On the river Neckar in Heilbronn’s city center. Photo: Heilbronn Marketing GmbH/Christoph Düpper
Much of the city revolves around the second longest river in Baden-Württemberg, which rises in Villingen-Schwennigen and stretches all the way to Mannheim. The Neckar is where the leisure program takes place. In terms of sports, the Neckar riverbank is the focus. Inline skaters and cyclists use the Neckar Valley Cycle Path, while pedal boats, excursion boats, stand-up paddlers and rowers conquer the river next door. Gastronomically, the popular Neckarmeile offers a variety of culinary delights, with something for every taste.
View from a vineyard above the city. Photo: Heilbronn Marketing GmbH/Maya Braun
Wine has been grown here for more than 1255 years, making Heilbronn the oldest wine town in Württemberg. The famous Wine Panorama Trail is not only a large open-air museum about winegrowing in Heilbronn. The 6 km long route leads along the Heilbronn Wartberg and offers again and again a fantastic panoramic view of the city. In the spring and summer months, Heilbronn wine is regularly served at a Wengerthäusle.
Tip: Start traveling already on Saturday or Sunday to experience the closing of the Heilbronn Wine Village.
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The Käthchen of Heilbronn as sculpture by Dieter Läpple. Photo: Heilbronn Marketing GmbH/Jürgen Häffner
The drama in five acts by Heinrich Kleist made Heilbronn the Käthchenstadt. Even today, the Käthchen can be discovered in the cityscape, for example near the Marrahaus not far from the Neckar. Starting in 1970, the Käthchen was “rediscovered” as an ambassador for the city. Since then, every two years three Heilbronn women are elected Käthchen, who represent the city on various occasions at home and abroad.
Tip: Ask in the bakeries of the city for a sweet “Käthchenzöpfle”.