Cycling and gravel biking in Germany has been very popular for years. Not only through the events in the Eifel (Grinduro, LtD Gravelraid), but also the beautiful routes in the Harz National Park or in former East Germany. In short, gravel biking in the eastern part of the country is highly recommended. The Baden-Württemberg region is also making its contribution. Known for its Black Forest (where we’ve been before), They have a lot more to offer for the enthusiastic gravel rider. A new gravel paradise has been created in the Kraichgau-Stromberg region. The land of the 1000 hills, in the north of ‘BaWu’, is a gravel region to be savored to the fullest. We took a dive into the matter and found a few beautiful gravel routes in Baden-Württemberg for you. Are you heading that way next year?
From enjoying the countryside to steep hills
Just a little bit of topography. Because Baden-Württemberg is a large region. The best gravel and the most beautiful gravel routes can be found in the north. To the north-west of Stuttgart, to the east of Karlsruhe and to the south of Heidelberg you will find beautiful gravel. Kraichgau-Stromberg is the land of the 1000 hills and that is also reflected in the gravel routes. However, the offer is diverse, as mentioned earlier. Because, as you might imagine, what about a wonderful ‘Genussroutes’? Please note: these routes are by no means flat, but they offer a wonderful gravel experience for the experienced gravel rider. As mentioned earlier, the complete collection We have picked the following route. With 50 kilometers and 600 meters of elevation gain, it’s truly a treat for gravel enthusiasts. What’s more: views of the vineyards and craggy paths. As a sweet touch (pun intended), we stop at the ‘Obsthalle’ in Kirchhiem for a tasty piece of fruit.
Routes for a whole day on the gravel bike
On the tourism agency’s website you will find a wide selection of great gravel routes. Not only for a morning or afternoon ride, but also for a nice long day of ‘gravel grinding’. This route takes you over the hills and towards the beautiful views over the Neckarschleife. In just over 100 kilometers you will trek over beautiful hills and be treated to some beautiful views. Now you decide for yourself: with a view like the one below, you will never want to go back again. You do have to climb 850 meters of altitude, but luckily you end this route in the best place imaginable, namely ‘Kramer’s Biergarten‘. After a nice gravel day, you can order a (non-alcoholic) half liter of something delicious from the grill. There are also vegetarian options here, so there’s something for everyone!
Overnight stays on gravel routes
For those who are thinking: I would like to plan a bikepacking adventure through Baden-Württemberg, we also have a nice alternative. The ‘Naturpark Crossing’ that goes from north to south (or in the opposite direction) is one to write about. 690 kilometers in total, with 14,000 (!) meters of elevation gain. This is enough to keep you busy for a week. And rightly so, because once you have done this route, you will never want to do it any other way again. Well, of course, because in some way everyone always wants to discover new roads. Otherwise, we as a platform would have become quite useless pretty quickly. On this multi-day route, you will encounter, among other things, a beautiful view near Dobler (where a swing bench calls to you), the Huzenbachsee, views over the beautiful Black Forest, etc. We must not forget Titisee. One thing you can also be sure of in Germany: the catering is always well prepared, wherever you are!
Good to know about gravel routes in Baden-Württemberg (and Kraichgau-Stromberg)
In Baden-Württemberg, everyone is used to cyclists. One of the handy things is the ‘Bett und Bike’ accommodations, where you will feel completely welcome as a cyclist.
- Through this link Can you find a place to store your bike safely, where you can rinse it off and where you can also stay for just one night (useful for the multi-day tour).
- There are great places to cycle everywhere. Take a look at the Neue Weberei in Wernau, where you can have a delicious lunch or dinner and possibly also choose a new bike. Isn't that great?
- Would you like to learn more about other gravel routes or other tips on gravel biking in Kraichgau-Stromberg? Then go to the website of the tourism agency
- You can be in the region in just under 6 hours from Utrecht. You can do this either by train (about 5.5 hours to Karlsruhe) or by car. Especially if you plan to go mountain biking, the train is a good option.
Want to know more about the routes in the region? Check out our adventures in Freiburg and the surrounding area
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.