The Altmühltal Radweg runs for about 160 kilometres along the Altmühl river from Gunzenhausen in the west to Kelheim in the east, where the river meets the Danube. It is consistently rated among Germany's best cycling routes — waymarked throughout, mostly flat (following the river), on good surfaces, and passing a succession of medieval towns, limestone cliffs, Roman ruins, and quiet villages.
Most cyclists complete the route in three to five days. Bike rental is available at several points along the valley; hotels and guesthouses cater specifically to cyclists and hold luggage transfers. The route is best from May to September; it gets busy in July and August but the towns and guesthouses absorb the numbers. The parallel hiking trail follows much the same course for those on foot.