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Through the Rhine valley

Through the Rhine valley
280 km
Min. 2 Days
Historical cities, Rhine meadows, vineyards
FFreiburg

A cabrio tour through the Rhine valley is a journey through light, wine, and culture. Between the Black Forest and the Palatinate Forest lies a landscape that gently and widely stretches out – perfect for a relaxed cabrio tour with Mediterranean flair. This region offers everything a driver's heart desires: open country roads, vineyards, riverbanks, and charming towns with history. The route leads from Freiburg im Breisgau via Breisach, Offenburg, Baden-Baden, Karlsruhe, and Speyer to Heidelberg – a piece of Germany that reveals its most beautiful side on every cabrio route.

From Freiburg to Breisach – between vineyards and Rhine meadows

The starting point of the tour is in Freiburg im Breisgau, the sunniest city in Germany. Cobblestone streets, small streams, and a vibrant old town invite you to let the engine rest for a moment. The drive then takes you out through the Markgräflerland – a region full of vines and villages that entice with cozy wine taverns. On this cabrio route, the panorama alternates between the slopes of the Black Forest and the wide Rhine valley.

Soon you reach Breisach am Rhein, where the Cathedral of St. Stephen towers over the town. From here, the view opens wide over the Rhine to the Vosges mountains. Nearby, you can take a small lock cruise on the Rhine or explore the wineries at Kaiserstuhl – an ideal stop on a cabrio tour in Germany.

Through the Ortenau to Baden-Baden

Next, head north towards Offenburg, the gateway to the Ortenau. On the cabrio route, orchards and vineyards line up, and the scent of apple blossoms or grapes hangs in the air. If you wish, you can briefly turn into one of the side valleys of the Black Forest – there, small curve paradises await every cabrio enthusiast.

Baden-Baden welcomes you with a glamorous charm. The Spa House, the Casino, and Lichtentaler Allee exude the flair of an old spa town where culture and enjoyment go hand in hand. Nearby are the Caracalla Therme and the Frieder Burda Museum, both places that invite you to linger.

Along the Upper Rhine – from Rastatt to Karlsruhe

The next stage leads to Rastatt, where the Baroque residence palace brings a touch of Versailles to the Rhine valley. The cabrio glides over quiet roads through fields and small towns while the Black Forest repeatedly comes into view on the horizon.

Karlsruhe, the fan city, impresses with its clear city layout. From the palace, the streets radiate like sunbeams in all directions. A drive through the palace park or a brief detour to the Natural History Museum makes the stay varied. Nearby, the Rhine flows with wide river paths – ideal for a stroll after the drive.

From Germersheim to Heidelberg – along the Palatinate wine

Behind Karlsruhe, the cabrio route leads to Germersheim, where the old fortress structures tell stories from past centuries. Next, continue to Speyer, whose imposing Imperial Cathedral stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site over the town. Here, it's worth parking the cabrio for a moment and strolling through Maximilianstraße.

A little further lies Schwetzingen, famous for its palace with the expansive Baroque garden. The scent of linden blossoms accompanies the drive through the avenues – a classic moment of every cabrio journey. Only a few kilometers now separate you from Heidelberg, the crowning destination of this tour.

The old town with its sandstone façades, the Old Bridge over the Neckar, and the majestic castle high above the city make Heidelberg one of the most beautiful places in Germany. An ideal conclusion for a cabrio tour in Germany that combines culture, nature, and pure driving pleasure.

Tips for your cabrio tour through the Rhine valley

The Rhine valley is an attractive destination year-round, especially in spring when the fruit trees are in bloom or in autumn when the vineyards glow. Plan enough time to enjoy the towns and make spontaneous stops near the Rhine. Light clothing, sunglasses, and a camera must be included in your luggage – and of course, a good mood.

Conclusion – open driving pleasure between the Black Forest and the Palatinate Forest

The Rhine valley offers everything that makes for a perfect cabrio tour in Germany: gentle landscapes, historic towns, excellent cuisine, and many opportunities to relax. Whether you roll leisurely through the wine regions or enjoy the open roads along the Rhine – this cabrio tour is a road trip full of impressions that resonate long after.

Through the Rhine valley - Open Horizons Cabrio