Etappe 4b: Lauffen - Marbach | Württemberger Weinradweg

The second part of the "Poets' Stage" on the Württemberg Wine Cycle Route from the Neckar through the Schozachtal-Bottwartal valley.

From the Hölderlin town of Lauffen am Neckar, the route leads to the Schiller town of Marbach am Neckar.

Lauffen am Neckar is an excellent southern wine town and home to one of the largest steep-slope vineyards in Württemberg. It is also worth visiting the Grafenburg and the Hölderlinhaus in the historic town center.

In Lauffen, the Württemberg Wine Cycle Route changes sides of the Neckar and follows the small river Schozach into the Swabian-Franconian Forest Nature Park. The municipalities of Talheim and Flein at the beginning of the valley are known for their Rieslings, which even the Queen of England enjoyed tasting.

From here, the route heads uphill towards Ilsfeld and Beilstein into the Bottwartal valley. For a view over the magnificent wine landscape and the gently rolling countryside, visit the Castle Hohenbeilstein. From the castle wall, the view extends far over the Schozach and Bottwartal valleys to the Neckar.

The end point of the stage is Marbach am Neckar, Schiller's birthplace, where you return to the Neckar valley.

Tips for a day tour:

• Marbach - Lauffen - Marbach:
  from Lauffen back via the Neckar Valley cycle path,
  approx. 60 km & 300 m
• From Marbach, take the train via Ludwigsburg back to Heilbronn.