Etappe 2 - Kocher-Jagst-Radweg: Von Schwäbisch Hall bis Forchtenberg – Durchs Hohenloher Koche...

After a varied stay in Schwäbisch Hall, the second stage continues along the winding course of the Kocher to the historic wine village of Forchtenberg. A characteristic feature of this part of the route is the Kocher valley, which cuts deep into the expanse of the Hohenlohe farmland. The Limpurger cattle, the oldest breed of cattle in Germany, graze at the top and the Kocher winds its way through the valley below - past quaint villages and small towns that offer many opportunities for a short stop.

The second stage of the Kocher-Jagst Cycle Path continues leisurely downstream for 44 km. Shortly after Schwäbisch Hall, the Kocher shows its winding side. Just looking at the map, the S-shaped Kocher loop invites you to take a shortcut. However, you should definitely resist this urge, otherwise you will miss one of the most beautiful and unspoilt sections of the route, which leads through a wide arc of secluded nature.

In stark contrast to this is the imposing Kochertal Bridge, Germany's highest valley bridge, which appears out of the blue 185 m above you and under which you will feel very tiny as a cyclist.

If you are looking for a change from cycling, you can switch to a canoe near Braunsbach for a few kilometers, including bike transport.

On hot summer days, you should not only cycle all day along the Kocher, but also take a dip at least once. The Kocher outdoor pool in Künzelsau, the only river pool in Baden-Württemberg, offers a refreshing and natural opportunity for this.

After a well-earned refreshment, the route continues towards the vineyards. As the valley widens, the steep slopes of the Kocher Valley are increasingly planted with vines and the wine villages of Ingelfingen, Niedernhall and the stage town of Forchtenberg invite you to sample a glass or two of Kocher Valley wine at one of the small self-marketers.

On arrival in today's destination of Forchtenberg, you can once again marvel at the pretty old town and follow in the footsteps of Sophie Scholl, who was born here and went down in history as a resistance fighter against the Nazis.