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The Neckar River

The Neckar River is a major tributary of the Rhine River that flows through southwestern Germany, passing through historic cities such as Heidelberg and Stuttgart. Known for its scenic beauty, the Neckar River is surrounded by lush greenery, medieval castles, and charming towns. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including river cruises, hiking, biking, and exploring the cultural and historical sites along its banks.

 

What you’ll love most about the Neckar River

  • Take a river cruise along the Neckar, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the historic towns and cities that line its banks
  • Explore the charming old town of Heidelberg, with its iconic castle, picturesque streets, and lively student scene
  • Visit the historic town of Tübingen, with its colourful houses and cobbled streets
  • Experience the culinary delights of the region, including local wines, beers, and dishes such as Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli) and Spätzle (egg noodles)
  • Hike or bike along the Neckar Valley Cycle Route, which follows the river from its source in the Swabian Alps to its confluence with the Rhine near Mannheim
  • Visit the impressive Burg Guttenberg, a medieval castle perched on a hill overlooking the river, and learn about its fascinating history
  • Explore the town of Neckarsteinach, known for its four castle ruins, each with its own unique history and architecture
  • Visit the picturesque town of Ladenburg, with its well-preserved Roman ruins, charming streets, and famous chocolate factor

Where to Book

  • Villa Lobstein along Castle Road, Heidelberg - Walkins Image/Tomas Hajek

  • The Neckar Loop, Wuerttemberg - Deutsches Weininstitut GmbH

  • Relaxing on the bank of the Neckar - GNTB/DZT/Maren Krings

  • Heidelberg Castle overlooking Neckar Valley in Baden-Wuerttemberg - GNTB/DTZ/Florian Trykowski

  • View of the old town and church over the River Neckar - GNTB/Francesco Carovillano

  • Cityscape seen from a cycle path along Neckar River - Stadt Eberbach/Andreas Held

  • The winegrowing region of Baden Wuerttemberg - Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH (SMG/Gregor Lengler

  • Heidelberg Castle overlooking the city - GNTB/Francesco Carovillano

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 5℃
  • 7℃
  • 11℃
  • 15℃
  • 20℃
  • 23℃
  • 26℃
  • 26℃
  • 21℃
  • 15℃
  • 8℃
  • 5℃
  • 14
  • 10
  • 11
  • 10
  • 13
  • 12
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 10
  • 12
  • 12

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


CroisiEurope Cruises has been pioneering European river cruising for over four decades and they now offer fly-cruise packages from the UK. Experience an unforgettable journey through Europe and see for yourself why CroisiEurope is the ultimate choice for travellers.

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Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading luxury river cruise & tour company with over 38 years’ experience in crafting worldwide tours, luxury river cruises, rail holidays and UK tours. Their commitment to quality & thoughtfulness has earned them a coveted Which? recommendation.

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