Kurpfalz Axis

The Kurpfalz Axis links the history with the present of the region. Many communities along the route belonged to the former Palatinate County, the Kurpfalz. Even if this does not apply to all places along the route, the Kurpfalz era with its residences in Mannheim and Heidelberg shaped the entire metropolitan region.

Thematically, the Kurpfalz Axis is divided into six sections in total.

1) In the Palatinate Forest
Lambrecht, the starting point of the route, lies in the largest contiguous forest area in Germany, the Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve. Numerous castles and palaces, some in exposed locations, await discovery by visitors. Natural monuments and rock formations such as the Devil's Table or the Karlstal provide scenic variety.

2) On the sun terraces
The western Kurpfalz Axis crosses the sun terraces of the German Wine Route. Vineyards, wine villages, and wineries shape the landscape. The favorable location and climate are reflected in the diversity of agricultural products and the cultivation of wine, fruit, and vegetables.

3) The Rhine Plain: Urban landscapes, green islands, and lively Neckar
With the straightening and canalization of the Rhine at the beginning of the 19th century, new life came to the banks and the familiar city and industrial landscape grew. Still, the extensive agricultural areas with a variety of regional products remain an important characteristic of the Rhine Plain.

4) Romantic Neckar Valley and excursions into the Odenwald
History is omnipresent in the Neckar Valley, and the wealth of natural and cultural monuments is obvious. Between the university city Heidelberg and Heilbronn, numerous castles and palaces line the river. The western foothills of the Odenwald invite with their dense forests to experience and discover.

5) Through the Odenwald
The landscape of the Odenwald teaches earth history and trains the eyes and ears in quiet forests and among rugged rock formations. A dense network of educational and adventure trails and information centers awaits visitors, bringing 500 million years of earth history alive and tangible. The Romans have also left their marks, and remains of the Odenwald limes testify to their time.

6) In the Bauland - on the wide fields
This section contrasts with the narrow incised valleys along the course of the Neckar. The hilly, open landscape is shaped by agriculture, and its wide plains are equally popular with cyclists and hikers.