Two cyclists stand on a hill with their bikes and look out over a vineyard landscape into the distance.

Cycling as a Source of Inspiration7 Beautiful Cycle Tours Through Baden-Württemberg

18.2.202515 min. read timeby Bernd Sautter | Author, Moderator & Blogger
Discover 7 of Baden-Württemberg's most beautiful cycle routes: favourite tours past castles, through wine regions and picturesque landscapes.

Something for Everyone: Our Top Route Tips

7 Favourite Tours through Southwest Germany

What kind of cyclist are you? In Baden-Württemberg you will find what your cycling heart desires. In total, there are more than ten thousand kilometers of well-maintained cycle paths that will put a smile on your face. In Southwest Germany, fabulous dream routes are waiting to be discovered by you. They combine castles and palaces, past and present, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Diversified long-distance cycle routes lead over spectacular mountain ranges, through enchanted valleys and sunny wine regions.

To make it easier for you to choose your next cycle tour, we have asked people who are at home in Southwest Germany. Be inspired by the tour tips of local cyclists, all of whom are true cycling enthusiasts. Here are seven recommendations that criss-cross Baden-Württemberg. They are tailor-made for people who like to get on their bikes, but also like to get off for a well-deserved break. Let's head south!
At a Glance

Which Cycle Path Suits You?

Here you will find an overview of the most important facts about the cycle routes.
The information includes:

  • Length: Total length of the routes in kilometers.
  • Stages: Division of the route into different stages.
  • Shortcuts: Options to shorten the route.
  • Quality features: Special features and quality standards of the cycle routes.

  • Have fun exploring and planning your cycle tour!
    #1 The Favourite Tour for Explorers

    Kocher-Jagst Cycle Path

    Have you ever heard of the Kocher and Jagst Rivers? These two river valleys have real insider status among bike fans. Both valleys are impressive, deeply incised and neither is shorter than 150 kilometers. A fantastic cycle path has been drawn through both valleys. If you follow the official tour recommendation, you will glide upstream along the Jagst and downstream along the Kocher River. Time flies by. Lonely meadows, quaint villages and beautiful half-timbered towns alternate. Along the way you will get to know the hospitality of the Swabian-Hohenlohe Region. Cyclists receive a particularly warm welcome. Insiders rave about the unfamiliar terrain: 335 kilometers of a perfect world, they say. You can plan six stages at the full length. If you have less time: Just take a shortcut. They are well signposted as connecting routes. The main thing is to plan your route loosely. So that you have enough time to enjoy the local gastronomy.
    View over wide fields with a neighbouring forest. A cycle path winds along the edge of the forest.
    Discover the Kocher-Jagst Cycle Path
    The Kocher-Jagst cycle path is equally suitable for exciting exploratory tours and relaxed deceleration.
    #2 The Favourite Tour for Wine Connoisseurs

    Württemberg Wine Cycle Path

    Wines from Württemberg have enjoyed a stellar career over the past few decades. Young winemakers have taken the wine culture to a new level - and dragged traditional cooperatives along with them. High time to take a closer look at these liquid wonders. It is very convenient that a cycle path connects all the wine-growing regions. It goes without saying that the cycle path prefers sunny slopes. So even if you don't have a nose for wine, you'll get your money's worth. Viewpoints, refreshment stops, scenic experiences, and, and, and ... Perhaps most importantly for you: The stage towns have been chosen not only for their location on the map, but also for the richness of their menus. So that you can replenish your depleted energy stores in absolute gourmet locations such as Ingelfingen, Bretzfeld, Heilbronn, Marbach or Esslingen. How good can cycling be?
    A man and a woman are sitting in the shade on a dry stone wall in the vineyards. In front of them are two bicycles.
    Württemberger Wine Cycle Route
    On the Württemberg Wine Cycle Path, you will meet the winegrowers at work in the vineyards and experience the wine-growing region with all your senses.
    #3 The Favourite Tour for Forest Lovers

    Black Forest Nature Park Cycle Route

    Perhaps the smartest cycle route of all: the full Black Forest experience without the strain. The route follows the Kinzig, Murg, Alb and Enz Valleys. The second leg takes you through the Baden wine region. If you are looking for elevation gain, you will be disappointed on the first leg. The preferred direction is downhill. Alpirsbach, Schiltach, Wolfach - a collection of the most beautiful Black Forest towns lie directly on the route. This route is especially recommended for those who think of the Black Forest as endless trails through deep forests. That's true, but not on these four legs. Baden's most charming wine villages are immediately followed by Baden-Baden, Ettlingen, and soon after Calmbach in the Enz Valley. For the finale, enjoy the combination of moorland and cycling. Unique scenery and perfectly flat paths. Only one small climb in the morning, otherwise the day remains easy. You will realize: This Black Forest is easier to cycle than any river cycle path.
    A country lane leads across meadows over a large hilltop. A man is cycling along it. A piece of forest can be seen in the distance.
    Black Forest Nature Park Cycle Route
    The Black Forest Nature Park Cycle Route is perfect if you want to explore Germany's largest nature park by bike.
    #4 The Favourite Tour for Cross-Border Commuters

    Heidelberg-Black Forest-Lake Constance Cycle Path

    The federal state of Baden-Württemberg has existed since 1952. Today, Baden and Württemberg have merged so much that you can hardly tell the difference. The Heidelberg-Lake Constance Cycle Route gives you the chance to see for yourself. It goes back and forth between Baden and Württemberg. Speaking of swimming. Please bring your swimsuit. You'll need it. The route starts in Heidelberg with its castles and palaces, winds over the hills of the Kraichgau Region, touches the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb, passes the sources of the Neckar River and the Danube and the the volcanic cones of the Hegau Region to Lake Constance. You'll need your bathing suit by now at the latest: A few dips in Lake Constance are almost obligatory at the end of the tour. And once you've seen the sun set over the lake in Radolfzell, you'll agree: It's hard to find more variety than between Baden and Württemberg.
    Two cyclists cycle through vineyards. Behind the vineyards lies a large lake.
    Heidelberg-Black Forest-Lake Constance Cycle Path
    The long-distance cycle route, which is about 300 kilometres long, combines picturesque towns with varied landscapes between nature and culture. Pure variety!
    #5 The Favourite Tour for Culture Lovers

    Rhine Cycle Path

    Even without electric power, it almost feels as if someone is pushing you when you are going downstream on the Rhine Cycle Path and the tailwind kicks in. You can cover so much distance on the Rhine that it's a real pleasure. And yet you would miss a lot if you only looked at the speedometer. Few long-distance cycle routes offer such a rich cultural program: Constance, the small town gem of Bad Säckingen, Basel, the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, the town of Breisach, Baden-Baden, the magnificent Schwetzingen Castle and finally Heidelberg with its wonderful Old Town. As if that were not enough, the route passes natural wonders such as the Rhine Falls, the fantastic Kaiserstuhl and the incomparable Taubergießen Wetlands. That's why we recommend to plan your stages so that you have enough time for sightseeing. You could divide the route from Constance to Heppenheim into 7 stages of 75 kilometers each. Just follow the "EuroVelo 15" signs.
    A woman rides a bicycle on a wooden bridge over a body of water.
    Rhine Cycle Path
    The Rhine Cycle Path follows one of the longest rivers in Europe. Also called "EuroVelo15", the route runs about 520 kilometers through Baden-Württemberg.
    #6 The Favourite Tour for Romantics

    Romantic Neckar Cycle Path

    Here a castle, there a fortress, across the river a ruin, around the next bend a medieval town that looks like a castle, and over there: Is that a palace? Indeed it is! The Lower Neckar River has perhaps the highest density of medieval highlights in all of Germany. It's a good thing the cycle path from Bad Wimpfen to Mannheim is only 105 kilometers long. That leaves plenty of time for sightseeing and all the delicious extras you can add to your tour, such as the "Zur Burg" chocolaterie in Neckargemünd or the birds of prey flight show at Guttenberg Castle. The Romantic Neckar Cycle Path is definitely a great recommendation for a memorable cycling weekend. There are only two stages, but they are packed with highlights. Afterwards, you'll feel like you've been on the road for a week.
    Two cyclists cycle through a cultivated landscape with vines and meadows.
    Romantic Neckar Cycle Path
    Romantic castle experience from Bad Wimpfen to Heidelberg - No other landscape in Germany has such a density of castles, castle ruins and palaces as the Neckar Valley.
    #7 The Favourite Tour for Time Travellers

    Danube-Lake Constance Cycle Path

    Cycle through the Baroque era, always towards the Alps - that could be a short description of this wonderful cycle tour through Upper Swabia. Cycling through the rolling hills of the Allgäu Region is like traveling back in time. Churches, monasteries and libraries - the Baroque is alive everywhere. Even hops and malt contain Baroque elements - after all, the monks invented the art of brewing. The Baroque was a time of exuberance. You learn to appreciate it during the breaks. Every village bakery is an experience. No pedal rhythm can compete with the country inns and beer gardens. You won't find better spaetzle anywhere. Lonely little roads wind in wide curves around moors and lakes. The scenery is a real treat, especially when Lake Constance appears against the backdrop of the Alps. The exciting finale: the descent to the shores of the lake in Kressbronn. A fabulous journey through time, where you can enjoy the happiness of the here and now.
    A group of cyclists take a break on a green area. A narrow path leads up to this hill. From there you can see a village with a church.
    Danube-Lake Constance Cycle Path
    The 156 kilometre route is signposted throughout and winds its way through the heart of Upper Swabia.
    Portrait of Bernd Sautter
    Bernd Sautter | Author, Moderator & Blogger

    He knows the south like the back of his hand and loves the hidden experiences and researching the stories behind them. A self-confessed ‘slow traveller’ - by bike. Slow because his appetite is always travelling with him and he is constantly writing as an author, presenter and blogger.

    Curious to Know More?

    Discover our Favourite Tours through Southwest Germany

    7 / 7
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    NatureCycling
    Naturpark-Radweg
    The Nature Park Cycle Trail runs for around 260 kilometres in several stages through the most beautiful corners of the northern and central Black Forest.
    Black ForestMedium18:43h261kmStage tour
    ADFC Qualitätsradroute
    Go to article
    Brackenheim is a typical wine town
    NatureCycling
    The Württemberg Wine Cycle Path
    Picturesque half-timbered towns, fascinating landscapes, traditional wineries, modern wine bars and rustic taverns: the Württemberg Wine Cycle Route winds its way through vineyards over a total length...
    Stuttgart RegionMedium22h396.4kmStage tour
    ADFC Qualitätsradroute
    Go to article
    Placeholder
    NatureCycling
    Romantic Neckar
    EXPERIENCE - Castles & palaces Pure romance - historical castle experience in the lower Neckar valley from Bad Wimpfen to Mannheim
    27h104.6kmStage tour
    ADFC Qualitätsradroute
    Go to article
    NatureCycling
    Danube-Lake Constance Cycle Route
    The Danube-Lake Constance Cycle Route, classified as a ‘quality cycling route’ by the ADFC, extends from the highest church tower in the world down to the shores of Lake Constance.
    Lake Constance9h156kmOne way tour
    Go to article
    NatureCycling
    Rheinradweg - EuroVelo 15 - von Konstanz bis Mannheim
    The Rhine Cycle Route is suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels and abilities. It runs along one of the longest rivers in Europe. From the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, the Rhine has promoted cult...
    131h521kmOne way tour
    ADFC Qualitätsradroute
    Go to article
    NatureCycling
    THE HEIDELBERG-BLACK FOREST-LAKE CONSTANCE CYCLE ROUTE
    From the romantic and ancient university town of Heidelberg via the idyllic Black Forest to beautiful Lake Constance, the Heidelberg-Black Forest-Lake Constance Cycle Route (Heidelberg-Schwarzwald-Bod...
    Black ForestHard22:15h304.7kmStage tour
    ADFC Qualitätsradroute
    Go to article
    NatureCycling
    THE KOCHER-JAGST CYCLE ROUTE
    Cycling along a river is relaxing as well as scenic. On the Kocher-Jagst Cycle Route (Kocher-Jagst-Radweg) you get to know TWO rivers, the Kocher and the Jagst.
    HohenloheMedium79:5h334.8kmLoop tour
    Find your Favourite Tour: Click here for an Overview!
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