Middle Route | German Half-Timbered Route: From the Neckar to Lake Constance

1. Ladenburg - Eberbach

The first stage of the picturesque cycling route leads from the Roman city of Ladenburg along the Neckar via Heidelberg, Neckargemünd, and Hirschhorn to Eberbach. Passing historic old towns, castles, and dense forests, it offers idyllic river landscapes and varied nature – perfect for a relaxed yet impressive bike ride.

2. Eberbach – Eppingen

From Eberbach, we cycle through the Neckar valley – past Haßmersheim, Bad Friedrichshall, and Neckarsulm – to Heilbronn. The route mostly runs directly along the riverbank, passing many historic gems such as Guttenberg Castle or Horneck Palace. From Heilbronn, it goes through the Lein valley to the next stage destination, Eppingen. The beautiful half-timbered houses attest to the great district town’s over 1000-year history.

3. Eppingen – Bietigheim

Through the orchards and vineyards of the Stromberg-Heuchelberg Nature Park with Mühlbach and Zaberfeld and through the charming Zabergäu region, we reach the Theodor Heuss city of Brackenheim and continue to Bönnigheim on the eastern edge of the Stromberg. At Kirchheim, we meet the Neckar again. From Besigheim, we follow the Enz valley path upstream and reach Bietigheim-Bissingen after a few kilometers.

4. Bietigheim – Herrenberg

The fourth stage leads through the “Shepherd’s Run Town” Markgröningen and the beautiful landscape of the Strohgäu to Leonberg, one of the oldest towns in Baden-Württemberg. We circle the town and immerse ourselves in the wide nature until we reach Sindelfingen. We pass through the town and continue via Böblingen and Ehningen to the next stage destination: Herrenberg. We enjoy the stay in one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in Baden-Württemberg with its many small alleys and the noteworthy market fountain.

5. Herrenberg – Trochtelfingen

On the fifth stage, we cycle through the southern foothills of the Korngäu to Pfäffingen. There, we turn right to the southern branch of the Half-Timbered Route. Via Wurmlingen, Dußlingen, and Nehren, we slowly reach the foothills of the Swabian Jura. From Mössingen, we head southeast and cycle through many small towns towards the stage destination Trochtelfingen.

6. Trochtelfingen – Riedlingen

The sixth stage is a journey of discovery over the Swabian Jura: green fields and meadows as far as the eye can see. The path leads us through Wilsingen, Pfronstetten, and Tigerfeld to Zwiefalten with its stately monastery. Those who are thirsty can quench it at the monastery brewery. Along the Danube, it finally goes from Zwiefalkendorf to Riedlingen, a town shaped by the Middle Ages.

7. Riedlingen – Pfullendorf

From the Jura, the next stage takes us to the Upper Swabia region. Particularly worth seeing are Biberach an der Riß with its marketplace and Steinhausen with its beautiful church. Through the gentle hilly landscape, we cycle via Aulendorf and Altshausen to Pfullendorf.

8. Pfullendorf – Meersburg

From Pfullendorf, we finally start the last stage, which takes us through the Linzgau to Lake Constance. On secondary roads, we cycle via Aach-Linz to Herdwangen until we reach the medieval Meersburg via Überlingen and Uhldingen-Mühlhofen.

Bicycle helmet, puncture repair kit, cycling gloves, sun protection, provisions, and drinking water

A5 exit Ladenburg and continue via L536 to Ladenburg

By regional trains to Ladenburg (barrier-free station with elevators)

At the end of the route, we enjoy the Mediterranean flair at the "Swabian Sea" with a glass of wine.