4.4
(9)
62
riders
20
rides
Gravel biking around Riesbürg offers a unique experience within the Nördlinger Ries geological formation, a 15-mile (25 km) wide meteorite crater. This region features a distinctive bowl-shaped topography, characterized by rolling hills, expansive meadows, and dense forests. The varied terrain provides a mix of inclines, descents, and flat sections, making it suitable for diverse gravel biking preferences. The area's geology and varied landscapes create an extensive network of paths ideal for gravel riding.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5.0
(2)
10
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
32.3km
02:11
400m
400m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(1)
8
riders
44.1km
02:39
360m
360m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(1)
5
riders
77.0km
04:51
810m
810m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Unfortunately, I did not find a Camino de Santiago stamp post in the abbey. However, the abbey is an absolute must on the route. Worth seeing!
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The Wasserschloss in Trochtelfingen hosts various events, and it's also worth a visit for a short stop in the beer garden with musical entertainment.
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The Italian ice cream van on the square has great tasty ice cream. Is worth a tour on its own
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Dossinger Valley is always worth a visit
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The Baldinger Tor in Nördlingen is one of the five historical city gates and was first mentioned in 1376. It secured the road towards Würzburg and Frankfurt am Main and was part of the medieval city fortifications. The barbican was completed in 1406 by Master Wenzeslaus, and in 1430 a reconstruction took place under the direction of stonemason Conrad Stenglin. Originally, the gate structure resembled the Berger Tor: a rectangular main gate building with an almost square barbican. The tower was five stories high and had a round superstructure with a gun embrasure and a tent roof. During the Thirty Years' War, the gate was damaged, and in 1703 the tower unexpectedly collapsed – presumably due to insufficient repairs. Five people lost their lives.
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The "Daniel" church tower of St. George's Church in Nördlingen is the town's most visible landmark and a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. At 90 meters high, the tower rises above the town's rooftops and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Nördlinger Ries region – on a clear day, up to 99 church towers can be seen. Construction began in 1454 and was completed in 1490 with a temporary roof. After a lightning strike in 1537, the tower received its characteristic Italian dome. Originally known as the "Wendelstein," it was renamed "Daniel" in the 19th century – an allusion to the biblical figure Daniel, who was elevated to the rank of prince. The Daniel tower is particularly vividly brought to life by a centuries-old tradition: Every evening between 10 p.m. and midnight, the watchman calls out "So G'sell, so!" from the tower room. – a greeting that dates back to a legend from 1440 in which a runaway sow helped uncover a treason and save the city from an attack. Those who climb the more than 350 steps to the viewing platform will be rewarded not only with an impressive panorama but also with a sense of the history and soul of this unique city.
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The Berger Gate in Nördlingen is one of the five remaining city gates and once secured the road toward Ulm. It was built between 1435 and 1436 by the master builder Hans Rews. The upper tower floors were later expanded between 1574 and 1575 by Wolfgang and Caspar Waldberger, giving the gate its present appearance. Particularly noteworthy is the coffered barrel vault of the gate passage – an architectural detail that gives the gate its distinctive character. A cannonball from the Thirty Years' War remains embedded in the masonry, commemorating the siege of Nördlingen in 1634.
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The Deininger Gate is one of Nördlingen's historic city gates and a striking example of late medieval defensive architecture. It once served as an architectural model for the neighboring Löpsinger Gate and is notable for its slender construction and curved roof. Unlike the city's other gate towers, the Deininger Gate lacked a gun platform, making it particularly vulnerable to enemy attacks. A memorial plaque commemorates the dramatic events of 1634, when imperial soldiers entered the tower during the Battle of Nördlingen. The defenders were only able to expel them by setting fire to the tower itself. The current structure, with its twelve round-arched windows, dates from the final years of the Thirty Years' War, around 1645/1646. The gate is an impressive testament to Nördlingen's eventful history and a popular stop on the historical city tour.
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The Riesbürg region is situated within the unique Nördlinger Ries meteorite crater, offering a distinctive bowl-shaped topography. You'll find a mix of gently rolling hills, expansive meadows, and dense forests. This varied landscape provides a dynamic experience with a blend of inclines, descents, and flat sections, perfect for gravel biking.
There are over 40 gravel bike routes available around Riesbürg, catering to various skill levels. This includes a good mix of moderate and challenging trails to explore the unique Nördlinger Ries landscape.
While many routes offer a moderate challenge, there are options for beginners. For instance, the route Ipf Hill near Bopfingen – Bopfingen Market Square loop from Unterschneidheim is rated moderate but features a relatively low elevation gain of around 190 meters, making it a good starting point for those new to gravel biking in the area.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the region offers several difficult routes. Consider the extensive Ofnethöhlen near Holheim – Stone Bridge Harburg loop from Bopfingen, which spans nearly 100 km with over 850 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Nördlingen Market Square – View of the Nördlinger Ries loop from Nördlingen, featuring over 500 meters of ascent.
The region is rich in natural and historical sights. You can explore the unique Quarry terraces in the Egau Valley, or visit the impressive Ipf witness mountain. Many routes also pass near the historic city of Nördlingen, where you can see the fully preserved Nördlingen City Wall or climb the Daniel Tower for panoramic views of the Ries crater.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the Riesbürg area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the moderate Ofnethöhlen near Holheim – Ipf Celtic Open-Air Museum loop from Itzlingen and the more challenging Ofnethöhlen near Holheim – Stone Bridge Harburg loop from Bopfingen.
The gravel biking routes around Riesbürg are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 13 reviews. Riders frequently praise the unique geological landscape of the Nördlinger Ries and the varied terrain that makes for an engaging cycling experience.
Absolutely. The proximity of Nördlingen means you can easily combine your gravel rides with exploring its rich history. Routes like the Nördlingen City Wall – Bopfingen Market Square loop from Nördlingen allow you to cycle through the scenic countryside and visit the charming Nördlingen Old Town with its preserved city wall.
Yes, several routes provide excellent viewpoints of the Nördlinger Ries. The Nördlingen Market Square – View of the Nördlinger Ries loop from Nördlingen is specifically designed to showcase the expansive views of the crater. Additionally, climbing the Daniel Tower in Nördlingen offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the entire region.
The varied terrain of Riesbürg makes it enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also great, especially for longer rides, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but conditions can vary, so checking local weather and trail status is advisable.
Beyond the overall Nördlinger Ries crater, you can encounter specific natural monuments. The Quarry terraces in the Egau Valley are a notable feature, as is the Rocky landscape in the Dossinger Tal. These add unique visual interest to your rides.


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