Cycling and gravel biking in Germany has been very popular for years. Not only because of the events in the Eifel (Grinduro, LtD Gravelraid), but also the beautiful routes in Nationalpark Harz or in former East Germany. In short, graveling with the eastern neighbours is a must. The region of Baden-Württemberg also does its bit. Known for the Black Forest (where we have been before), they have much more to offer for the enthusiastic gravel player. A new gravel paradise has emerged in the Kraichgau-Stromberg region. The land of 1000 hills, in the north of 'BaWu', is a gravel region to lick your fingers at. We dived into the matter and found some great gravel routes in Baden-Wurttemberg for you. Are you heading that way next year?
From rural enjoyment to steep hills
Just a bit of topography. Because Baden-Württemberg is a big region. The best gravel and the most beautiful gravel routes can be found in the north. North-west of Stuttgart, east of Karlsruhe and south of Heidelberg you will find beautiful gravel. Kraichgau-Stromberg is the land of 1,000 hills and this is reflected in the gravel routes. Although, the range is diverse, as mentioned earlier. After all, how about some delicious 'Genussroutes?'. Note that these routes are by no means flat, but they offer a delightful gravel experience for the practised gravelist. From the complete collection we picked the following route. At 50 kilometres and 600 altimeters, it is truly enjoyable by gravel standards. What's hot: views over vineyards and crunchy paths. As icing on the cake (pun intended), make a stop at the 'Obsthalle' in Kirchhiem for a tasty piece of fruit.
Routes for a whole day on a gravel bike
On the tourism office's site, you will find a selection of great gravel routes. Not only for a morning/afternoon ride, but also for a nice long day of gravel grinding. This route takes you over the hills and towards the beautiful views of the Neckarschleife. In just over 100 kilometres, you trek over beautiful hills and some great views are served up to you. Tell me, with a view like the one below, you'll never want to go back, will you? You do have some 850 altimeters to overcome, but luckily you end this route at the best place imaginable, namely 'Kramer's Biergarten'. There you can order a (non-alcoholic) half-litre with something delicious from the grill after a nice day of digging. There are also vegetarian options here, so something for everyone!
Gravel routes overnighters
For those who think: 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 down. 690 kilometres in total, with 14,000 (!) altimeters. You could spend a week on this one. And rightly so, because once you have ridden this route, do you ever want to do anything else? Well, of course, because somehow everyone wants to discover new roads every time. Otherwise, we as a platform would have become useless pretty quickly too. On this multi-day route, you will encounter, among other things, stunning views at Dobler (where a rocking bench calls out to you), the Huzenbachsee, views over the beautiful Black Forest, and so on. Titisee, we shouldn't forget that either. One thing you also know for sure in Germany, the catering is always well taken care of, 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 convenient things are the 'Bett und Bike' shelters, where you feel completely welcome as a cyclist.
- Through this link you can pick a lodging, where you can safely store your bike, rinse it and where you can also knock for just one night (useful for the multi-day tour).
- There are cool cycling spots everywhere. Also check out the Neue Weberei in Wernau where you can enjoy lunch or dinner and possibly pick out a new bike. Lovely, isn't it?
- Want to know more about other gravel routes or other tips on graveling in Kraichgau-Stromberg? Then go to the tourism office site
- You can be in the region in just under 6 hours from Utrecht. This can be done either by train (about 5.5 hours to Karlsruhe) or by car. Especially if you go bikepacking, the train does come in handy.
Want to know more about routes in the region? Also take a look at our adventures in Freiburg and environs
