Neckars

Neckars refers to the river system of the Neckar in southwestern Germany, a right-bank tributary of the Rhine. The main river rises in the Black Forest and flows roughly northwest for about 360 kilometers before joining the Rhine at Mannheim. Its course encompasses a range of landscapes and passes through major towns such as Tübingen, Stuttgart, Heilbronn, and Heidelberg.

Historically, the Neckar valley has been a key transport and economic corridor. Early settlements grew along its banks; in the modern era the river supported timber rafting, metalworking, and industry, contributing to the growth of cities like Stuttgart and Heidelberg. In many stretches the Neckar is navigable and features locks, making it a scenic route for tourism and regional commerce.

The river and its valley host vineyards, castles, and cultural sites. In recent decades, water quality and habitat restoration have been priorities, with conservation programs aimed at improving fish populations and riverine habitats. The Neckar remains an important symbol of Württemberg and Baden-Württemberg, linking urban centers with rural landscapes along its valley.