7 days along the river of poets

Neckar bike path from Villingen to Marbach.

Spend your bicycle vacation along the beautiful river of Neckar between Villingen and Marbach. Discover famous towns like Tübingen. Small steps, narrow alleys and pointed gables shape the silhouette of old Tübingen on the way up to its castle. The Swabian university town of 87,000 inhabitants and 22,000 students combines the flair of a lovingly restored medieval centre of town with the colorful bustle and typical atmosphere of a young and cosmopolitan students' town. Numerous sidewalk cafes, wine taverns and cozy students' pubs, special shops, restaurants and taverns invite you to stroll around and to pause here and there. The Neckar bike trail is well-signposted leading for the most part along asphalted roads, quiet country roads and bike paths.

1. day  Villingen arrival

A nice small town with emperor´s tower, monastery of the Benedictines and Franciscan museum is waiting for you. The hotel is located in the city/parking at the hotel possible/handing out of the bicycles in the hotel.

2. day  Villingen - Rottweil 28 km

Today you will have an idyllic stage! Directly from the spring of the river Neckar at the watershed between Rhine and Danube you cycle through dreamy and romantic countrysides to the free city of Rottweil, which is well known for its beautiful townscape.

3. day  Rottweil - Sulz-Hopfau/Glatt 46 / 50 km

Stroll between houses with bays, wells and old facades before you start cycling. You roll through the valley of the Neckar and gaze the stately ruins of castles at the early course of the river. Accommodation in Sulz-Hopfau or Glatt.

4. day  Sulz-Hopfau/Glatt - Tübingen 48/ 52 km

Look forward to visit the lively Swabian university town Tübingen! In Tübingen you can find the highest „density of students“ of all German university towns. There is much to see: Castle Bebenhausen, castle Hohentübingen, the tower of Hölderlin, snug half-timbering in narrow lanes and ethnic pubs.

5. day  Tübingen - Esslingen 54 km

Today you will see a beautiful countryside. The river Neckar leads you on beautiful bicycle paths through gardens and small villages. Numerous bathing lakes, the picturesque little town of Nürtingen and the rain tower of Hundertwasser in Plochingen will fill you with enthusiasm.

6. day  Esslingen - Marbach 39/ 44 km

A day with many highlights is waiting for you: a visit of the famous Mercedes-Benz- Museum, the beautiful regional capital Stuttgart with it´s first-class bicycle paths, the worth seeing palace in the baroque town of Ludwigsburg and last, but not least: the picturesque Marbach with the Schiller national- Museum. Accommodation in Marbach or Freiberg.

7. day  Marbach departure

After breakfast ends your bike holiday in Marbach.