Yes , we have declared Heidelberg as our last destination on the Neckar as we have seen where the Neckar enters the Rhine at Mainz already and most Neckar cyclists finish here.

Our concerns re another sleepless night didnt come to fruition those thick walls, thick windows and doors block everything out. I also asked for a fan, the first one made a terrible racket and I had a fun conversation  trying to explain this I couldnt remember the german word for noise,  the next fan was easy as it was kaput so finally a proper fan arrived a full scale tall one hurrah. I do hope this wasnot taken away from the kitchen staff. Once we had a fan as the room had stayed cool we could sleep ok .

It has been lovely to arrive in lively Heidelberg to an airconditioned appartment, beautiful views of the castle and river and no noise.We had only booked one night but we have extended it Im sure it would be quite easy to stay here 3 days.Very easy city layout wise and just full of buildings from the 16th century, we are staying in a converted house of a Bulgarian philosopher who lived here on the Philosophers road.

I was excited to see there was an organ concert at 5pm in the HeiligeChurch, I just love the sound of an organ in a cathedral. Wed just missed concerts in other towns and in Lindau the thought of cycling a couple of kms at night in the rain was too much. Here it was easy a 5 min walk around the corner and what an organ. The largest pipes could fit a person inside it, the smallest the size of your fingernail.Just loved it and so pleased Id got to a concert.I discovered after the concert looking around the church that this was where the new protestant creed was written after the reformation “I believe in the….” for those church going readers.At one point this church was divided in half one half catholic and tne other protestant till the reformists finally won the whole church.Plenty of history here, plenty of walks in the forests and wide selection of cafes and restaurants.For those into hunting it starts in Autumn, wild boar I assume.

 

So NECKAR HIGHLIGHTS

• The start at the watershed amongst the peat moors
• The first 2 days through meadows and forests
• These last 2 days again through beautiful forests and historic villages/towns
• Very easy navigation so long as you stay alert only need to consult guide book about 5 times
• Less busy than the Moselle and better signeage as all organised by Germans

 

A good starter ride for people wanting to go on their own for the first time.This last section if you are just 2 bikes you can get on one of the boats for a section. ( I did suggest this in the heat but that didnt get me anywhere….)

Points

You generally have to turn off the track to find drinks or food but this is  not too much of a problem.

Check on festivals ahead if you want to sleep or if you want to party.

Tourist towns book accommodation ahead in peak season ie. now July

TOTAL KMS RIDDEN-2665KMS Rhine,Moselle and Neckar

BS luxury Appts

7 Oberstrasse, Altstadt

Best place weve stayed on the Neckar, full lounge  full kitchen, good wifi air conditioning etc. Were nearly on top floor 8 flights of stairs but you can request a lower appartment, 5th floor the attic is all one appartment.

Via booking.com or you can book direct