German-French Cycling Tour to Natural Treasures (PAMINA)

Route description of the entire route :

From Gambsheim in Alsace to the French-German border towards the Palatinate

The tour starts at the parking lot of the fish ladder in Gambsheim-Rheinau. Before setting off, it’s worth visiting the visitor center with its permanent exhibition, observation room, and viewing platform to explore one of the largest fish ladders in Europe.

From here, you’ll cycle along the RD2 to Gambsheim. At the roundabout, turn right onto the EuroVelo15 Véloroute Rhin / Rheinradweg, which runs along the RD29 here, and head towards Offendorf. Offendorf is a small river shipping town with a floating museum worth visiting. The museum is located on a barge and, during the summer months, presents the life of Rhine boatmen.From there, your path leads through the Rossmoerder Nature Reserve and past the Réserve nationale naturelle de la forêt d’Offendorf (National Park Offendorf Forest). Both are protected Rhine forests, still original and quite wild, offering a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Your tour follows the EuroVelo15 Véloroute Rhin / Rheinradweg to the ferry at Drusenheim. However, you’ll stay in Alsace, turning left onto the RD429 into the center of Drusenheim, where you can take a break in the idyllic Altwasser Gardens. From there, continue along the Véloroute de la Vallée de la Moder (IC23) along the Moder River to Oberhoffen-sur-Moder. Riding along the banks of the Moder, you’ll reach Haguenau, a lively town in northern Alsace perfect for a stroll.

Shortly before the "Porte de Landau" roundabout, follow the signs for the A la découverte de la forêt d'Exception cycling loop, taking you through the Haguenau Forest, France’s sixth-largest lowland forest, covering 21,000 hectares. This green oasis invites both locals and visitors to relax, walk, and enjoy outdoor activities. You’ll find protected trees, ponds, birdwatching spots, burial mounds, and many other treasures.The popular gathering point “Gros Chêne” in the heart of the forest offers a playground, picnic areas, an inn, and the Saint-Arbogast Chapel. Along the way, it’s worth stopping at Pia and Alain’s secret garden in Walbourg.

After your forest loop, keep following the “Forêt d'Exception” signs. Back at the Moder River in Haguenau, turn right onto the Route de Bitche and cycle along the IC21 to Mertzwiller. The route passes Mietesheim and Uttenhoffen, where you can visit the garden at Ferme Bleue, a distinguished garden.

Continue through Gundershoffen and Reichshoffen. A detour to Niederbronn-les-Bains is worthwhile: there’s a circular trail through town passing many protected trees, some over 100 years old. In Reichshoffen, follow Rue du Général Koenig from the station and then the IC53 along the idyllic Plan d'eau de Reichshoffen nature reserve.

From there, cycle to Nehwiller, turn left onto Rue d'Alsace and immediately right onto Rue de la République (RD121) to Jaegerthal. Then, follow the RD53 to Obersteinbach. Especially worth seeing is the Adelsberg-Lutzelhardt cross-border nature reserve near Obersteinbach on the RD3.

The community of Obersteinbach offers several attractions: the spectacular Wachtfels and Bellevue rock formations, as well as the private ecological Hymnoptera Garden, where the owner has created diverse microhabitats to promote biodiversity.

Your tour continues through Niedersteinbach to the Véloroute de la vallée de la Sauer, north of Lembach, and over the French-German border to Hirschthal.

From Dahner Felsenland through the Southern Wine Route to Germersheim

You’ll start your ride following the signs of the German-French Friendship Tour into the Dahner Felsenland, passing through Schönau and Fischbach. This region is a stunning part of the Palatinate Forest, filled with bizarre sandstone rock formations, dense forests, and peaceful valleys — perfect for cycling and hiking. From Fischbach to Dahn, you’ll ride along the Biosphere Tour cycling path, surrounded by beautiful, varied landscapes. It’s a great route if you love nature, offering a mix of scenic views, cultural sites, and impressive rock formations. From Dahn, follow the German-French Pamina Cycle Route Lautertal (marked with a Euro Cyclist logo) to Hinterweidenthal.

Here, you can take a worthwhile detour to see one of Germany’s famous national geotopes — the “Teufelstisch” (Devil’s Table), a legendary rock formation. From there, follow the Pirminius-Radweg to Hauenstein, Germany’s largest “shoe village.” You’ll find the German Shoe Museum here, home to the world’s biggest shoe (a Guinness World Record from 2008), along with a shoe factory experience and the German Shoe Mile full of shops and displays. Leaving Hauenstein, cycle along Hauptstraße and Weißenburgerstraße before turning left onto the cycling path toward Lug. Passing through meadows and open fields, you’ll reach Lug and then follow the Castle Tour (Burgentour) to Völkersweiler.

Unique to Germany, a broad stretch of sweet chestnut trees runs through the Palatinate Forest. If you’re riding during the annual Chestnut Days (early October to mid-November), you’ll find traditional markets, food stands, and forest huts serving local dishes made with chestnuts.

Before entering Völkersweiler, turn left and follow the path to Wernersberg. Ride past the sports field, then take Maisbachstraße and turn right into Wiesenstraße. Continue along the path parallel to the B48 until you reach Annweiler am Trifels. From here, follow the signs for the Queichtal-Radweg through Annweiler-Queichhambach and Albersweiler to Birkweiler. There, you’ll briefly follow the railway line, cross it, and arrive in Siebeldingen on the German Wine Route (Deutsche Weinstraße). Ride through the village and head out into the vineyards toward Frankweiler. Not far from your route lies the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding. If you’re cycling in spring, the landscape bursts into pink when the almond trees bloom. The institute develops climate-resistant grape varieties, and you can taste or buy their wines on-site.

Stay on the German Wine Route through Hainfeld, then join the “From Rhine to Wine” cycle path (marked with a green sign featuring a Speyer Cathedral silhouette and grapes). Ride through Edesheim and Großfischlingen, where you’ll connect to the South Palatinate Cycle Path (marked with a poppy symbol). This path takes you via Kleinfischlingen, Essingen, and Bornheim — known for its stork sanctuary — to Offenbach an der Queich. From there, turn left onto the Queichtal-Radweg, following the river symbol and big “Q” signs, heading toward Bellheim and Germersheim.

Your route continues past Ottersheim, the Ottersheim weir, and through the lush Queich meadows to Knittelsheim. This centuries-old irrigation system has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. In spring and summer, you’ll see plenty of storks feeding in the meadows. From Knittelsheim, cycle through Bellheim and the Bellheimer Forest to reach Germersheim. Here, the Queichtal-Radweg ends where the Queich flows into the Rhine. You’ll also meet the Rhine Cycle Route / EuroVelo 15, marked with blue stars and a cyclist symbol. Follow it through Germersheim to the riverside park, a great spot to watch boats and ships on the river. Along the way, the Ziegeleimuseum Sondernheim is perfect for a break with coffee, snacks, or a slice of cake.

From Germersheim across the Rhine and through the Kraichgau to Karlsruhe

Keep following the Rhine Cycle Route / EuroVelo 15 past the Sondernheim lock, cycling through the unique and untouched Hördter Rhine meadows to Leimersheim. Once you reach the Leimersheim pumping station, leave the Rhine Cycle Route by turning left toward the ferry. Before boarding, take a moment to admire the peaceful backwaters of the Old Rhine. You’ll cross the Rhine by ferry to Leopoldshafen.

On the other side, the ride continues through green fields, quiet woods, and peaceful meadows, offering a natural escape where you might spot rare birds. The path gently winds through the Kraichgau region toward Untergrombach. From Staffort, follow the Tour de Spargel (Asparagus Tour), a route offering wide views of the nearby hills and farmland. As you approach Untergrombach, the landscape opens up and you’ll be treated to stunning views.

At the foot of Michaelsberg in Untergrombach, you’ll find vineyards and orchards. If you’re up for a short climb, head up the hill for incredible panoramic views over the Rhine plain. Back on the Asparagus Tour, continue to Bruchsal, known for its grand Baroque palace and beautiful palace gardens — an ideal spot to mix culture and nature. In Bruchsal, switch to the Baden Wine Cycle Route, leading to Bruchsal-Talmühle and then through the rolling hills of Kraichgau on the ÖkoRegio-Tour to Unteröwisheim. Here, you’ll pass vineyards, orchards, and picturesque villages.

From Unteröwisheim, return to the Baden Wine Cycle Route and head toward Gochsheim. Be sure to stop by the Renaissance castle for a taste of regional winemaking history. Next, take the 3-Bäche-Tour to Bahnbrücken before rejoining the Baden Wine Cycle Route. Continue to Zaisenhausen, a charming village surrounded by hills and vineyards. In autumn, the area glows with rich golden colors. Then head to Sulzfeld, another lovely wine village with the impressive Ravensburg Castle, famous for its wines and beautiful views.

Your next stop is Kürnbach, close to the Württemberg border. This town features a picturesque center with timbered houses and a long tradition of Schwarzriesling wine. From here, continue to Oberderdingen, a scenic village lined with vineyards and rolling hills. Follow the Schlösser Tour to Bretten-Rinklingen, where the historic center and the Melanchthonhaus museum recall the life of Reformation leader Philipp Melanchthon. Around the lively market square, you’ll find cafés and restaurants — perfect for a rest.

From Bretten, you'll follow the Panorama Tour through a hilly landscape via farm tracks and quiet side roads to Wössingen. From there, a section of the ÖkoRegio Tour takes you to Pfinztal-Berghausen. Here, you’ll pick up the Stromberg-Murrtal Cycle Path, initially riding alongside the railway tracks until you reach the Durlacher Wald waterworks.From there, you’ll continue along the NaturRADtour through the Oberwald forest to the picturesque Alb river.

Cycling through Karlsruhe, you’ll follow the Alb past the "Europabad" leisure complex and through the Günther-Klotz-Anlage park. This expansive green space, with its wide meadows, trees, and numerous seating areas, makes for a perfect place to pause and relax. In Karlsruhe-Daxlanden, you’ll leave the Alb behind and head toward the Altrheinbrücke (Old Rhine Bridge), which you’ll cross. From there, your route takes you past the Rappenwörth Nature Conservation Center until you arrive at the "Rheinstrandbad Rappenwörth" outdoor swimming area — a popular destination on hot summer days. Next, you’ll continue in the direction of Neuburgweier, cycling along the Old Rhine (Altrhein) as you go.

From Rheinstetten across the Rhine to the Alsatian Sauerdelta

We reach the Fermasee in the Altrhein Neuburgweier nature reserve. It’s a great spot for a swim on warm summer days. Following the path along the lakeshore, the outskirts of Neuburgweier begin. Here, you'll turn right at the Marienstatue and continue along Marienstraße until you reach Rheinstraße, where you’ll turn right again and follow the street. Passing by the flood protection embankment, you’ll arrive at the Rhine ferry "Baden-Pfalz". After crossing the river by ferry, you’ll arrive in Neuburg on the Palatinate side.

From the Neuburg am Rhein ferry dock, follow the signs for the Rheinradweg (Rhine Cycle Route) / EuroVelo15 Véloroute Rhin heading south toward France. If you’d like, you can take a detour to Neuburg to visit the floating ship restaurant "Lautermuschel" or the Rheinaue-Museum, which offers insights into life along the Rhine and the nature and wildlife of the river meadows.

Continuing on the Rheinradweg / EuroVelo15 Véloroute Rhin, you’ll reach France. You'll cycle past Lauterbourg, a charming town known as the "Porte de France", with its gravel pit lake that's perfect for a summer swim, and one of the most beautiful water sports centers in Alsace, the "Base des Mouettes". As you pass through Munchhausen, you'll enter the national nature reserve Sauerdelta. A visit to the "Maison de la Nature" nature center will provide fascinating insights into the natural treasures of the Sauerdelta.

From the Sauerdelta to the Sand Heaths, and through Bühl and the Rhine Meadows to the Fish Ladder in Gambsheim

Continuing along the EuroVelo15 Véloroute Rhin / Rheinradweg, you’ll reach the Seltz-Plittersdorf ferry, which will take you across the Rhine to the German side in Plittersdorf. From there, head toward Iffezheim, following Badener Straße in the direction of Sandweier. Shortly after passing Kühlsee, you’ll make a detour to the "Sandheiden and Dunes near Sandweier and Iffezheim" nature reserve. To reach it, turn left off the cycle path onto Mittelfeldstraße after Kühlsee, and follow Iffezheimer Straße around Kühlsee.

The "Sandheiden and Dunes near Sandweier and Iffezheim" nature reserve is one of the most significant sand areas in Baden-Württemberg and part of the European-wide Natura 2000 protection network. After the last Ice Age, the gravel terraces formed by the Rhine were overlaid by sand, creating dunes that can reach up to 15 meters high. Today, the area is a sand and dune landscape of regional significance, providing habitat for many rare species of plants and animals. You can experience the reserve on foot by following the self-guided "Dune Circuit" and the "Sandbell Path".

Back on the cycle path, you’ll follow Iffezheimer Straße and Mittelfeldstraße, cross the A5 motorway, and then turn right to ride along the Ooser Landgraben toward Oos-West and past the Baden-Baden train station. From here, the cycle path continues parallel to B3 heading south and crosses B500. You'll pass through Halberstung and Weitenung, continuing on to Bühl.

In Bühl, cycle through the town center and head toward Oberweier. From the center of the village, follow the signs to the Waldhägenich nature and landscape conservation area. Here, you’ll find meadows with fruit trees where you might be lucky enough to spot a little owl, old oak forests with a rich birdlife, and the Laufbach stream, which provides a suitable hunting habitat for various dragonfly species and plenty of food for the kingfisher. The Große Hägenichsee serves as a natural fishing lake. The Waldhägenich nature reserve can be explored individually or on guided tours.

Continuing on, you’ll reach Balzhofen. Along Balzhofener Straße, you’ll find the small farm shop from SCHAFraffenland. In addition to seasonal vegetables and fruit, they offer sheep's milk products like cheese and yogurt, as well as fresh bread and ice cream. These products are available in cooling vending machines 24/7.

Next, follow the K3746/L87a to Moos. In Moos, you can make a detour to the wildlife enclosure located just off our route to the north of Moos. Follow Mooser Straße/L76 over fields and meadows to Ulm. Shortly after leaving Moos, on the right side of the road in the forest, you'll find a small Marian Grotto.

From Ulm, the tour continues through the charming village of Lichtenau, surrounded by the beautiful landscape at the foot of the Black Forest. Picturesque half-timbered houses, historic churches, and the lush greenery of the surroundings add special charm to the route. Cycling on peaceful paths, you'll pass through the natural Rhine meadows, where the local fauna and flora flourish in their natural rhythm. Reaching Freistett, you’ll cross the imposing Rhine Bridge, and following the fish ladder, the impressive hydropower station, and the ship lock, your journey will lead you directly into France, bringing you back to your starting point.

For our cycling routes we recommend the following equipment as standard:

 (touring) bike, on hillier tours more gears or electric assistance provide more comfort. bicycle helmet clothing suitable for cycling, also for bad weather Bicycle bag, for stowing equipment and provisions Sunglasses or goggles, which also protect against insects Smartphone with the Rhineland-Palatinate app for navigation and information on places of interest, places to stop along the route, etc. Most important tools and spare parts, charging accessories for e-bike if necessary Sun protection, especially for tours through fields & vineyards

Please note that the tour partly runs on agricultural roads as well as on traffic roads. We ask for mutual consideration as well as careful and anticipatory cycling in road with traffic. In addition to asphalt cycle paths, there may be sections with gravel, with uneven concrete slabs, forest roads or dirt roads sections .

From Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria, take the A8 towards Karlsruhe or the A5 towards Bühl, Baden-Baden, Rastatt or Bruchsal.

From the north, either on the Baden side via the A5 towards Bruchsal and Karlsruhe, or on the Palatinate side via the A65 towards Landau.

From France, take the A4 and A340 towards Haguenau, or the A35 towards Gambsheim or Lauterbourg.

The tour can be started from several stations and train stops on the Palatinate, Baden or French side, such as:

Karlsruhe,

Bretten,

Bruchsal,

Ettlingen

Rastatt,

Baden-Baden,

Bühl,

Germersheim,

Haguenau,

Lauterbourg,

Gambsheim,

Seltz,

Mothern,

Reichshoffen

More information for Baden-Württemberg at www.efabw.de for Rhineland-Palatinate at www.vrn.de and for Alsace at www.sncf.com

There are several parking facilities along the route.

Cycling map :

 Vis-à-Vis cycle map "Per Rad!"- Cycling map of Kraichgau-Stromberg "Tourentipps in der Südpfalz" - Cycling map "Cycling tours around Bühl and Achern" - cycle map

Bike rental and services

Alsace :

https://www.cyclinginalsace.com/en/facilities/bike-rental.html

https://www.cyclinginalsace.com/en/facilities/bicycle-repair.html

Albtal:

https://www.albtal-tourismus.de/erleben/radfahren

Karlsruhe:

https://www.kvv-nextbike.de/de/karlsruhe/

https://lastenkarle.de/

https://www.mikes-bike.de/

https://www.rumler-ebikes.de/

http://www.radler-martin.de/

Pfalz:

https://www.pfalz.de/de/pfalz-erleben/radfahren/verleih-und-ladestationen/ladestationen

https://www.pfalz.de/de/pfalz-erleben/radfahren/verleih-und-ladestationen/e-bike-und-fahrradverleih

Iffezheim:

https://www.fahrrad-haak.de/

Rastatt:

https://www.zweirad-koelmel.de/cms-wir-ueber-uns.asp

https://www.zweiradhaus-maerz.de/

https://bikeundrahmen.de/

The Baden-Elsass-Pfalz e.V. tourism association brings together around 60 members in Baden, the North Alsace and the South Palatinate. These include towns and municipalities, tourism organisations, accommodation providers and some businesses. The Baden-Alsace-Palatinate Tourism Association promotes cooperation between tourism stakeholders in the Franco-German PAMINA region. This cross-border cycle tour was developed on its initiative. The following tourist information offices are located along the route:

Office de tourisme du Pays Rhénan

1, Rue des Ecluses

67760 Gambsheim

+33 (0)3 88 96 44 08

www.visitpaysrhenan.alsace

Office de tourisme du Pays de Seltz-Lauterbourg

Maison Krumacker, 2 avenue du Général Schneider

67470 Seltz

+33 (0)3 88 05 59 79

www.tourisme-pays-seltz-lauterbourg.fr

Office de Tourisme de l'Alsace Verte

11 place de la République

67160 Wissembourg

+33 (0) 3 88 94 10 11

www.alsaceverte.com

Office de Tourisme du Pays de Haguenau

1 place Joseph Thierry

67500 Haguenau

+33 (0) 3 88 06 59 99

www.visithaguenau.alsace

Touristinformation Rastatt

Herrenstraße 18 (amSchloss)

76437 Rastatt

+49 (0) 7222 9721220

www.tourismus-rastatt.de

Tourist-Info Bretten

Melanchthonstraße 3

75015 Bretten

+49 (0) 7252 583710

www.erlebe-bretten.de

Bruchsaler Tourismus, Marketing & Veranstaltungs GmbH

Am Alten Schloss 22

76646 Bruchsal

+49 (0)7251 50594-0

https://bruchsal-erleben.de/tourismus/

Tourist-Information Karlsruhe

Kaiserstraße 72 - 74 (am Marktplatz)

76133 Karlsruhe

+49 (0) 721 602997580

www.karlsruhe-erleben.de

Büro für Tourismus Landau in der Pfalz

Marktstraße 50

76829 Landau in der Pfalz

+49 6341 138301

https://www.landau-tourismus.de/

Südpfalz-Tourismus Landkreis Germersheim e.V.

Luitpoldplatz 1

76726 Germersheim

+49 (0) 727453300

www.suedpfalz-tourismus.de

Kraichgau-Stromberg Tourismus e. V.

Melanchthonstraße 3

75015 Bretten

+49 7252 96 33-23

www.kraichgau-stromberg.de

Tourist-Information Bühl

Friedrichstraße 7

77815 Bühl

+49 (0) 7223 9353805

www.buehl-buehlertal-ottersweier.de

Dahner Felsenland

Schulstraße 29

66994 Dahn

+49 63 91 91 96 - 00

www.dahner-felsenland.net

Südliche Weinstrasse Annweiler am Trifels e.V.

Meßplatz 1

76855 Annweiler am Trifels

+49 6346 2200

www.vg-annweiler.de

Öko Regio Tour https://regio.outdooractive.com/oarkraichgau-stromberg/de/tour/radfahren/kraichgaustromberg-oekoregio-tour/1507087/

Bruchsaler Ringroute https://regio.outdooractive.com/oar-kraichgaustromberg/de/tour/radfahren/bruchsalerringroute/1534407/

Schlösser Tour https://regio.outdooractive.com/oarkraichgau-stromberg/de/tour/radfahren/kraichgaustromberg-schloesser-tour/1536676

Kraichradweg https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/radtour/baden-wuerttemberg/kraichradweg/13584036/

Panorama Tour https://regio.outdooractive.com/oarkraichgau-stromberg/de/tour/radfahren/kraichgaustromberg-panorama-tour/1491994/

https://www.cyclinginalsace.com/

For those who like it shorter, our tip for 3-day tours (see also route description):

Stage 1: Baden Stage "From the Hills of Kraichgau to the Rhine Landscapes" (143 km)

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/bikepacking/kraichgau-stromberg/circuit-velo-transfrontalier-espaces-naturels-remarquables-espace/807576619/?i=807576619

This three-day loop takes place largely on the Baden side: you cross the hills of the Kraichgau, the green outskirts of Karlsruhe, cross the Rhine, and ride along the Rhine’s alluvial meadows before returning to the Kraichgau.

From Bruchsal to Neuburgweier, you follow the main route. In Neuburgweier, you take the ferry across the Rhine to Neuburg am Rhein (Palatinate). You then follow EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route northwards to Leimersheim. There, you turn right towards the ferry and cross the Rhine a second time, this time between Leimersheim and Leopoldshafen. From there, you follow the main route back to Bruchsal.

Stage 2: Alsatian Stage "Exceptional Haguenau Forest, Northern Vosges Nature Park, and Rhine Landscapes" (183 km)

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/bikepacking/alsace/circuit-velo-transfrontalier-espaces-naturels-remarquables-espace/807464039/?i=807464039

Between Drusenheim and the "Étang de Fleckenstein" in Lembach, you follow the main route. You ride briefly alongside the Fleckenstein pond, then turn right towards "Château de Fleckenstein" and "Gimbelhof," both of which you pass. The route crosses the Franco-German border towards Nothweiler and Bundenthal, where you join the Franco-German PAMINA Lauter Valley Cycle Route. You follow this route to the Rhine at Lauterbourg. There, you rejoin EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route and follow it south back to the starting point in Drusenheim.

Stage 3: Palatinate Stage "Bienwald Forest, Dahner Felsenland Rocks, and Rhine Landscapes" (169 km)

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/bikepacking/pfalz/circuit-velo-transfrontalier-espaces-naturels-remarquables-raccourcis/807464009/?i=807464009

Between Dahn and Leimersheim, you follow the main route. After Leimersheim, you leave EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route and ride from Neupotz through what was once Germany’s largest tobacco-growing region, passing through Rheinzabern and Hatzenbühl, the country’s oldest tobacco-growing community, to Kandel. Then, you cross the wild Bienwald forest with its meandering streams and reach Wissembourg. Here, you follow the Franco-German PAMINA Lauter Valley Cycle Route back to Dahn.