Drive around the “Cradle of the Automobile” or bike along the riverbanks of this region to see historic cities, splendid castles, romantic gardens and museums.
The Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Area surrounds the scenic confluence of two mighty rivers. In this southwestern German region see modern cities set amid ancient historic sites and one of the country’s most established wine-growing regions, as well as historic castles, palatial gardens, romantic Old Town areas and beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also a hotspot of modern development and is known for its automobile history and exciting technological advances.
Check out genteel Mannheim, which contains a fantastic shopping strip as well as some grand architecture. See its historic Water Tower, Baroque castle and the Christuskirche and discover the city’s modern planetarium. Its SAP Arena is the region’s premier destination for watching ice hockey and handball games.
Charming Heidelberg is renowned for its beautifully preserved streetscapes and ruined castle, as well as its collection of museums. Explore the botanical gardens of the oldest university in Germany here.
More grand gardens can be found in Karlsruhe, a city crowned by the Baden State Museum housed within the magnificent Karlsruhe Castle. Stroll around the greenery of the City Park and the Zoo and explore historic glasshouses at the botanical garden.
In Speyer, learn about space travel and Rhine-Neckar’s technological achievements at the Technik Museum Speyer and visit the nearby aquarium. Stuttgart is another modern metropolis speckled with historic monuments. Here, trace the history of the German automobile at the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Go back 2,000 years when you visit Mainz, an impressive city built on Roman ruins. Wander amid the Baroque buildings, see stunning cathedrals and stroll around the historic marketplace square.
Visit the wine-growing areas in Baden, Rhine-Hesse, Hessische Bergstraße and Rhineland-Palatinate to sample Rhine-Neckar’s noteworthy wines.
The Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Area is easy to reach by plane to Frankfurt International Airport and rail to any of the region’s cities. Mannheim and Speyer also have domestic airports. Enjoy driving around the scenic countryside routes or use the comprehensive and efficient rail network.
