Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter starts and ends in Lauda-Königshofen and runs as two loops through Baden-Württemberg, Bayern and Hessen. The western loop heads towards Buchen, Miltenberg and Wertheim; the eastern loop goes via Weikersheim, Ochsenfurt, Würzburg, Gemünden am Main and Marktheidenfeld. The sections cross in Wertheim, and connections like Main-Radweg and Taubertalradweg make it easy to combine routes.
The Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter is a long-distance cycle route laid out as a figure-of-eight, starting and finishing in Lauda-Königshofen. Wikipedia puts the network at 552 km (western loop 152 km, eastern loop 234 km plus special stages 166 km); the 331.9 km figure isn’t backed up by the sources. What makes it work is the mix: forest-heavy Franconian and Tauber Franconian rolling hills, orchards and wine country, plus proper town stops like Miltenberg, Wertheim, Würzburg or Weikersheim. You’ll keep bumping into castles, palaces and monasteries along the way. According to Wikipedia the route is mostly asphalt, signed, and overall easy–moderate; the Odenwald section brings more climbing. Planning your own trip? The figure-of-eight layout is the whole point: you can mix and match stages, variants and connections (Main-Radweg, Taubertalradweg) to build the ride you want.
Route Profile
| Distance | 386 km |
| Stages | 11 |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | Well signposted |
| Suitable For | Recreational cyclists, Experienced cyclists, E-bike |
| Surface | Asphalt |
Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter Stages
Wikipedia splits the Rad-Achter into 11 stages across the western and eastern loops, each with fixed start/finish towns and distances. On top of that, it lists four special stages with their own lengths and in some cases alternative lines. For planning, that makes it easy to piece together loops and variants cleanly.
Stage 1: Lauda-Königshofen → Buchen (49 km)
You start in Lauda-Königshofen and ride the western loop to Buchen. The Rad-Achter is described as mostly asphalt and signed. Overall difficulty is rated as easy–moderate.
Lauda-Königshofen (hub), Buchen (stage finish).
Stage 2: Buchen → Miltenberg (32 km)
From Buchen to Miltenberg, the source gives a line via Hettigenbeuern (32 km) or via Walldürn (35 km). The route is mostly asphalt and signed. You’re still very much in the western-loop vibe.
Variant via Hettigenbeuern or Walldürn, Miltenberg (stage finish).
Stage 3: Miltenberg → Wertheim (32 km)
This western-loop stage runs from Miltenberg to Wertheim. According to Wikipedia the cycle path is mostly asphalt and signed. Wertheim is a key node in the network.
Miltenberg, Wertheim (switching point between sections and connections).
Stage 4: Wertheim → Lauda-Königshofen (39 km)
From Wertheim you head back to Lauda-Königshofen, closing the western loop. The route is mostly asphalt and signed according to the source. In Lauda-Königshofen you’re back at the junction of the two loops.
Wertheim, Lauda-Königshofen (start/finish).
Stage 5: Lauda-Königshofen → Weikersheim (28 km)
The eastern loop kicks off with the stage from Lauda-Königshofen to Weikersheim. According to Wikipedia the Rad-Achter is mostly asphalt and signed. Overall difficulty is given as easy–moderate.
Lauda-Königshofen (hub), Weikersheim (stage finish).
Stage 6: Weikersheim → Ochsenfurt (38 km)
Weikersheim to Ochsenfurt is listed as 38 km; Wikipedia also mentions an alternative via Creglingen to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (44 km), plus another alternative from Rothenburg ob der Tauber via Waldmannshofen and Aub (26 km). The route is mostly asphalt and signed. For planning, this is the most variant-heavy stage in the dataset.
Alternative via Creglingen to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, alternative via Waldmannshofen and Aub, Ochsenfurt (stage finish).
Stage 7: Ochsenfurt → Würzburg (22 km)
Short and handy as a linking stage: Ochsenfurt to Würzburg. The Rad-Achter is signed and mostly asphalt according to the source. Würzburg works well as a bigger stop on the eastern loop.
Ochsenfurt, Würzburg (stage finish).
Stage 8: Würzburg → Gemünden am Main (47 km)
This stage takes you from Würzburg to Gemünden am Main (47 km). Wikipedia lists two alternatives of 21 km each: Würzburg–Veitshöchheim–Zellingen and Zellingen–Marktheidenfeld. According to the source, the Rad-Achter stays mostly asphalt and signed.
Alternative Würzburg–Veitshöchheim–Zellingen, alternative Zellingen–Marktheidenfeld, Gemünden am Main (stage finish).
Stage 9: Gemünden am Main → Marktheidenfeld (34 km)
Gemünden am Main to Marktheidenfeld is given as 34 km. There’s also an alternative route Neustadt–Marktheidenfeld listed at 19 km. According to Wikipedia the route is signed and mostly asphalt.
Marktheidenfeld (stage finish), alternative route Neustadt–Marktheidenfeld.
Stage 10: Marktheidenfeld → Wertheim (26 km)
This eastern-loop stage takes you from Marktheidenfeld to Wertheim. According to Wikipedia the Rad-Achter is signed and mostly asphalt. In Wertheim you can switch again between eastern loop, western loop and the connecting routes.
Marktheidenfeld, Wertheim (hub).
Stage 11: Wertheim → Lauda-Königshofen (39 km)
To finish the eastern loop, you ride from Wertheim to Lauda-Königshofen. The Rad-Achter is mostly asphalt and signed according to the source. In Lauda-Königshofen you close the loop.
Wertheim, Lauda-Königshofen (start/finish).
The Most Beautiful Section on the Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter
If you only want to ride a chunk: take the Main section between Miltenberg and Wertheim (western loop, stage 3), then go straight on from Wertheim back to Lauda-Königshofen (stage 4). You get two clear town stops and you’ll understand the “figure-of-eight” logic without committing to the full circuit. Highlight: Wertheim is the hub where you can jump between western and eastern loops, or reroute the trip using the connections (Main-Radweg, Taubertalradweg).
Highlights on the Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter
- Lauda-Königshofen as the start/finish and the crossing point for the western and eastern loops.
- Miltenberg as a stage finish on the western loop (stage 2/3).
- Wertheim as the hub where you can combine loops and connections (Main-Radweg, Taubertalradweg).
- Würzburg as a stage finish on the eastern loop (stage 7/8).
- Connections to Main-Radweg and Taubertalradweg for mixing and matching routes.
Accommodations on the Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter
Along the Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Main-Tauber-Fränkischer Rad-Achter Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
The big strength is the flexible figure-of-eight setup, with loads of options via variants and connecting routes. Good news for touring bikes: mostly asphalt, and signed according to the source. The downside: total distance figures vary a lot depending on what you read, and in the Odenwald section you should expect noticeably more climbing.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.