VOTEC Gravel Fondo Route – Heidelberg Germany

VOTEC Gravel Fondo Heidelberg Germany

A ride into history, and the wine area of southern Germany

Heidelberg is well-known across the world for its historic centre; especially the 14th century university – the oldest in Germany. Being alongside the beautiful  Neckar River in southwestern Germany,  Heidelberg is a wealth of culture and history, with the venerable Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century, the Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church, which towers over the cafe-lined Marktplatz, a town square in the Altstadt (Old Town). The red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a noted example of Renaissance architecture, stand sentinel over Heidelberg, on Königstuhl hill.

It’s a town to stay for a few days in, to stand on the historical stone bridge and to see the town lit up at night, as you enjoy a mini cycling break, with culture for after the gravel trails.

For more information, visit the local tourism website for Heidelberg by clicking here 

Route Information

Stats  77 km  1,869 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Heidelberg has been welcoming visitors for centuries and has ample choices for refreshments and places to stay. The Fresko Cafe & Bar is a good place to get great coffee from, and can be found at Sofienstraße 29, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.

Character

The tracks and trails are all reasonable for experienced riders. The Heidelberg area is famed for its history and culture, and the magnificent university. The ride heads out of the town and rolls around the forested hills on tracks and comfortable trails, and has ample opportunity to extend the ride in places, if you want a longer challenge.  Ruined castles are all over this area, and it’s a history lovers paradise.


Route

  1. This route requires you to follow the GPX file.
  2. Cross over the bridge from the old town of Heidelberg and turn right towards the trees and parkland that winds towards the Philosophers” Way – Philosophen Weg on Google Maps.
  3. The GPX route guides you along tracks and trails, surrounded by the trees, as you climb and fall, and pass several small monuments.
  4. Once the initial climbing and descending is done, at the 37 km point, an 8 km steady climb takes you to a high point, after which a series of rolling climbs leads you forward, traversing the tree-lined hillsides above Heidelberg.
  5. The final climb begins some 15 km from Heidelberg, alongside the Neckar River at the small but amazing, four-castle town of Neckarsteinach. Once this final climb is done, it’s a fast descent back into Heidelberg and refreshments.

Click below  for  GPX file & Accommodation

Download GPX

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