4.6
(112)
705
riders
54
rides
Gravel biking around Pilsach offers a network of routes through varied terrain, including river valleys, dense forests, and historical canal paths. The landscape is characterized by gentle rolling hills and open agricultural areas, providing diverse surfaces for gravel cyclists. Routes often follow the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal, featuring flat sections alongside more challenging ascents through wooded areas. The region provides a mix of natural and man-made features suitable for different gravel biking preferences.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
5.0
(2)
19
riders
83.3km
06:43
750m
750m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.7
(7)
61
riders
61.2km
03:17
180m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.8
(12)
91
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(14)
40
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.8
(5)
24
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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The Biergarten Schleuse 35 is idyllically located on the Alten Kanal and has outdoor seating. It is also recommended because it is only a few hundred meters from the Burgthann S-Bahn station. This means you can travel back and forth conveniently without a car.
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The Ludwig Canal (Ludwig-Donau-Main-Kanal, also called Ludwigskanal or regionally "Alter Kanal") was a 172.4 km long waterway in the 19th and 20th centuries between the Danube near Kelheim and the Main near Bamberg. In a broader sense, the canal, built between 1836 and 1846, was part of a navigable connection between the North Sea near Rotterdam and the Black Sea near Constanța. By crossing the European main watershed, the ambitious construction project held a special position. 100 locks, partly in the rivers Altmühl and Regnitz, overcame a total difference in altitude of 264 meters (80 m ascent from the Danube and 184 m descent to the Main). The successor to the canal, which was abandoned in 1950, is the Main-Danube Canal, built from 1960 to 1992.
3
0
The old canal is very idyllic and is accessible via a cycle/footpath. Large trees on the right and left often provide shade
0
0
Beautiful cycle path. However, one must note that there is hardly any shade and you are almost constantly in the sun.
0
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Always along the canal, good cycle path.
0
0
Definitely cycle along the canal. You are only in nature
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Definitely cycle along the canal. You are only in nature
0
0
It's wonderful to cycle along the canal here. It's not for racing, but ideal for leisurely bike rides. The fact that there are a few more or less successful works of art along the way is a nice bonus.
11
0
Pilsach offers a diverse landscape for gravel biking, characterized by river valleys, dense forests, and historical canal paths. You'll encounter gentle rolling hills and open agricultural areas, providing a mix of surfaces from flat sections along the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal to more challenging ascents through wooded areas.
Yes, Pilsach has routes suitable for various skill levels. While many routes are moderate, there are options that cater to beginners. For example, routes along the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal often feature flatter sections, ideal for those new to gravel biking. Out of 84 available routes, 6 are classified as easy.
For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Pilsach offers several demanding routes. A notable option is the Valleys, forests and canals - Graveling in the Altmühltal Nature Park, which is 83.3 km long with significant elevation gain, navigating diverse natural landscapes. There are 31 difficult routes in the area.
Many routes in Pilsach offer scenic views, particularly those following the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal or venturing into forested hills. The View of the Rothsee with its marina – Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal Path loop from Neumarkt (Oberpf) is a great choice, offering picturesque views of the Rothsee lake.
Pilsach's gravel routes can lead you past several interesting sights. You might encounter natural monuments like the Hohlloch Cave (Velburg) or the Kaltenbach Spring. Historical sites such as the Heinzburg Ruins on Schlossberg and viewpoints like the Viewpoint at the summit cross also dot the landscape.
Yes, Pilsach features numerous loop trails, which are popular for gravel biking. An example is the Art on the Canal – Jacob’s Ladder – Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal Path loop from Neumarkt (Oberpf), which offers a circular journey along the historic canal.
The region is generally enjoyable for gravel biking from spring through autumn. The varied terrain, including canal paths and forest trails, can be ridden in most conditions. However, checking local weather and trail conditions is always recommended, especially after heavy rain or during winter months when some paths might be less accessible.
The gravel biking routes around Pilsach are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 60 reviews. Many riders praise the diverse terrain, the mix of natural beauty, and the well-maintained canal paths.
While specific cafes are not listed for every route, many routes, especially those passing through or near towns like Neumarkt, offer opportunities to stop for refreshments. The popularity of the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal path suggests that amenities are available along its course.
There are over 80 gravel bike trails available for exploration in the Pilsach area, offering a wide range of distances and difficulty levels to suit different preferences and fitness levels.
Trail conditions vary depending on the specific route. Canal paths are generally smooth and well-maintained, while forest sections may involve more natural surfaces like gravel, dirt, and occasional roots. The region's gentle rolling hills mean you'll encounter a mix of packed earth and loose gravel. Always check recent tour reports on komoot for the most up-to-date conditions.
Yes, for those looking for longer rides, Pilsach offers several routes exceeding 50 km. The Valleys, forests and canals - Graveling in the Altmühltal Nature Park, at 83.3 km, is a prime example of a challenging long-distance option.


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