Z4 Per Pedal zur Poesie

"Literary cycle path" through one of the most beautiful wine-growing regions in Baden-Württemberg. Cycle with views of centuries-old, terraced steep slopes - along the Neckar through the "Land of Poets".

The tour begins in Weinsüden Weinrot Lauffen am Neckar, where Friedrich Hölderlin, one of the most important poets in the German language, was born in 1770. Past steep vineyards, the cycle path leads from the Neckar along the Zaber to the wine-south wine town of Brackenheim. Here you will meet the first Federal President Theodor Heuss as a politician and statesman, journalist and man of letters. The route continues along the Herrenwiesenbach stream up into the Stromberg-Heuchelberg Nature Park to the wine-south wine village of Cleebronn.

From the town hall, follow the road to Bönnigheim and turn right into the vineyards shortly after leaving the town. You will be greeted by the striking Michaelsberg and with it the highest point of the route. From the historic Katharinenplaisir estate, you start the descent through the vineyards to Bönnigheim. There you will follow in the footsteps of Sophie La Roche, a pioneer of female writing. From Bönnigheim, follow the cycle path via Hohenstein to Kirchheim, where you cross the market square and reach the Neckar Valley cycle path. The river valley and vineyards accompany you on the remaining ten kilometers back to Lauffen.

Further information can be found in the brochure "Per Pedal zur Poesie - Literarische Radwege: Friedrich Hölderlin, Theodor Heuss, Sophie La Roche, Juliane von Krüdener, Heimito von Doderer A1" from the Marbach Literature Archive and at www.literaturland-bw.de.