WIESBADEN, Germany — Spring flowers, warmer temperatures and open beer gardens can only mean one thing — it’s time again to hit the biking trails.
One of the more enjoyable routes in the local area is the stretch from Hanau to Aschaffenburg. With a relatively flat ride along the Main River, one covers ground quickly.
For those who still remember shopping at the Self Service Supply Center in Hanau Grossauheim or hanging out at the nearby Hanau Rod and Gun Club, both locations are a good starting point for a bike tour. While the huge coal power plant has expanded operations onto the site of the former Rod and Gun Club, drivers can still park nearby just off the river to start a bike trip along the river.
Signs indicating destinations and distances are conveniently located all along the route.
From Hanau start out by heading toward Seligenstadt. After pedaling for about 10 kilometers, passing slow-moving barges proceeding through locks on the stretch, one first spies the dual spires and golden crosses of the Einhard Basilika. This prominent landmark towers over the surrounding colorfully painted half-timbered houses which make up the Seligenstadt town center.
A small ferry connects Seligenstadt with the opposite river bank crossing the former Limes Roman border. Cyclists have their choice of paths on both sides of the river if they decide to pay the small fee to ride on the ferry.
Seligenstadt offers a good place for a rest stop with several cafes and restaurants situated directly on the river and all around the town’s market square. Be sure to also wander into the abbey gardens to view the rich variety of herbs, plants and fruit trees. The church and abbey, along with the town of Seligenstadt, trace their origin to Einhard, Charlemagne’s biographer, who was given the property by the emperor in the ninth century.
From Seligenstadt continue east along the river toward Aschaffenburg. After riding about 20 kilometers one first notices the cranes, coal piles and machinery of the Aschaffenburg harbor, situated on the south side of the river.
As one gets closer to the city, Pompejannum (a country manor modeled after a Roman townhouse in Pompeii) and Schloss Johanisburg come into view. The huge, 17th-century castle, which was rebuilt after Allied bombing in World War II, dominates the skyline.
After pedaling up the hill into town, take a lunch break at the Schlappeseppel brewery situated a few houses away from the castle.
Or if you’ve still got some energy cross back over the river on one of the bridges and follow the bike signs about three kilometers south to Schönbusch Park. The expansive park area features palaces, a hedge labyrinth, Bavarian-style beer garden, row boats for rent and miles of walking paths. Founded in the 18th century as a resort for the bishops of Mainz, the park offers the perfect stopping point for a relaxing afternoon in the sun before heading back to Hanau along the Main River.