Neckar, Major river in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
The Neckar originates in the Schwenninger Moos in the Black Forest and flows for 367 kilometers before meeting the Rhine at Mannheim. Along its course, it passes through Tübingen, Stuttgart, Heilbronn, and Heidelberg, connecting several federal states.
From 1821, the construction of the Wilhelmskanal enabled transport along longer sections of the waterway. Between 1921 and 1968, 27 locks were built to make the river navigable as far as Plochingen.
The banks of the Neckar contain numerous wine-growing regions that produce Riesling and Trollinger grapes across terraced slopes near Stuttgart and Heidelberg.
The river is easy to explore from the banks, with cycle paths running alongside both shores for long stretches. There are several spots for swimming or short boat trips, especially during summer months.
In winter, the river valley often produces fog that settles over nearby towns and influences the regional climate. This cold air layer forms due to the topography of the valley.
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