Amberg: River Cycling Routes, City History and Brewing Culture

The city of Amberg combines cycling routes along several rivers with a distinctive history, art and brewing culture. You can explore routes by the water, discover historic buildings, or plan visits to exhibitions and guided tours. The approximately 300-kilometre Five Rivers Cycle Route passes through Amberg; at the same time, fortifications and waterways shape the range of experiences on offer.

Cycling: two routes with different profiles

The Five Rivers Cycle Route is an approximately 300-kilometre circuit along the Pegnitz, Vils, Naab, Danube and Altmühl rivers. You can join it at any point, so you can also switch onto a section of the route in Amberg. If you are looking for a circuit with a flexible starting point, you will find a different route profile here than on the Bavarian Iron Route.

This cycling route, approximately 140 kilometres long, runs from Pegnitz to Regensburg via Amberg and connects former ironworking centres in the region. From Amberg, it follows the historic waterway along the Vils, Naab and Danube rivers to Regensburg. Its named endpoints and connection to ironworking give it a different character from the Five Rivers Cycle Route. You can choose your tour accordingly, depending on whether you prefer a circuit or a route between two cities.

City history told through walls, gates and the museum

Amberg’s historic fortifications include an almost three-kilometre-long wall, five gates, 97 towers and a deep moat. You can also encounter a striking landmark from the water: historic barge trips pass through Amberg and beneath the Stadtbrille, the historic water gate. During the trip, stories and anecdotes are told about the city and its sights along the river. Check whether trips are available before your visit.

The City Museum presents different facets of the city’s history across approximately 1,800 square metres: from its first documented mention in 1034, through the period when it was the seat of the Electors, to the industrial history that unfolded from the 19th century onward. The permanent exhibition is divided into 13 sections covering various topics from the city’s nearly 1,000-year history. Public guided tours of sections of the permanent exhibition and all special exhibitions are held regularly. Check tour dates before your visit.

Built between 1968 and 1970, the Glass Cathedral is now the Kristall-Glasfabrik Amberg GmbH. It is the only building by Walter Gropius in the Upper Palatinate and also his last work. In the exhibition room, a hosted multimedia show explores the building’s development from its beginnings in the 1960s to the present day. Check in advance whether guided access is available for your visit.

Art, exhibitions and special views

The ALTE FEUERWACHE City Gallery in the City Museum is a municipal exhibition space of approximately 170 square metres dedicated to fine art. Its focus is on contemporary art from eastern Bavaria; around four temporary exhibitions are held there each year. The Air Museum takes a completely different approach: its exhibition spaces on three floors revolve around air. In addition to a permanent exhibition, the programme includes talks, readings, guided tours and concerts; the programme may change.

A guided tour of the almost 92-metre-high St. Martin’s Tower offers insights into the building’s history and views of the surrounding area. Check the booking conditions before making plans. The city theatre also adds its own distinctive note to the cultural scene: it offers more than 100 events each year for a broad audience, although the annual number may vary.

By the water and out and about

Along the Vils, on the edge of Amberg’s old town, there is a recreational area with diverse flora and fauna. On Mariahilfberg, the 1.5-kilometre-long nature trail about soil, with ten stations, invites you to learn about the ground through touch and hands-on activities. The Water Trail runs through Amberg and the surrounding area, sharing information about the water supply. These experiences offer different ways to shape your stay: nature by the river, active discovery at the stations, or a route focused on the water supply.

Brewing tradition and regional cuisine

Amberg has had a brewing tradition for centuries, and six breweries continue it today. The number of breweries may change. The Winkler family brewery experience includes a tour of the historic brewhouse, where actors reenact scenes from 400 years of brewing history. The experience is followed by a small beer tasting and a beer carter’s meal with a starter and main course, either at Winkler BräuWirt or Schießl Wirtshaus. Dates and participating venues may change; check in advance. Traditional inns, beer gardens and restaurants also serve beer and regional specialities in a cosy atmosphere.

Finding your way around

A pedestrian and visitor wayfinding system leads around the old town to tourist attractions, important facilities and car parks. As signs and parking arrangements may change, check for current information if needed.

Discover more destinations: Hof, Chiemgau, Kitzingen, Tirschenreuth, Regen, Nürnberger Land, Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen.

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