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Explore Nature Through Water Trails

 

Heidelberg is world-famous for its idyllic location on the banks of the Neckar. What many don’t know is that the entire surrounding region is equally rich in water-themed routes, landscapes, and stories. This booklet brings together a diverse collection of over 30 routes, all centered around a common element: water.

Whether you’re walking along riversides, discovering urban and rural streams, hiking through wetlands, or cruising the Neckar by boat—Heidelberger Wasserwege invites you to experience the region through its lifelines. From the heart of Heidelberg with landmarks like the Old Town, Heidelberg Castle, and the Philosopher’s Walk, to lesser-known gems such as the Mudau Spring Trail, the Margareten Gorge, the Fish Nursery in Edingen-Neckarhausen, or the Wetlands at Ilvesbach—every route reveals a new facet of the region’s natural and cultural relationship with water.

Explore Waterways

Use the map to easily locate waterways in our region and plan your tour to explore them

A Grand Tour of the Old Town

A hike through Heidelberg‘s old town. Although the route is walkable and not difficult, being in good physical condition is recommended

A Stroll Along the Neckar

A leisurely stroll through the streets of the old town and along the
banks of the Neckar.

Trail of River History

Tour takes you along the Neckar River in Eberbach, exploring the
dynamic relationship between the town and the river through the
ages.

Seckach-Zimmern Nature Trail

The nature Trail guides you along the picturesque Seckach stream,
combining nature

Dilsberg Castle Fortress

Beneath the mighty Burgfeste Dilsberg, a mysterious rock tunnel
winds deep into the mountain an echo of ancient secrets and
legends. Discover this hidden treasure, once forgotten, now brought
to light for curious adventurers.

Six-mill Valley

Discover the timeless charm of the Six Mills Valley in Weinheim,
where centuries-old watermills, forest landscapes, & the gentle sound
of flowing streams come together to tell a story of harmony between
history, nature, & tradition.

Fish Nursery

The Fischkinderstube in Edingen-Neckarhausen is a pioneering
ecological initiative along the Neckar River, seamlessly blending
habitat conservation, environmental education, and leisure.

St. Leon-Rot: St. Leoner See Loop via Francis-Turbine

This medium-difficulty circular hike combines lakeside scenery with
engineering marvels & historic mill sites around St. Leoner See.

An Heiligenberg tour

A demanding hike over the Zollstock to the Heiligenberg

A Ride with the Liselotte

A relaxed voyage on the Neckar river with the historic motorboat MS
Liselotte from the Pfalz.

Elsenzaue Nature Trail, Mauer

The Elsenzaue Nature Trail invites you on a nature discovery tour
through the scenic floodplain landscape of the Elsenz River near
Mauer.

Walk in Speyer

The Nature Trail guides you along the picturesque Speyer, combining
nature exploration with educational insights about water

Margareten Gorge Trail

Step into a world of rugged cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and wild beauty
as you hike through the spectacular Margareten Gorge – one of the
most dramatic natural sights along the Neckar Valley.

Edingen- Neckarhausen

Experience a picturesque riverside hike along the Neckar River.

Hike through the Oftersheim dunes (BW)

Discover the landscapes of the Upper Rhine on this scenic hike.

Wagbachniederung Nature Discovery Trail

The trail go through one of southern Germany’s most diverse wetland
habitats rich in birdlife & steeped in ecological transformation.

A Little Tour of the Old Town

A moderate hike through the old town with a steep ascent to the
Philosopher’s Walk.

Mudau Spring Trail

The Mudauer Quellenweg takes you on a circular tour following the
traces of Mudauer’s water supply.

Lobbach Stream Nature Trail

The Trail leads you along the Lobbach stream, offering insights into
stream ecosystems & the importance of water in our natural
environment.

Berghäuser Altrhein & Altlussheimer Altrhein

The Nature Trail guides you along the picturesque Seckach stream,
combining nature exploration with educational insights about water

Energy and future storage Heidelberg

A symbol of the energy transition Heidelberg’s Energy Storage Tower

Lifeline of the Upper Rhine

This scenic loop walk invites you to explore the rich biodiversity of
the Schwetzinger Wiesen and Riedwiesen – part of the vital
floodplain ecosystem along the Upper Rhine.

Ilvesheim - Maulbeerinsel

Experience a delightful riverside hike through the serene landscapes
of Ilvesheim and the historic Maulbeerinsel (Mulberry Island).

The eco-trail in Guntersblum

Discover the unique flora, fauna, and geology of Guntersblum on this
informative ecological nature trail. A perfect blend of education and
outdoor relaxation, this path connects nature and wine culture in
Rheinhessen.

A Wieblinger Tour

A leisurely stroll through historic Wieblingen with the possibility of a
picnic on the banks of the Old-Neckar.

Neckargemund Flood Path

Tour takes you on an informative loop trail along the Neckar River,
highlighting the history and impact of flooding in the region.

Wetlands at Ilvesbach

The wetlands at Ilvesbach offer a serene insight into one of the
region’s valuable wetland, rich in biodiversity & essential for water
conservation

Lifeline of the Upper Rhine

This scenic circular trail through the Schwetzinger Wiesen and
Riedwiesen invites you to explore the vital lifelines of the Upper
Rhine-lush meadows, wetlands, and a wealth of biodiversity shaped
by water.

Lorsch: Water Trail – Teschenauer Berg Loop

Explore the water landscapes around Lorsch on this educational trail.

Mannheim-Rheinau Riedwiesen Nature Trail

Experience the unique wetland habitat of the Riedwiesen in
Mannheim-Rheinau a serene escape into nature within the city.

Old Rhine Adventure Trail

The Verbandsgemeinde Eich in Rheinhessen is a captivating
destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical
significance, and cultural richness