The Neckar Valley Cycle Path – ride in Germany’s Swabian heartland
Bike Touring Collection by Baden-Württemberg
7
days
2-3 h
/ day
229 mi
7,400 ft
9,425 ft
The Neckar Valley Cycle Route shows you the Swabian Alb from its best side: on 370 kilometres (230 mi) from the edge of the Black Forest to Mannheim, the Neckar River flows through the Swabian heartland – and this cycle path stays staunchly alongside it. The river creeps out of the Schwenninger Moos nature reserve as a tiny trickle but as tributaries flow into it, it grows into a stately river. Enchanting, wildly romantic forests; steep vineyards; imposing cliffs and, of course, the splendidly contemplative Swabian towns – where you can discover historic centres – await you along the way. Tübingen and Heidelberg in particular highlight why Germany is such an internationally sought after travel destination – discover why on your bike!
The constant evolution of nature and culture, of past and present, have earned the Neckar Valley Cycle Route the ADFC quality route seal of four stars, so you know you’re in for a fantastic adventure. We’ve divided this long-distance cycle route into seven stages of about 50 kilometres (30 mi) each. If you want to spend more time on the Neckar, you can also split the individual Tours, as there are plenty of towns along the way that can be used as additional stage destinations.
Accommodation options such as hotels, guesthouses, holiday flats or campsites are spread along the entire Neckar Valley Cycle Route. The Neckar cycle path is also very well equipped in terms of catering facilities. In addition to rest areas for self-catering, you can look forward to many restaurants, cafés and casual beer gardens.
Getting there and back is also very straightforward. You can easily get to the starting point of the Neckar Valley Cycle Route in Villingen-Schwenningen by train. In Mannheim, you can also connect to all local and long-distance trains from the main station.
We invite you to explore the Neckar Valley Cycle Path for yourself. We leave you with its motto: ‘Germany's most contrasting river cycle path – Discover. Experience. Enjoy’.
On The Map
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Last updated: October 26, 2023
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
- 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…
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- 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
- Tours7
- Distance229 mi
- Duration22:13 h
- Elevation7,400 ft9,425 ft
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