Five Rivers Cycle Path 2: Pegnitz and Vils

Day 2: Tuesday, 16th April 2019

Route: 5 Rivers Cycle Path + Schweppermann Cycle Path (Nuremberg - Kastl)

Kilometers traveled: 107

The day started at 8 with breakfast at my great aunt's house. I cycled with her son-in-law to the Wöhrder Wiese where he said goodbye and I continued along the Pegnitz river, through parks and meadows, and through several small villages until Lauf. The nature here was beautiful, and the Pegnitz was quite wide.

Then I continued towards Hersbruck. A few kilometers before, there was a special rest area for cyclists in one of the many beautiful villages, where I took a break and had something to eat.

At 12, I continued riding. I rode into Hersbruck for a bit and explored the old town. When you enter the town, the Pegnitz is still in its natural state, very beautiful. The relatively long stretch to Sulzbach-Rosenberg was characterized by numerous small villages and inclines. At one point, I had to take a detour and ride up a narrow gravel path. But at least, for the first time that day, I wasn't within earshot of a loud road. Many industrial areas had lined my path today, but not here. The path to Sulzbach was longer than expected, and when I arrived, I sat down in a beer garden, drank a Spezi, and had a Bavarian burger.

After this nice break, I continued riding - by now it was half past 3. But I didn't get far. Someone called my name in the market square: a friend who I know from playing music. We chatted for a while, at least 20 minutes. Then I really did continue.

I couldn't see the Pegnitz anymore, but the kilometers to Amberg were quickly ridden. I walked through the city center and enjoyed the atmosphere. There are a lot of shops there, and many people are out and about. On the main square next to a fountain, I enjoyed the weather and played with two little girls at the fountain.

Finally, I set off again and followed the path along the Vils river. However, I had to leave the 5 Rivers Cycle Path and instead follow the Schweppermann Cycle Path for 20km. That was tough. I felt every uphill and downhill. And there were many of them! I went through villages and fields, and later on an old railway track through the forest. It was really thick and dark. The path also went over a very fascinating valley bridge.

Ursensollen seems to be very high up, while Kastl is much lower. That's where my booked hotel was. The restaurant was closed, but it didn't matter. After showering, I relaxed in bed and soon fell asleep.