower are worth a visit. Glorious views accompany walkers on their way through the Apfelberg nature conservation area and to Gamburg Castle. Passing by Bronnbach Abbey and the winemaking village of Reichholzheim, the trail then reaches Wertheim. The town is home to one of the largest stone castles in southern Germany. Offering fantastic views of the Main valley, the trail continues through the romantic Wildbach valley and climbs through Freudenberg wood to Freudenburg Castle. Another 440 steps and you've reached the trail's end point in Freudenberg am Main.Tip:

Tip:

Bronnbach Abbey

Built in 1153 this former Cistercian abbey is today used as a cultural centre for a variety of events. Visitors shouldn't leave without seeing the baroque alters and choir stalls, the abbey gardens and the orangery, featuring the largest outdoor fresco north of the Alps.

At a glance:

Starts: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Ends: Freudenberg am Main

Length: approx. 130km

Number of stages: 5

Altitude variation (approximate values): ascent 3,813m, descent 4,007m

Terrain: 56% unmade, 19% asphalt, 25% other, e.g.gravel