From the Kurpfalz through the Neckar valley to the Kraichgau.

An impressive prelude to the first tour is the Baroque Palace in Mannheim, one of the largest palaces in Europe. A few kilometres further on, Schwetzingen Castle and the magnificent castle garden welcome visitors. Then follows Heidelberg with its world-famous castle, which for generations has been the romantic reason for guests from all over the world to visit the city on the Neckar. The Castle Road turns here into the Neckar Valley and now largely follows the meanders of the river, which it leaves only for a visit to Mosbach. The Neckar River is dominated by defiant knight's castles high above the valley. They lie close together on the way to the imperial palace in Bad Wimpfen and live up to the name "Castle Road". Examples are Hornberg Castle, for 45 years the residence of the "Knight with the Iron Hand" Götz von Berlichingen, and Guttenberg Castle. Both have been owned for centuries by the barons of Gemmingen and offer an ideal combination of castle romance, fantastic views and warm hospitality. More and more vineyards line the castle road. In Gundelsheim, which is dominated by the imposing Horneck Palace, the route crosses the Neckar and and leads through the Kraichgau to over Sinsheim, where the first section of the tour ends at Steinsberg Castle with its panoramic views.

These hotels are suitable for an overnight stay. Ask also about the parking possibilities on the spot.

>> Further accommodations along the Castle Road

From Mannheim, it is particularly worthwhile for classic car enthusiasts to make a detour to Ladenburg. With the unique charm of a factory in the architectural style of the Wilhelminian period, the Dr. Carl Benz Automuseum is a lasting reminder of the inventor of the automobile. In six areas with over 120 vehicles, you can experience the history of mobility directly, as if you had been there yourself.

In the gallery, the exhibition has been expanded to include a section on the history of two-wheeled vehicles. A separate hall is dedicated to motor sports. Here they stand together once again, the former rivals of the race tracks.

Further information about the museum

At the end of the first tour, a detour to Steinsberg Castle near Sinsheim is worthwhile. In the castle tavern, a perfect combination of historical charm and contemporary ambience has been created. In summer, the beer garden in the castle courtyard is the ideal place for a break. The philosophy of the castle kitchen includes fresh, high-quality products and seasonal as well as regional, partly medieval specialities. The hosts have dedicated themselves entirely to the "experience of the Middle Ages" and celebrate this epoch, among other things, with their public knightly feasts.

Further information

A click in the upper left corner of the map window will take you to the selection options. You can see a description of the alternative routes by clicking on the route on the map.

>> GPX data for download

Tour 2 >>