Neckarsteig: Etappe Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn

The third stage of the Neckarsteig trail runs for 16.5 km from the four-castle town of Neckarsteinach to Hirschhorn.

You will be treated to an impressive sight when you visit the "four-castle town" of Neckarsteinach. The Ruine Hinterburg, located directly on the Neckarsteig trail, was built around 1100. The Mittelburg (privately owned and can be visited by appointment) and the Schadek Castle ruins are well worth a short detour.

The Goetheblick viewpoint is marked with a sandstone sign: a small path leads to the viewpoint of the same name, from where you have a wonderful view of the Neckar valley and Dilsberg.

The display sign, a protective sign of salvation in the forest, is nestled in a beautiful mixed forest. The Red Image stands on the border between the former Schönau monastery and Hirschhorn.

There are two legends surrounding the Red Image: a woman gave birth to quadruplets as a result of adultery. She hid them in a basket to carry them to the Neckar and drown them. At the Bildstok, she was caught by a forester who rescued the children. Or: an unfaithful guardian hanged himself at the Rote Bild and still walks there today.

The Freischärlergrab with the cross directly on the route can be traced back to the Baden Revolution of 1848/49.

The Hirschhorn Castle was founded around 1260 and extended in the 14th century. As it was spared major destruction, it is in very good condition today and can be visited on guided tours.

The barrage and lock enabled Hirschhorn to expand to the other side of the Neckar, today's Ersheim.