Etappe 3 - Kocher-Jagst-Radweg: Von Forchtenberg bis Bad Friedrichshall – Durchs Heilbronner Land

The third stage is all about nature. The green of the vineyards, forests and meadows is the predominant color as you continue from Forchtenberg - westwards via charming Neuenstadt to where the Kocher flows into the Neckar near Bad Friedrichshall. There you can take a detour along the Neckar valley to Bad Wimpfen or Heilbronn.

With its 37.7 km and no gradients worth mentioning, the third stage is also the shortest of the Kocher-Jagst cycle route and can be easily completed in around two hours. This leaves you enough time for a detour or two along the way. Castles and palaces tower above you time and again. Tranquil places invite you to take a break and stop for a bite to eat, for example the pretty Neuenstadt am Kocher with its charming half-timbered houses.

The route takes you through pure nature: vineyards, lush forests and idyllic green meadows that stretch alongside the cycle path characterize the landscape of this stage. There are even sheep grazing on the slopes and in the vineyards of the Kocher Valley. This day is ideal for exploring the agricultural produce of the region. For example, a detour to the Limes dairy in Sindringen, where you can even buy regional milk and cheese products from the vending machine around the clock, or to the Laurentius vacation farm in Oedheim, where you can go on an adventure hike with wine tasting through the vineyard.

From today's stage destination, the salt town of Bad Friedrichshall with its visitor salt mine, it is worth taking a detour into the Neckar valley to Bad Wimpfen, whose townscape is characterized by the majestic imperial palace - incidentally the largest north of the Alps.

Here you will find a special place to stay overnight: Bad Wimpfen Monastery. Not only can you spend the night here in a special atmosphere, but you can also take courses on mindfulness, "temporary monastery" or meditation.