Rivers! Throughout recorded history, they have been the life blood of civilization. Most major settlements around the world began beside a river. Early explorers would navigate upstream in search of a suitable spot to establish a colony. Besides allowing for transportation of supplies to keep the settlements going, rivers also provided for a semblance of security (providing a barrier on at least one side of the colony).
And, so it was with the Neckar river, along which the city of Heidelberg was established. This 225 mile long waterway, a major tributary of the Rhine River, and the fourth largest in Germany, allowed for Black Forest timber, harvested at the river’s source 2100 feet above sea level, to be rafted downstream to markets since the 1100’s.
The word “Neckar” derived from the Celtic “Nikros” meaning “wild warer.” Boats drawn along the Neckar by horses in earlier centuries were replaced by steam-powered chain boats (a 110 mile long looped chain system laid in the river to provide propulsion for the boats) during the 19th century. A series of 27 locks allowed cargo ships to traverse 120 miles up the Neckar from the Rhine River. By the end of the 19th century, timber transportation was accomplished by railroads (faster and cheaper) rather than along the River.
During the Middle Ages, German royalty had built castles above the river ‘s banks, ostensibly to protect merchant ships from pirates...for a toll, of course. The actual existence of pirates along the Neckar was always in question, but that did not prevent the collection of the tolls (capitalization at work). Today, tourist boats exploring the many historic castles of the Neckar far outnumber cargo vessels.
And, so it was with the Neckar river, along which the city of Heidelberg was established. This 225 mile long waterway, a major tributary of the Rhine River, and the fourth largest in Germany, allowed for Black Forest timber, harvested at the river’s source 2100 feet above sea level, to be rafted downstream to markets since the 1100’s.
The word “Neckar” derived from the Celtic “Nikros” meaning “wild warer.” Boats drawn along the Neckar by horses in earlier centuries were replaced by steam-powered chain boats (a 110 mile long looped chain system laid in the river to provide propulsion for the boats) during the 19th century. A series of 27 locks allowed cargo ships to traverse 120 miles up the Neckar from the Rhine River. By the end of the 19th century, timber transportation was accomplished by railroads (faster and cheaper) rather than along the River.
During the Middle Ages, German royalty had built castles above the river ‘s banks, ostensibly to protect merchant ships from pirates...for a toll, of course. The actual existence of pirates along the Neckar was always in question, but that did not prevent the collection of the tolls (capitalization at work). Today, tourist boats exploring the many historic castles of the Neckar far outnumber cargo vessels.
One of the more popular views of the Neckar River, as it passes through the city, is from the Heidelberg Castle.
The river meanders through the German countryside, from its source in the Black Forest, 225 miles down to where it intersects with the Rhine River.
Along the way, the river passes interesting architecture...
...and historic castles.
The river rises a total of 2100 feet from its low point at the Rhine River junction, to its height at its source up in the Black Forest.
A system of 27 locks aide vessels I make the climb while traveling up or down river.
The majority of the traffic on the river today consists of tourist boats.
As you can see, some of these tourist boats are quite long.
There always are a few hardy souls that decide to explore parts of the river on foot.
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