© Schwäbische Alb
The Neckar Valley Cycle Path – ride in Germany’s Swabian heartland
Bike Touring Collection by Schwäbische Alb
4-7
days
3-5 h
/ day
237 mi
7,900 ft
9,725 ft
The Neckar Valley Cycle Path reveals the best side of the Swabian Alb. The River Neckar flows 370 kilometres (229 mi) through Germany’s Swabian heartland from the edge of the Black Forest to Mannheim. You follow the river the entire way from Schewenniger Moos,
where it emerges as a tiny trickle. It slowly grows into a stately river as side streams flow into it. Enchanting forests, steep vineyards, imposing cliffs and, of course, splendid Swabian cities with historic centres lie along the river. Tübingen and Heidelberg are two of the most well known travel destinations in Germany – discover why as you ride.
Nature and culture, past and present constantly alternate on the Neckar Valley Cycle Path. The route’s diversity earned it the title of 4-star ADFC Quality Route. In this Collection, we’ve divided the long-distance cycle path into seven stages, each around 50 kilometres (31 mi) long. If you want to spend more time on the Neckar, you can also divide the individual Tours. There are plenty of cities and towns along the way where you can stay; overnight accommodation such as hotels, guest houses, holiday homes and campsites are located along the entire route. You’ll also find plenty of places to stop for refreshments such as rest areas, restaurants, cafes and relaxed beer gardens.
Getting there and back is also very easy. You can reach the starting point in Villingen-Schwenningen by train. Mannheim also has good local and long-distance rail connections.
The cycle path’s motto: ‘Germany’s most contrasting river cycle path – discover, experience, enjoy.’ We invite you to explore the route for yourself.
On The Map
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Last updated: November 10, 2021
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
The stages of the Neckar Valley Cycle Path
- Intermediate03:0630.6 mi9.9 mph1,150 ft1,775 ftIntermediate 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…
- Expert03:1631.5 mi9.6 mph1,925 ft2,300 ftExpert 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…
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- Intermediate02:5831.7 mi10.7 mph500 ft750 ftIntermediate 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…
- Intermediate03:2034.4 mi10.3 mph625 ft750 ftIntermediate 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…
- Expert03:0631.1 mi10.1 mph725 ft950 ftExpert bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
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…
- Intermediate03:5239.3 mi10.1 mph1,350 ft1,450 ftIntermediate 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…
- Expert03:5238.6 mi10.0 mph1,650 ft1,775 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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
- Tours7
- Distance237 mi
- Duration23:30 h
- Elevation7,900 ft9,725 ft
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