Travel story: Speyer – Heidelberg

Romantic backdrops and cities steeped in history

Our journey begins in one of Germany’s most beautiful cities: Heidelberg. From the moment we arrive, the magical backdrop of river, hills, and red sandstone sweeps us away. The rental bike is the perfect companion here, since the city is wonderfully designed for cyclists. After checking in at the modern, stylish Hotel Qube in the trendy Bahnstadt district, we hop right into the saddle. The historic old town is just ten minutes away. We roll across the Old Stone Bridge, pause for a quick photo with the famous Heidelberg Bridge Monkey, and gaze up at the majestic castle watching over the city, which we’ll visit next.

Enchanted Heidelberg

Heidelberg is just the gateway to a treasure trove of historic gems. Over the next few days, perfectly maintained and clearly marked cycling routes lead us from one beautiful place to the next. A true hidden gem is the charming town of Ladenburg. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, it enchants today with lovingly restored half-timbered houses and medieval lanes.

Further north, Worms awaits with its monumental Romanesque cathedral, inviting us to dive deep into German history and the legend of the Nibelungs. On the scenic stage between Bad Dürkheim and Landau, Neustadt an der Weinstraße and its historic old town are the perfect spot for a well-deserved break.

Speyer, the imperial city, completely captivates us. The mighty Speyer Cathedral, the largest surviving Romanesque church in the world, and the lively pedestrian zone are absolute highlights you simply have to experience.

Panoramic view of Heidelberg's old town with red-tiled roofs, church spire, Old Bridge crossing the Neckar River, and forested hillside.

Two cyclists with yellow panniers on a cobblestone bridge over the Neckar River in Heidelberg, with the castle and forested hills visible.

Small bronze mouse sculpture on cobblestones with Heidelberg's Old Bridge over the Neckar River in the background under blue sky.

Visitors walking through Heidelberg Castle courtyard with ornate Renaissance palace building and stone archway under blue sky.

Courtyard of Heidelberg Castle showing the Ottheinrichsbau with Renaissance arcades and ornate facade beside a ruined tower with green vegetation.

Four female cyclists in helmets taking a selfie on a sandy beach by the Neckar River in Heidelberg, with hills and blue sky in background.

Cobblestone street in Heidelberg's old town lined with colorful historic buildings. Outdoor cafe seating on both sides under blue sky.

Interior of Heidelberg Pharmacy Museum with curved shelves filled with antique ceramic jars, wooden counter with drawers, and golden statues.

Two cyclists with helmets and yellow bags stand on sandy beach at Neckar riverbank in Heidelberg, palm tree in foreground, hills in background.

Palatinate postcard-perfect scenery

Anyone who sets out on a cycling tour in this region quickly understands why the Palatinate is known as the “Tuscany of Germany.” The landscape is shaped by gentle hills, endless vineyards, and a lush vegetation you’d never expect in northern Europe. Figs, kiwis, almonds, and lemons grow right along the path. The mild climate is a treat for cyclists - even when the thermometer hits 100 degrees on our most athletic day, there’s usually a pleasant breeze in the vineyards, though at 100 degrees, it’s not exactly refreshing anymore.

Close-up of dark purple grape clusters on the vine with green leaves. Cyclists are visible in the blurred background of the vineyard.

St. Ludwig Church with orange facade and clock tower in Bad Dürkheim, framed by a lemon tree with ripe fruit and green foliage.

Female cyclist with helmet and backpack standing at a roadside fruit stand displaying berries in containers. A barn and greenhouse are visible.

Three cyclists riding on a gravel path through a tree-lined avenue with dry grass on both sides under a blue sky near Heidelberg.

Stork with outstretched wings flying near two nests on wooden poles surrounded by green trees under blue sky in Rheinhausen.

Perfectly developed cycling routes

The cycling route network here is exceptionally well developed and clearly marked. Eurobike selects routes that are flat to gently rolling, so you can soak in the scenery without ever feeling out of breath. It’s pure joy to ride through the lush green of the Wine Route. Around every bend, a new view opens up of picturesque wine villages like Forst or Deidesheim. Many cycling routes are designed so you can enjoy nature and let your mind wander, often far from busy roads.

Two female cyclists with yellow panniers riding through a wildflower meadow with white and pink blooms under a cloudy sky near Offenbach.

Yellow building of Weingut Sonnenhof winery with tall cypress trees, palm plants, and slogan 'Wein, der Spass macht!' on a wall in Bockenheim.

Two cyclists with helmets riding e-bikes on a paved path through vineyards near Bad Dürkheim under a clear blue sky.

Cyclist with helmet at Deidesheim market square with historic church featuring twin spires, outdoor café seating under umbrellas, and traditional buildings.

Two hands toasting with wine glasses labeled 'Weinbiet' in front of historic buildings at Neustadt market square.

Cobblestone pedestrian street Maximilianstrasse in Speyer with outdoor cafés, colorful historic buildings, and a decorative maypole under blue sky.

Cyclist riding past Speyer Cathedral, a Romanesque sandstone church with twin towers and green copper roofs under blue sky.

Palatinate spirit: warmth that’s simply contagious

What truly makes this Original Tour unforgettable is the warm, welcoming spirit of the Palatinate and the region’s openhearted hospitality. Here, you’re never a stranger for long. Whether you’re pausing at a crossroads to check your map or relaxing in a shady courtyard, the locals are always ready with a smile, eager to help, and happy to share a friendly chat.

This genuine hospitality is reflected in our partner hotels as well. After a rewarding 90-kilometer day in the saddle, there’s nothing better than arriving at a haven like the Kurparkhotel in Bad Dürkheim, unwinding in the wellness area, and letting the day’s experiences sink in. The cozy Hotel Amelie in Landau and the bike-friendly Hotel am Wartturm in Speyer also stand out for their excellent service, generous breakfasts to fuel your cycling days, and a heartfelt attention to detail.

Kurhaus Bad Dürkheim, a classical building with columns, viewed across a manicured lawn with colorful flowering shrubs and garden beds.

Culinary highlights in the Palatinate

Culinary delights are a highlight here, turning every break into a little celebration. When the midday sun is at its peak, nothing beats a stop at one of the many small wineries, like Sonnenhof in Bockenheim along the Wine Route, for a glass of ice-cold, sparkling grape juice that’s pure refreshment. The cozy Café Solo just before Bad Dürkheim serves up crispy, paper-thin Palatinate Flammkuchen and invites you to unwind by its own little pool, perfectly paired with a chilled, aromatic Muscat.

One of the absolute highlights of our girls’ tour is an evening at the restaurant “Pinot und More” in Bad Dürkheim. Here, we sample “Palatinate tapas”: small, beautifully presented portions of regional classics like leek tart or radish salad, perfectly complemented by a Riesling or Pinot Gris. For dessert, there’s a traditional “Palatinate Dampfnudelchen.”

Flammkuchen with bacon and cheese on a wooden board next to a glass of white wine, served on an outdoor terrace in Weißenheim.

Outdoor café terrace with turquoise pool, palm trees, blue chairs, and elephant statue. Stone building with tiled roof in background.

Two slices of golden-brown Lauchkuchen on a dark ceramic plate, served with mixed lettuce and cherry tomato in Bad Dürkheim.

Four women taking a selfie at an outdoor café table with drinks and wine bottles in Bad Dürkheim. Colorful historic buildings visible in background.

Ladenburg market square with ornate fountain, half-timbered houses, and church tower. Cyclists in yellow vests ride across the cobblestone plaza.

Conclusion

A cycling vacation with Eurobike through the Kurpfalz and along the Wine Route is the ultimate escape from everyday life. It’s the perfect blend of top-notch cycling routes, scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and the vibrant wine region, making the tour completely effortless and full of enjoyment.

It’s those moments of shared laughter in the saddle, refreshing breaks at local wineries, and charming evening strolls through small towns that make this tour so special. If you’re looking to recharge your spirit, indulge in a little pampering, and experience Germany at its sunniest and most welcoming, this tour is an absolute must. Pack your panniers, gather your favorite people, and set off with Eurobike to explore the beautiful Palatinate.

My favorite Place

For me, Heidelberg is the absolute highlight of our Palatinate tour. I’m fascinated by how seamlessly the city blends old and new. On one side, you’ll find the modern Bahnstadt district with its clean lines and surprising pockets of greenery.

The perfect contrast is the historic old town. It’s pure joy to wander the narrow streets on foot, with inviting cafés and restaurants at every corner, perfect for a relaxed break. The Neckar meadows right along the riverbank are simply beautiful, offering a peaceful spot to sit by the water and soak in the view of the lush hills. Of course, no visit is complete without seeing Heidelberg Castle and the Old Bridge.

This was my first time in this amazing city, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Kornmarkt square in Heidelberg with Madonna fountain, colorful historic buildings, and Heidelberg Castle ruins on the hillside under blue sky.