Cycling Tour from Freiburg to Heidelberg

Welcome to the Breisgau! Your cycling tour begins in Freiburg and will take you all the way to the Neckar River in Heidelberg. Freiburg is situated in one of the sunniest regions of Germany. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vibrant old town and visit the impressive cathedral. A unique feature of Freiburg are the Bächle, small watercourses running through the streets. According to local legend, anyone who accidentally steps into one of these water channels is destined to marry a Freiburg resident.

The first stage of your cycling tour from Freiburg to Heidelberg takes you to Breisach. From afar, the Cathedral of St. Stephen, with its towering presence above the Rhine plain, is impossible to miss. The church, featuring a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is home to numerous treasures. Nearby, the town of Vogtsburg, the largest wine-growing community in Baden-Württemberg, is also home to Germany's only corkscrew museum. You will spend the night in Breisach, Vogtsburg, or Vogelgrun, located on the French side of the Rhine.

Once back in the saddle, today's stage of your bike tour from Freiburg to Heidelberg takes you through the picturesque vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl towards Ettenheim. Be prepared for some larger inclines during the first few kilometres. Nestled amidst rolling vineyards, the baroque town of Ettenheim lies at the junction of the Rhine plain and the Black Forest. The historic town centre is marked by elegant baroque buildings. On the outskirts of the town, you’ll find the Heubergturm, a tower offering a panoramic view of the Vosges, the Kaiserstuhl, and the Black Forest. To end your day on a perfect note, indulge in a glass of Baden wine from the local vineyards.

Today's stage of your cycling tour from Freiburg to Heidelberg takes you first to Offenburg. From there, you have the option to take a comfortable train ride (not included) to the French city of Strasbourg. Known as the capital of Europe, Strasbourg is home to numerous European institutions and offers a wealth of charm, particularly in the picturesque tanners' quarter, La Petite France. Here, you can explore beautiful wine taverns. Do try some local Alsatian wine and a tarte flambée! After your visit, take the train (not included) back to Offenburg, where you will spend the night.

From Offenburg, you will cycle north along the edge of the Rhine plain, passing through expansive fields, until you reach the renowned spa town of Baden-Baden. Famous for its thermal baths, the Kurhaus, and its world-renowned casino, Baden-Baden is a place of both relaxation and history. The casino has even inspired a local culinary delight: the Baden-Baden Roulettekugeln, a delicious praline specialty. After exploring, you will continue on your bike for the final stretch to Rastatt. This charming baroque town is situated in the Upper Rhine plain along the small river Murg. Be sure to visit the grand residential palace, with its impressive garden front measuring a remarkable 230 metres, reminiscent of the famous Palace of Versailles in France.

Leaving Rastatt behind, you will head towards Karlsruhe, a baroque residential city built just over 300 years ago. The heart of Karlsruhe is the expansive Schlossplatz, home to the three-winged palace. Inside, you'll find the Badisches Landesmuseum, which offers a fascinating journey through 50,000 years of cultural history—truly impressive! Just a few kilometres further, your journey concludes in the charming town of Ettlingen, a picturesque destination perfect for a relaxing end to the day.

Your cycling tour from Freiburg to Heidelberg takes you across the Baden-Württemberg border into Rhineland-Palatinate, with your destination for the day being the historic imperial city of Speyer, one of the oldest cities in Germany. As you explore, you’ll encounter traces of the city’s rich history at every turn. Notable is the imposing cathedral, an exceptional example of Romanesque architecture and one of the largest preserved churches of its kind in the world. For a breathtaking view, climb the southwest tower, where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic vista over Speyer and the surrounding region.

On the final stage of your cycling tour from Freiburg, you will make your way to your destination, Heidelberg. After bidding farewell to the Rhine, your journey first takes you to Schwetzingen. Here, leave your bike behind and take a leisurely stroll through the magnificent baroque gardens of Schwetzingen Castle, a site well worth visiting. From Schwetzingen, continue on to Heidelberg, a city set along the Neckar River, dominated by the dramatic ruins of Heidelberg Castle. The charming old town, with its array of churches and historic buildings, is equally captivating and offers plenty to explore.

After breakfast, your cycling tour from Freiburg to Heidelberg comes to an end. Should you wish to extend your stay, we would be delighted to arrange an extra night for you.