The essentials at a glance

This self-guided cycling tour follows the Neckar River from Tübingen to Heidelberg through Baden-Württemberg. The route covers approximately 40-60 km daily over 6 nights, passing through Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg's baroque palace, Esslingen's historic center, and Heilbronn's wine region. The easy to moderate terrain features quiet country roads with occasional gentle climbs. Highlights include the Hundertwasser tower, Mercedes-Benz Museum, medieval castles, and Heidelberg's famous castle ruins with panoramic city views.

Historic town of Rottenburg am Neckar with colorful half-timbered buildings and red-tiled roofs along the Neckar River, stone bridge visible.

Historic town square in Rottenburg with white church featuring green onion dome and bell tower, surrounded by colorful half-timbered buildings.

Tourists walking on Heidelberg's Old Bridge with twin towers and gate. Heidelberg Castle visible on forested hill in background.

Scenic view of Horb am Neckar with colorful half-timbered houses, church with bell tower on hillside, and bridge with flags in foreground.

Itinerary

Starting point of your journey is the university city Tübingen

You leave the lively city and cycle along the valley. On your way are some beautiful lakes where you can take a bath. You pass Nürtingen where poetry Hölderlin went to school. In Plochingen the Hundertwasser tower is well-worth seeing. Esslingen is one of the cities which was not destroyed during war – enjoy the especial historic flair.

Today you will reach Stuttgart, the capital of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg and its largest city. Take a break there and visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum or the Old Palace. Continue cycling to Ludwigsburg with its famous baroque palace.

Today you cycle back to the Neckar and follow the river's twists and turns through picturesque vineyards to Lauffen, where you should treat yourself to a sip of the delicious Katzenbeißer wine. From Heilbronn, a centre of winegrowing and wine trading, cycle along the romantic Burgenstraße (Castle Road) to Heilbronn or Neckarsulm.

In Neckarsulm, it is worth visiting the NSU Museum, which houses many historic motorcycles and cars. The stage passes numerous castles, including the seat of Götz von Berlichingen, about whom Goethe wrote a play that is considered a major work of the Sturm und Drang movement. The Staufer town of Eberbach was long characterised by craftsmanship, with sand mining in the quarries being a particular speciality.

River Neckar runs through forest Odenwald. On your way you visit four-fortresses-city Neckarsteinach and in Neckargemünd you see impressing medieval architecture. Well-known University City Heidelberg is awaiting you with ruin, baroque old city and active culture.

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.

Tour character

Easy to moderate

The cycle route does not always run close to the river in the valley, so slight climbs are unavoidable. There are only a few steeper, albeit short, climbs. The well-signposted cycle route leads along quiet country roads and cycle paths. Some short sections have to be travelled on roads with heavier traffic, especially when passing through towns.

Map showing the Neckar Cycle Route with blue river line connecting German cities from Mannheim to Donaueschingen including Stuttgart, Heidelberg.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & extras

Services

Included

6 nights in hotel as described
Breakfast
Travel documents with maps, 1x per room
GPS data for your navigation device available on request
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel (max. 20 kg / piece of luggage)
7-day service hotline

Not included

Arrival and departure
parking fees
Spa and local taxes where applicable
transfers
Optional sightseeing
travel insurance
Expenses for personal use

Extras

Arrival / parking

Multi-storey car park in Tübingen: Altstadt Mitte, Parkaus Altstadt - König & Parkahaus Metropol approx. € 42,- per week.
Free car parks at the Stadtmühle, at the Realschule and at the Fürstenbergymnasium
Train station: Tübingen.
Airports: Zurich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt.
Return transfer on Saturdays between 09:00 and 10:00 in a minibus from Heidelberg € 89,- per person. We charge an additional € 46,- for the return transport of your own bike. Booking required.

Hotels

You will stay in selected hotels, mostly in the 3-star category, as well as selected guesthouses and inns. All rooms have a shower/WC or bath/WC.

Further information

Further important information in accordance with the "Pauschalreisegesetz" (Package Travel Act) can be found here!