Stylish and elegant interior
Comfortable outside cabins
Castle-like panorama saloon
Spacious sun deck with sun loungers
The Neckar Valley Cycle Route runs almost entirely without climbs, stretching 370 km (230 mi.) from the Neckar’s source in the Schwenninger Moos to the city of Mannheim, known for its grid layout. On this Boat & Bike tour, you’ll experience the navigable part of the Neckar—always with your floating hotel close at hand! Your journey begins in the vibrant metropolis of Frankfurt am Main. The constant interplay of nature and culture, of past and present, with quiet villages and lively cities, makes your vacation along the Neckar especially varied […]
Cycling along 3 Rivers
Vineyards and Castles
Breathtaking landscapes
Ship with max. 96 passengers
The Neckar Valley Cycle Route runs almost entirely without climbs, stretching 370 km (230 mi.) from the Neckar’s source in the Schwenninger Moos to the city of Mannheim, known for its grid layout. On this Boat & Bike tour, you’ll experience the navigable part of the Neckar—always with your floating hotel close at hand!
Your journey begins in the vibrant metropolis of Frankfurt am Main. The constant interplay of nature and culture, of past and present, with quiet villages and lively cities, makes your vacation along the Neckar especially varied and rich in contrasts. Wide river meadows, narrow valleys, vineyards, castles, palaces, and historic town centers await you as you cycle through the heart of Baden-Württemberg.
The ship: Your floating hotel
In between bike rides, you’ll cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You’ll dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board, if you’d like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when you book (on request).
Perfect for more experienced cyclists
With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations, you’ll decide where to go and how fast to ride. Each evening, the ship’s crew will go over the next day’s cycling route, pointing out the difficult parts, offering tips about the best places to stop for a drink or lunch, as well as the sightseeing highlights. In case of emergencies or problems, the crew can be contacted. But – as the ship is sailing to the next port – they can only offer assistance by phone.
Day 1: Frankfurt/Main – Embarkation | Frankfurt – Nierstein
Embarkation starts at 4:00 p.m in Frankfurt/Main. At 6:00 p.m., it’s time to cast off! Enjoy your first dinner on board and get to know your fellow passengers, as the ship takes you from the Main into the Rhine. Your vessel will moor overnight in the idyllic town of Nierstein.
Day 2: Nierstein – Mannheim (approx. 60 km/37.2 mi.)
With almost 1,000 hectares (almost 4 square miles) of vineyards, Nierstein is the largest wine-growing community along the Rhine. Start your day with a visit to the historic town center, featuring a medieval marketplace and the estates of the nobility. Then cycle along the Rhine, heading first to the imperial city of Worms.
Later, the scenic path across Friesenheimer Island in the Rhine River offers a striking contrast to the industrial Rhine River BASF factory that you’ll see on the opposite bank.
A few kilometers further on, you’ll reach the confluence of the Neckar and Rhine rivers near Mannheim, where your ship will be waiting. If you still have some energy, take a detour through the “City of Squares” to its impressive Baroque palace.
Day 3: Mannheim – Heidelberg (approx. 26 km/16 mi.)
Today, follow the scenic Neckar River by bike all the way to Heidelberg. The Roman town of Ladenburg, with its charming historic center, is well worth a short stop along the way. From a distance you’ll be able to spot the ruins of Heidelberg Castle towering above the old town. Stroll across the famous sandstone bridge or wander through the narrow alleys and picturesque squares of Heidelberg’s historic center.
Day 4: Heidelberg – Eberbach (approx. 34 km/21 mi.)
Today you’ll cycle via Ziegelhausen and through the Odenwald hills to Neckarsteinach. From there, continue on to Hirschhorn and finally to today’s destination: the medieval town of Eberbach, once a self-ruling city of the Holy Roman Empire. A stroll through its narrow alleys and small squares offers a chance to soak up the cheerful atmosphere of this charming old town.
Day 5: Eberbach – Bad Wimpfen (approx. 45 km/28 mi.)
Today’s destination, Bad Wimpfen, is a fairytale-like medieval town that served as a residence for Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in 1182. Before arriving, you might take a detour to Hornberg Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in the Neckar Valley. After 1259, it became a fief of the Bishops of Speyer and later, in the 16th century, the home of Götz von Berlichingen.
Day 6: Bad Wimpfen – Lauffen (approx. 30 km/18.6 mi.) | Lauffen – Stuttgart / Bad Cannstatt
Today you’ll enjoy a relaxed and delightful ride along the Neckar, following well-developed cycle paths through gentle river valleys, past vineyards and idyllic wine villages. Along the way, it’s well worth stopping in one of the small wine towns, known for their rustic taverns and welcoming local inns. Your destination is Lauffen am Neckar, the hometown of the famous poet Friedrich Hölderlin and a true beauty of the region. The charming old town, with its timber-framed houses and rich wine tradition, invites you to linger. A route full of nature, culture, and indulgence: perfect for a laid-back cycling day in the heart of the Neckar Valley. Later, you’ll cruise on the ship from Lauffen to the city of Stuttgart.
Day 7: Stuttgart / Bad Cannstatt, Day of rest
Today is all about Baden-Württemberg’s capital, Stuttgart. Discover the city’s diverse surroundings, from idyllic vineyards and green parks to charming suburbs. If you’re up for a workout, tackle the heights of the Stuttgart basin and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the city, the Rems Valley, or the Swabian Alb: a region of forests, hills and valleys.
Whether you prefer a leisurely ride along the Neckar or a more athletic route through the vineyards, a cycling tour around Stuttgart offers something for everyone and shows the city at its green, indulgent best. If you’d rather skip the bike, you can explore Stuttgart and its surroundings on a guided walking tour instead (optional). Must-sees include Schlossplatz – the vibrant heart of the city – the Königsstraße, and the Staatsgalerie. Tech enthusiasts will enjoy the Mercedes-Benz Museum or the Porsche Museum (not included).
Day 8: Departure from Stuttgart / Bad Cannstatt
Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m. and individual journey home.
Day 1: Stuttgart / Bad Cannstatt – Embarkation, | Stuttgart / Bad Cannstatt – Lauffen
Individual arrival in Bad Cannstatt, near Stuttgart. Embarkation at 3:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m., it’s time to cast off! Enjoy your first dinner cruise and meet your fellow travelers as the ship makes its way from Bad Cannstatt to Lauffen am Neckar, the hometown of the famous poet Friedrich Hölderlin and a wine town rich in tradition.
Day 2: Lauffen – Bad Wimpfen (approx. 30 km/18.6 mi.)
Ease into your boating and biking week with a gentle and relaxed start. Spend the morning exploring this traditional winegrowing town on foot. Then enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Neckar river on well-maintained cycle paths through gentle river valleys, past vineyards and picturesque wine villages. Along the way, it’s well worth stopping in one of the small wine towns, known for their rustic taverns and welcoming local inns.
Day 3: Bad Wimpfen – Eberbach (approx. 45 km/28 mi.)
After breakfast, cycle to the beautiful town of Eberbach, once a self-ruling city of the Holy Roman Empire. Historic buildings, a picturesque old town, and imposing city walls give this place – where tradition and customs live alongside modern life – a unique charm.
If you’re up for it, you might take some time to hike a section of the Neckarsteig trail up Katzenbuckel mountain (approx. 6 km or 4 mi one way, with an elevation gain of around 650 m or 2130 ft). Or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Neckar promenade.
Day 4: Eberbach – Heidelberg (approx. 34 km/21 mi.)
Today’s route takes you through the Odenwald hills via Hirschhorn and Neckarsteinach, all the way to Heidelberg. From afar, you’ll be able to see the ruins of Heidelberg Castle towering above the old town. Stroll across the famous sandstone bridge or wander through the narrow alleys and dreamy squares of the historic center. Tip: After a short walk uphill, enjoy the stunning view from the Scheffel Terrace overlooking Heidelberg Castle and the valley below.
Day 5: Heidelberg – Worms (approx. 50 km/31 mi.)
Today, the Roman town of Ladenburg with its historic old center awaits you on your route along the beautiful Neckar River towards Worms. Take the opportunity for a short detour before passing through Mannheim, the “City of Squares,” where the Neckar and Rhine rivers meet. Along today’s ride, industry and natural beauty alternate, offering plenty of variety.
In Worms, where the ship awaits, history is vivid and ever-present. Worms is the legendary city of the Nibelungen, a medieval German epic poem. There’s a lot to discover here.
Day 6: Worms – Nierstein (approx. 37 km/23 mi.) | Nierstein – Mainz
You’ll now follow the Rhine Cycle Route directly along the river to Nierstein. With nearly 1,000 hectares (almost 4 square miles) of vineyards, Nierstein is the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. Take some time to explore the historic town center with its medieval marketplace and estates of the nobility. If time allows, why not enjoy a small wine-tasting as a perfect way to round off this delightful day of cycling? In the early evening, your ship will depart from Nierstein and, as you enjoy your dinner, take you to Mainz.
Day 7: Mainz / Frankfurt/Main (approx. 45 km/28 mi.)
Last but not least, you’ll reach the third river of your Three-rivers tour today. Starting where the Rhine meets the Main, you’ll follow the Main Cycle Route through the Schwanheimer Düne nature reserve and eventually arrive in the financial metropolis of Frankfurt. Frankfurt is a city where warmth meets openness, where tradition and modernity coexist, and where every street and riverside have its own story to tell. It’s a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and innovation. You’re invited to discover much more than just its impressive skyline.
Day 8: Departure from Frankfurt/Main
Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m. and individual journey home.
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Stylish and elegant interior
Comfortable outside cabins
Castle-like panorama saloon
Spacious sun deck with sun loungers
Biking in River Main’s idyllic vineyards
Visit UNESCO-listed Bamberg & Würzburg
Taste delicious Bavarian wines and beers
Premium barge with max. 31 passengers
Beautiful half-timbered houses
Beer and wine region
UNESCO sites Würzburg & Bamberg
Ship with max. 96 passengers
Frankfurt – Stuttgart or Stuttgart – Frankfurt
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