The Neckar is to Swabians what the Moldau is for the Czechs: people in this region share a deep affinity with this river and it is part of the Swabian identity. Cycle in a relaxed way along the Neckar Cycle Path at the edge of the Swabian Alb. Tübingen is the spiritual centre of the countryside, since 1456 all important stimuli have originated from here. Hölderlin, Hegel, Hesse and Uhland lived, studied or taught in Tübingen, and Roman Herzog, Horst Köhler and Pope Benedikt are also all connected to the city. From Plochingen on the Neckar is wide enough for shipping and heads towards the capital town of Stuttgart, where it undergoes a radical change. It begins to meander through the winegrowing region of Swabia, a pastoral landscape which was enjoyed by the Württemberger kings during hot summers and is also very popular with cyclists. Wine also plays an important role in the former imperial town of Heilbronn; those who have not yet tried Trollinger should do so here. The Neckar Cycle Path then continues on towards Neckarsulm. The city is a landmark to the industrial history of the region. For decades, NSU quickened the pulses of bicycle, motorcycle and car fans, today Audi has taken its place. In the final stage the Neckar makes its way through Odenwald Mountains, becoming a border river with Hesse before entering Baden. The town of Heidelberg is another highlight along the route which is famous worldwide and attracts many visitors before the river enters the Rhine near Mannheim.

The parallel running rivers of the Kocher and Jagst are also suited to a cycling tour through Swabia. One of the most famous knights Götz von Berlichingen lived here and was immortalised by Goethe. The Kocher-Jagst Cycle Path follows both rivers up- and downstream between the Roman Lime city of Aalen and the salt town of Bad Friedrichshall. Located in between are the historic cities of Crailsheim, Ellwangen, Künzelsau and Schwäbisch Hall along the banks of the twin rivers.

The Upper Rhine Valley between the Odenwald Mountains, the northern Black Forest, the Vosges Mountains and the Palatinate Forest connects the Neckar Cycle Path to the cycle routes of the Palatinate, northern Alsatian and Rhine-Hesse vineyards. A cycle path leads you through “German Tuscany” and the German winegrowing regions. Impressive castles on the foothills of the Palatinate Forest ensure that culture lovers will be content. Hefty cuisine including the famous “Schwartenmagen” and of course the Palatinate national cheese dish “Weißer Käs unn Gequellte” ensure that you will not go hungry.

As you can see there is a lot to discover along the Neckar Cycle Path, we look forward to hearing from you!