Neckar cycle path XL | Donaueschingen - Heidelberg

In Donaueschingen, the Brigach and Breg rivers merge to form the Danube. However the Romans once thought that the spring in the castle gardens was the source of the Danube. You can still visit the source of the Danube in Donaueschingen today, right in the park of a very impressive castle, where the Fürstenberg family once lived.

Up on the high Baar plateau, you cycle between the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb to Schwenningen, where you reach the much narrower Neckar river. Your route continues to Rottweil, Baden-Württemberg's oldest town which features a medieval centre.

Cycling north you head downstream along the Neckar, which now cuts a deep path into the valley and gradually becomes wider and wider. The few villages along the way are identically situated and you cycle through Oberndorf, which is famous for its Swabian-Alemannic Carnival, to finally arrive in Sulz.

Take a deserved break in Horb, and visit the abbey church and the Schurkenturm tower. Pedal now to Rottenburg. It suffered many town fires in the past and no longer has a medieval townscape but a Baroque style. You continue on to Tübingen. Visit the lovely old town and Hohentübingen Castle, which gives you great views of the town.

You leave ths lively town and soon pedal past various bathing lakes - great for a refreshening swim. Downstream along the Neckar you cycle through the valley to Plochingen which features a tower by Hundertwasser. Esslingen, which excaped damage from the war, is a tempting town to visit with its special historic flair.

Firstly, you 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. Cycle on to Ludwigsburg with its famous Baroque palace. 

You cycle back to the Neckar and follow the river meanders through picturesque vineyards to LAuffen, where you should treat yourself to a sip of the delicious Katzenbeißer. From Heilbronn, a centre of viticulture and wine trade, you cycle on along the romantic Castle Road to Heilbronn or Neckarsulm.

From Heilbronn you cycle towards Eberbach or Mosbach.

The Neckar now meanders through the Odenwald and forms the border between Hesse and BAden-Württemberg. The famous university town of Heidelberg awaits with its famous castle ruins, which you should definitely visit. From there you have a fantastic view over the city.

After breakfast you start your individual return journey home or extend your stay.