The regional centre of Neckarsulm lies in the north of Baden-Württemberg at the confluence of the Sulm and Neckar. The Löwensteiner Mountains rise to over 300 metres and range into the eastern part of the urban region. Neckarsulm received its town charter as early as 1300. During the 19th century it developed from the small, quiet wine-growing town it had been until then into an industrial centre. From the 1950s onwards the best known company in Neckarsulm was NSU, the biggest bike manufacturer in the world. This has now been replaced by the Neckarsulm Audi plant of today which is the largest employer in the region.
Since the ravages of the Second World War parts of the old town of Neckarsulm have been rebuilt in their original style and the stucco and sandstone façades have been restored. Parts of the town fortifications have been preserved and five of the mediaeval towers which were part of them are still standing. One of the oldest buildings is the Castle of the Teutonic Order in the south-west of the old town, a popular destination for trips to Neckarsulm. There was an earlier 13th century building on the site of which the great hall and the keep still remain. It was extended a great deal in the 15th century. The Teutonic Order took over the complex in 1484. During your visit go to the German Two-Wheeler and NSU Museum inside the castle and see the interesting collections which range from historic bicycles and motor bikes to modern racing bikes.
From miles away you can see the town's striking Baroque parish church of St Dionysius which stands on a rocky promontory over the Sulmtal Valley and, together with the Castle of the Teutonic Order, is the emblem of Neckarsulm. The church, which was built in 1706, has an impressive Neogothic interior with ornate altars and wooden carvings as well as masterful paintings such as the Madonna of the Victory from 1581 which hangs over the Altar of Mary. There is a valuable Pietà which was in the earlier Gothic church on the same site.
A place in Neckarsulm which is popular with locals and people on mini-breaks is theGrüne Mitte parkin the Amorbach area. This park is an Eldorado for skaters, footballers and cyclists. And walkers also love the paths which go through natural surroundings and round a little lake. To the east of the town is the Sulmtal Park which has many sports facilities. At its eastern end is AQUAtoll, the leisure pool, a lovely place to spend a "day's holiday under palm trees". Kids will have great fun on the wild water rapids and the Black Hole slide and in Pirate World while their parents can relax in the large sauna area and salt water pools.
