Neckarsteig Trail Stage 2 Part 2 Neckargmünd - Neckarsteinach 4k

The Neckarsteig starts in Heidelberg, and its enchanting Old Town and world-famous castle create a spectacular backdrop. Our path takes us upstream along both banks of the Neckar.
The Neckarsteig Trail retraces the steps of Mark Twain, who explored the Neckar on foot and on his raft. We see the vineyards along the river through the eyes of the American writer. Mark Twain used to mock the regional wine : "It is really popular. You can tell German wine from vinegar by the label." Just like Twain, we have the choice of switching between a hike and a river cruise as and when we like. There are plenty of points along the river where we can board a vessel. We take the towpaths down by the river on the Neckarsteig Trail. Every so often, we have to climb the steep slopes along the 128 kilometre route. But once we reach the top, we can admire stunning views of the bends and loops of the Neckar river. The landscape lives up to its reputation for "soft and peaceful beauty" (as Mark Twain put it).
Stage 2 Neckargemünd to Neckarsteinach
Attractions:
Neckargemuend's 'old town' - 'Bockfelsen' Hut - Tilly Stone - Citadel of Dilsberg - Dilsberg Fortress - Neckarsteinach's 'old town'.
Length: 9 km
Start / End:
Neckargemuend ('Altstadt' train station)
Neckarsteinach (river bank, moorings)
Difficulty:  325 m ascent, 345 m descent
Neckargemünd impresses with its small but beautiful old town and its imposing city gate. Up in the forest above Neckargemünd you reach the ‘Bockfelsen’ Hut. From here, one has a unique view of the town of Kleingemünd, the Neckar loop and Dilsberg. The Tilly Stone is a monument to the siege of Dilsberg in the Thirty Years War by Tilly’s troops. The trail leads around the fortifications. It is very worthwhile to make a detour through the tranquil village of Dilsberg with its castle. From the 16 m high castle wall you can see the Neckar as it meanders around the hill. At the ‘Friedenslinde’ (linden peace tree) outside the rear wall, there is an inviting rest area to take a break. Between Dilsberg and Neckarsteinach the route follows a beautiful path through mixed deciduous forest. In Neckarsteinach you cross the Neckar for the first time at the the Neckar at the weir, where you might see a barge going through the locks. Numerous park benches and the nearby restaurants with shady beer gardens invite you to linger around the Neckar promenade. Alternatively, you can explore the four castles of this town which lies in the state of Hessen.
source: neckarsteig.de...