The Neckar Cycle Path

Your cycle tour on the Neckar Valley cycle path begins in Tübingen. The city is not only located in the geographical center of Baden-Württemberg, but is also a traditional university town. Hohentübingen Palace offers a beautiful view of the excellently preserved old town. Stroll through narrow alleyways past magnificent half-timbered houses. In Tübingen, the Neckar has already grown into a stately river.

You leave Tübingen along the banks of the river on the Neckar Valley cycle path. The route first takes you past idyllic bathing lakes before you reach the town of Nürtingen - known as the school town of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin. Art lovers are recommended to take a detour to the Hundertwasser Tower in Plochingen. Your first destination for the day, Esslingen, will delight you with its impressively preserved old town: medieval half-timbered houses and winding alleyways give the town a very special historical ambience.

Leaving Esslingen behind you, you approach the state capital of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart, kilometer by kilometer. It is known for its automotive history, cultural diversity and picturesque location between vineyards and the Neckar valley. The route continues to Ludwigsburg. The garden of the magnificent palace, known as the "Blooming Baroque", is an extensive park with artistically designed flowerbeds, water features and themed gardens. The fairytale garden is particularly popular, where over 40 lovingly staged stations bring classic fairytales to life.

Through picturesque vineyards along the winding river to Lauffen. There you can enjoy a sip of the delicious Katzenbeißer - a vineyard around the town. The tour continues to Heilbronn, a city with a long wine tradition. The city center combines historic buildings such as the Kilianskirche church with urban flair, while the surrounding vineyards invite you to take a stroll. Neckarsulm is just a stone's throw away. You can stay overnight in Heilbronn or Neckarsulm.

Today's stage on the Neckar Valley cycle path takes you through a varied river and cultural landscape. A highlight along the way is the medieval fortress town of Bad Wimpfen, whose history dates back to Roman times and which is now known for its modern brine baths. From here, the so-called castle district of the Neckar Valley begins: you pass Guttenberg Castle with its bird of prey observatory and Hornberg Castle, once the residence of Götz von Berlichingen. Cycle along numerous other castles and picturesque views to the half-timbered town of Mosbach and finally to the Staufer town of Eberbach.

The Neckar now meanders through the Odenwald and you continue to follow it, accompanied by impressive views of romantic riverside landscapes, medieval castles and charming towns. Along the way, it is worth making a detour to Hirschhorn Castle and the four-castle town of Neckarsteinach. The crowning glory of this stage on the Neckar Valley cycle route is the picturesque backdrop of your destination for the day: Heidelberg. The university town is best known for its baroque old town and imposing castle ruins. You can easily reach the latter by cable car.

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye - your cycle tour on the Neckar Valley cycle path is coming to an end. If you wish, we can extend your stay with an additional overnight stay in Heidelberg.