Best backpacking trails in Heidelberg

This route follows stage 1 of the Neckarsteig, a long-distance trail starting in Heidelberg and ending in Neckargemünd. Right after the start, the trail ascends the Himmelsleiter, the historic sandstone steps leading up to the Königstuhl, which is the highest point of this stage. Afterwards, the route continues past the rocky scenery of the Felsenmeer and reaches the managed Neckarriedkopfhütte. Beyond that, the city forest opens up into a vast green woodland before the climb to the...

The Neckarsteig is a certified long-distance trail running 128 km (80 miles) through the stunning Neckar River Valley from Heidelberg to Bad Wimpfen, typically completed in nine days. The undulating terrain winds through the dense forests of the Neckar Valley-Odenwald Nature Park, open meadows, steep vineyards, and rocky paths, leading to spectacular vantage points and numerous historic castles. While usually hiked from west to east starting in Heidelberg, reliable white and blue N trail...