Cycling day trip from Mannheim to Heidelberg

Cycle from Mannheim to Heidelberg

Ready for a scenic ride between two of southwest Germany’s most iconic cities? Start in lively Mannheim—famed for its grid-pattern city center and the impressive Baroque Mannheim Palace—and pedal south towards Heidelberg, the romantic university city on the Neckar River.

The route is about 22.5 km, perfect for a leisurely morning or afternoon spin. Most of your ride is on smooth asphalt or other paved surfaces, with plenty of relaxing stretches along cycle paths and quiet country roads. There’s just a little bit of gentle climbing (a total ascent of only about 87 meters), but nothing too challenging.

About halfway, you’ll cruise through river meadows and smaller villages, catching glimpses of the Odenwald hills in the distance. After crossing the Neckar, you’ll roll right into Heidelberg, where the famous old bridge and castle await. With over 98% of the ride on easy, paved paths and almost no busy roads, it’s a safe, scenic, and surprisingly tranquil way to get from city to city. Perfect for a day out—don’t forget to reward yourself with an ice cream in Heidelberg’s altstadt!