4-star cycling paths in the South — Kocher-Jagst and Neckar Valley
Bike Touring Collection by AG Neckartal- & Kocher-Jagst-Radweg
13
Tours
42:41 h
437 mi
15,825 ft
"We are South" - and not only the many hours of sunshine, but also wine, culture and culinary delights convey a Mediterranean attitude to life. Two of Baden-Württemberg's most beautiful long-distance cycle paths, the Kocher-Jagst and Neckar Valley cycle paths, lead you through narrow romantic river valleys that run through the sunny south in countless loops. They lead you past picturesque meadows stretching from the shores to the lush forests on the surrounding hills—and alongside the steep vineyards and rugged rocks that line the river banks.
Both cycle paths have been awarded 4 stars by the ADFC, which confirms the awesome infrastructure of the paths. This means that you are guaranteed to find things such as rest areas, restaurants, and accommodation along the paths, as well as a picturesque route, excellent signposting and a great riding surface.
Getting to the starting point is also a cinch: All of the various stages of the Neckar Valley cycle path are connected to public transport networks, meaning you can join—or finish—wherever you prefer.
On the Kocher-Jagst cycle path, you can cycle 332 kilometers (210 miles) over seven stages from Aalen via Schwäbisch Hall, Bad Friedrichshall, and Crailsheim. The cycle path takes you through the Kocher and Jagst valleys, through beautiful countryside, over impressive old wooden bridges, and through legendary medieval towns.
From Villingen-Schwenningen on the edge of the Black Forest, the Neckar Valley cycle path winds along the Neckar for about 370 kilometers (230 miles) to Mannheim in the north of Baden-Württemberg. On the way, from its origins to the Rhine, it passes not only spectacular landscapes but also beautiful cities such as Tübingen and Heidelberg—a route that you can cycle in seven stages.
In this Collection, we show you the two 4-star cycle paths through beautiful Baden-Württemberg.
On The Map
Tours
- 03:5541.1 mi10.5 mph1,450 ft1,925 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The circuit on the Kocher-Jagst cycle path starts in the former free imperial city of Aalen. Thanks to the good connection to public transport, you can easily take the train to the starting point. From there it's mostly downhill for 46 kilometers to Gaildorf.
From Aalen you cycle north to Hüttlingen…
- 02:3827.6 mi10.5 mph975 ft1,225 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Freshly rested, you continue your journey at the Kocher the next morning and follow its loops, which it draws through the beautiful valley. Shortly before Braunsbach, one of the most impressive buildings in Germany opens up in front of you: the Kochertalbrücke. It is the largest bridge of its kind in…
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- 02:1023.6 mi10.9 mph525 ft675 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
From Forchtenberg, the shortest stage of the Kocher-Jagst cycle path continues through the idyllic Kochertal. In the spirit of nature, shady forests, wide meadows and former vineyard terraces alternate on this stage. Many of them are no longer cultivated today, but if you want to learn more about the…
- 04:0841.8 mi10.1 mph1,800 ft1,550 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
In Bad Friedrichshall you say goodbye to the Kocher, which flows into the Neckar here, and welcome the Jagst in the Jagstfeld, a few hundred meters away, which also merges with the Neckar there. From today on you are on the way back to the starting point in Aalen and follow the Jagst upstream.
Behind…
- 03:4636.0 mi9.6 mph1,950 ft1,425 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Starting from Dörzbach, you first cycle through the St. Wendel zum Stein nature reserve. Beautiful nature awaits you here with dense forests and steep rocks, in which the chapel St. Wendel zum Stein was built. Here you can take a short break and enjoy the peace and quiet right on the Jagst. Upstream…
- 03:5137.7 mi9.8 mph1,725 ft1,625 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
From Crailsheim, today's stage start, the landscape of the Jagsttal changes a little. The valley is more open and wider and it no longer goes uphill, but almost flat all the way to Ellwangen. Here you can stroll through the pretty old town during a first break and discover the beautiful houses with their…
- 02:5629.9 mi10.2 mph1,075 ft1,875 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
It starts with the Neckar Valley Cycle Path in Villingen-Schwenningen at the train station, so that you can travel comfortably by train. The origin of the Neckar is also located in Villingen-Schwenningen, which you will follow on this tour to the point where it flows into the Rhine.
Right at the beginning…
- 03:2231.5 mi9.4 mph2,150 ft2,525 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today it's 51 kilometers from Oberndorf am Neckar to Rottenburg am Neckar. The route has some inclines ready for you. But it tends to go downhill, especially at the end of the stage on the way to the day's destination.
This tour takes you directly along the Neckar through beautiful green valleys and interesting…
- 02:4530.4 mi11.0 mph425 ft700 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The third stage of the Neckar Valley Cycle Path is also almost 50 kilometers long and brings you near Stuttgart to Wendlingen am Neckar. Thanks to the pleasant slope along the whole route, you can really enjoy the panorama of the Neckar valley today.
Right at the beginning of the tour you come through…
- 03:0833.7 mi10.7 mph475 ft700 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today it's going to be urban, because the fourth stage of the Neckar Valley Cycle Path takes you from Wendlingen via Stuttgart to Marbach am Neckar. On the approximately 55 kilometers long path, some highlights await you that provide variety.
From Wendlingen you follow the course of the Neckar and drive…
- 02:4229.0 mi10.7 mph525 ft675 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
From Marbach, the Neckar and thus the Neckar Valley Cycle Path meander 50 kilometers to Heilbronn. The beautiful cycle path on this route is characterized primarily by steep vineyards that rise on both sides of the Neckar.
On the way, for example, you will pass the impressive Hessigheim rock gardens…
- 03:2335.8 mi10.6 mph1,100 ft1,150 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The penultimate stage of the Neckar Valley Cycle Path is a little longer than the others. 58 kilometers lead you from Heilbronn to Eberbach. On the relatively flat route, you can look forward to some small inclines and, above all, unique panoramas along the Neckar.
Today's tour is all about castles and…
- 03:5639.2 mi10.0 mph1,675 ft1,825 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
Today is the last and longest stage of the Neckar Valley Cycle Path, which will take you from Eberbach to Mannheim at the mouth of the Neckar. The Neckar Valley shows itself again from its most beautiful side and presents you with wonderful cities like Heidelberg and Ladenburg, which are on the route…
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Collection Stats
- Tours13
- Distance437 mi
- Duration42:41 h
- Elevation15,825 ft
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