Neckartal-Radweg

**The first stage of the Neckar Valley Cycle Route is a cultural and scenic experience.** It begins in the twin city of **Villingen-Schwenningen**, one part of which—**Villingen**—was once located in Baden, while **Schwenningen** is part of old Württemberg territory. It is a charming combination with an old town in **Villingen** that recalls the great history of the Zähringer dynasty. On the way to **Schwenningen**, you will encounter the namesake of the cycle path for the first time: the [source of the Neckar](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/neckarquelle-7aacdf6322) bubbles out of a small opening in the moor, set in stone and marked with its name. It is a beautiful place to stop and pause for a moment. From now on, the river is your constant companion, a gurgling stream that still splashes leisurely through the landscape here. This section near Dauchingen and Deißlingen is affectionately known as the "Neckar Valley." At the end of this short first stage lies another piece of regional history: with over 2000 years of history, **[Rottweil](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/rottweil-215549f947)** is the oldest town in Baden-Württemberg.

Ascent

89 m

Descent

198 m

Between **[Rottweil](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/rottweil-historische-innenstadt-97dabe5457)** and **[Horb](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/horb-am-neckar-73588e165f)**, the Neckar slowly picks up speed, transforming from a small stream into a river. In the middle of a picturesque landscape, it flows around mountains, winds its way through meadows and fields, and treats cyclists to downhill stretches. Shortly after the old town of **[Rottweil](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/rottweil-historische-innenstadt-97dabe5457)**, the defensive walls of the Neckarburg ruins come into view. Steep slopes, rocks, and gorge-like side valleys follow. Here, the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb meet with a river in the middle, flowing northward. In **[Oberndorf](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/oberndorf-am-neckar-00d5925372)**, the fools, the wild fellows of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet, lie in wait for it, and even after Ash Wednesday, you can refresh yourself wonderfully at their fool's fountain. On the way to **[Sulz](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/sulz-am-neckar-2c63a8326f)** and **Horb**, it is worth making a detour or two, for example to the Jewish synagogue in **Rexingen** or the [moated castle in](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/kultur-und-museumszentrum-schloss-glatt-d1f97debc0) **[Glatt](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/kultur-und-museumszentrum-schloss-glatt-d1f97debc0)**. At its destination in **[Horb](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/horb-am-neckar-73588e165f)**, the Neckar is already a truly impressive body of water, majestically overlooked by the old town, which in summer provides the backdrop for the nationally renowned jousting tournaments.

Ascent

302 m

Descent

514 m

**Swabia, Rich in History!** From **[Horb](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/horb-am-neckar-73588e165f)** to **[Tübingen](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/tuebingen-ce4a3bc280)** you’ll pass through several half-timbered towns with a rich history and modern flair. **Horb** bids cyclists farewell with one of the state’s most beautiful half-timbered backdrops and sends them off into an idyllic river landscape dotted with many small villages. The Neckar turns northeast and cuts deeper and deeper into the heart of Württemberg. In** [Rottenburg](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/rottenburg-am-neckar-3f8078d35a)**the Romans once settled, and much later, the Catholic bishop of a new diocese, which is still headquartered there today. Around the cathedral and the historic market fountain, shops and cafés invite you to linger. Just over ten kilometers away lies the old Protestant heart of Württemberg: the university town of **[Tübingen](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/tuebingen-ce4a3bc280)**. Between these two very different places, the [Wurmlinger Chapel](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/wurmlinger-kapelle-60893b60f7) looks down from a hill—a picturesque landmark visible from kilometers away. It is as defining for this stage as the [Hölderlin Tower](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraction/hoelderlinturm-museum-ae84603c7c) on the banks of the Neckar in Tübingen, which you’ll reach at the end of this stage.

Ascent

200 m

Descent

266 m

At this stage, the Neckar finally becomes a real river, so large that it is actually navigable from [**Plochingen**](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/plochingen-3d77f3245b). A federal waterway! At the starting point in [**Tübingen**](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/tuebingen-ce4a3bc280), there were still some smaller boats moored at the shore. Punting is one of the favorite leisure activities of the people of Tübingen, and the students here are true masters of the art. On the way to **[Nürtingen](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/nuertingen-35471e9650)**, the Neckar is accompanied by numerous reservoirs and ponds, resting places for people, but also for birds, which find their retreats here. The route continues leisurely through the old half-timbered town of **Nürtingen**, whose landmark, St. Laurentius Church, towers over the old town with its steeple. Again and again, the silhouette of the Swabian Alb looms up on the right-hand side of the road, at the foot of which lies the old imperial city of **Reutlingen**, just a few kilometers from the cycle route. At the stage destination in [**Esslingen**](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/esslingen-am-neckar-9572e0b2ec), the next half-timbered backdrop awaits visitors in a superbly preserved old town that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Ascent

36 m

Descent

130 m

This leg of the route takes you through the heart of Württemberg. The capital, **[Stuttgart](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/stuttgart-cf9d0e94cb)** is on the route, as is the magnificent palace in **[Ludwigsburg](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/ludwigsburg-abf19d3d04)**, which the dukes had built just outside the city gates. Here, the Baroque style flourishes in a large [palace garden](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/bluehendes-barock-ludwigsburg-mit-maerchengarten-ea0c2f26ae), but wine also thrives wonderfully on the banks of the Neckar, where barges and sightseeing boats now ply the waters. Even in **[Esslingen](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/esslingen-am-neckar-9572e0b2ec)** steep vineyards tower over the town, at the top of which stands a [castle](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/esslinger-burg-771ec654ba)—though in reality it is merely the remains of the city wall. Just outside the gates of **Stuttgart**, the [mausoleum](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/grabkapelle-b468990eda) of the House of Württemberg crowns the vineyards, down in the valley, the [Wine Museum in ](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/weinbaumuseum-stuttgart-a609967c19)**[Uhlbach](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/weinbaumuseum-stuttgart-a609967c19)**, the history of fine wines takes center stage. There is truth in wine, but also plenty of poetry, which unfolds in a particularly picturesque way in Friedrich Schiller’s birthplace, **[Marbach](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/marbach-am-neckar-b5dd97c3fd)** on the Neckar. A detour to the [Schiller National Museum](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/schiller-nationalmuseum-56a2c68920) is practically a must, so you can continue on, feeling uplifted, loop by loop, toward **[Besigheim](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/besigheim-d52278421d)**.

Ascent

49 m

Descent

100 m

**Wine Delights for All the Senses** The 6th stage of the Neckar Valley Bike Trail is lined with imposing steep slopes and rolling vineyard-covered hills. The play of colors is particularly striking in the fall. While the scenery delights the eyes during the day, the taste buds are treated after the tour. The day comes to a close with a good glass of wine at the region’s traditional wine taverns and wineries. The winding alleys of **[Besigheim](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/besigheim-d52278421d)** are an experience in themselves. Perched high above the Neckar, the old town is a delight for every visitor. **[Lauffen](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/lauffen-am-neckar-weinsueden-weinort-181f75fc32)** , where the famous [Katzenbeißer](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/lauffener-katzenbeisser-steillagen-areal-70656be6cf) grape variety is grown. Vineyards still dominate the banks of the Neckar, with small winegrowers’ cottages peeking out from the hillsides next to the river. The capital of Württemberg’s wine-growing region is **[Heilbronn](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/heilbronn-a87ffb4713)**. The city is surrounded by vineyards, as if in an amphitheater. It is home to [experimenta](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/experimenta-heilbronn-c7e52a4af8), Germany’s largest science center. And with the 2019 Federal Horticultural Show, a lot has happened here as well. Like a green lung, the Neckar River winds its way through the city center in an almost park-like setting. Citybeach and the Neckarbühne invite you to take a break and dip your toes in the water. Further along toward the river’s mouth, in [**Bad Friedrichshall**](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/bad-friedrichshall-fb8ec09003), a [salt mine](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraction/visitor-salt-mine-bad-friedrichshall-17cbf39f42). On the other side of the river, a town no less steeped in history awaits visitors: **[Bad Wimpfen](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/stauferstadt-bad-wimpfen-ca05b05ab3)**, the largest imperial palace of the Staufer dynasty north of the Alps and a historic site protected as a cultural heritage complex. It is recognizable from afar by its silhouette, with its towers and walls on the banks of the Neckar.

Ascent

32 m

Descent

58 m

No other landscape in all of Germany boasts such a high concentration of castles, castle ruins, and palaces as the Neckar Valley. On the 7th stage of the bike route, these castles await you in all their splendor. **[Bad Wimpfen](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/bad-wimpfen-1573e07996)** marks the transition from Württemberg to the Electoral Palatinate, from Swabian to Baden territory, and from the vineyards to the red sandstone cliffs of the [Odenwald](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraction/neckartal-odenwald-nature-park-f3921a8292). This is where the “Castle District” of the Neckar Valley begins; it takes barely half an hour to reach the next mountain fortress. At [Guttenberg Castle](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/burg-guttenberg-bfcbee845c), true nobles still reside within walls that have remained intact throughout the centuries. Its main attraction is the [Birds of Prey Center](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraction/deutsche-greifenwarte-e1f6598791), where, during the season, majestic eagles and vultures spread their wings daily over the Neckar Valley. A few kilometers further on, at [Hornberg Castle](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/burg-hornberg-8e58dd5aca), the famous Götz von Berlichingen once resided before he went down in history cursing. Castle after castle, the Neckar continues its way into the Odenwald, accompanied by boats that must be lifted to the next level at numerous locks. What an experience! The stage ends in the beautiful half-timbered town of **[Eberbach](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/eberbach-eb532f5c8c)**, where the Neckar now turns 90 degrees and continues flowing westward.

Ascent

230 m

Descent

247 m

The Finale! The final stretch of the Neckar Valley Bike Path is yet another highlight, with a smooth transition from the mountains to the Rhine Valley. Romantic little towns and impressive castles line the Neckar River. It’s not just the chivalric romance that has made **Hirschhorn** and **Neckarsteinach**—along with **Eberbach** and [**Neckargemünd**](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/neckargemuend-db6bd34169)—have given themselves the name “The Romantic Four.” A new castle awaits visitors around every bend; this stretch is one of the favorite destinations of the “White Fleet” on the Neckar, which is based in [**Heidelberg**](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/heidelberg-da550036d0). **Old Heidelberg**, you’re the best! This college town has lost none—absolutely none—of its charm. Below lies the Old Town, and towering above it are the enchanting [castle ruins](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/attraktion/schloss-heidelberg-dcb9eb1521), which have inspired poets for centuries. The final kilometers by bike are flat. The Rhine Graben replaces the Odenwald, and in **[Mannheim](https://www.neckartalradweg-bw.de/ort/mannheim-32ae20bd99)**, the Rhine finally replaces the Neckar. You’ve accompanied the river for 375 kilometers, from its source to its mouth in Mannheim, through a diversity of nature and culture that leaves no room for boredom.

Ascent

203 m

Descent

243 m

**Germany’s Most Contrasting River Bike Trail** *Discover. Experience. Enjoy.* The Neckar Valley Trail follows a virtually flat route for 375 km from the source of the Neckar near Villingen-Schwenningen to the “City of Squares,” Mannheim, where the river flows into the Rhine. Cycling through the history of Baden-Württemberg: The Neckar Valley Cycle Route captivates visitors not only with its varied landscapes, steep vineyards, and magnificent castles and fortresses. This ADFC-certified four-star quality cycle route is, above all, a journey through time. - Trail quality: mostly paved paths, some unpaved forest trails - Gradients: the route is virtually flat - Traffic: mostly quiet; in some sections, the route runs alongside federal highways - Suitability for children or inexperienced riders: generally suitable - Nature experiences: the diverse Neckar Valley, the Felsengärten nature reserve near Hessigheim, the Odenwald - Cultural attractions: the historic cities of Rottweil, Rottenburg, Tübingen, and Heidelberg; the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart; Ludwigsburg Palace; Marbach am Neckar with Schiller’s birthplace, the Schiller National Museum, and the Museum of Modern Literature; the visitor salt mine in Bad Friedrichshall; the Imperial Palace in Bad Wimpfen; Guttenberg Castle with its bird of prey sanctuary in Neckarmühlbach; Heidelberg Castle with its romantic old town; and Mannheim, the “City of Squares.”

Ascent

692 m

Descent

1311 m

The ADFC has even awarded the Neckar Valley Bike Trail 4 stars as a high-quality bike route! Between Neckargemünd and Bad Wimpfen, the trail takes you through our beautiful vacation region—and you’re guaranteed never to get bored: castles, palaces, and stunning landscapes accompany you at every stage. Exploring this stretch of the Neckar by bike is truly something special. And if you ever need a break: No problem! In every town along the route, you’ll find an S-Bahn station that will take you comfortably to your next destination. The so-called **“Romantic Four”** along the Castle Route—Neckargemünd, Neckarsteinach, Hirschhorn, and Eberbach—take you on a journey back to the Middle Ages. As early as Neckargemünd, you’ll see the impressive Dilsberg Castle perched high above the valley. In the **“Town of Four Castles,” Neckarsteinach**, four castles immediately catch your eye: Vorderburg, Mittelburg, Hinterburg, and Schadeck Castle. The journey continues to Hirschhorn, which, with its fortified castle complex and Carmelite monastery, is picturesquely situated in a narrow bend of the Neckar River. And in the Staufer town of Eberbach, a charming old town with its four historic corner towers awaits you. Perched majestically on the slopes of the Odenwald are other highlights such as **Zwingenberg Castle** (where the Castle Festival takes place in August), **Minneburg** in Neckargerach, **Neuburg Castle** in Obrigheim, **Hornberg Castle** in Neckarzimmern, and **Guttenberg Castle** with the German Griffin Sanctuary in Neckarmühlbach. Passing by the romantic **Heinsheim Castle**, you’ll eventually reach the charming little town of **Bad Wimpfen**, known for its **Blue Tower**. And if you need a break along the way: treat yourself to a culinary delight at one of the medieval castle restaurants or spend the night in style like a lord or lady of the castle—romantic charm included.

Ascent

539 m

Descent

1163 m