The Fils River originates in a picturesque valley in the Swabian Alb and flows into the river Neckar near the interesting Hundertwasser House. The 67-kilometre (41.6 mi) Filstal cycle route follows its course.

This ride is ideal for cyclists who like to take it easy. In two stages, you cycle from the Bahnhöfle car park to Plochingen. The route leads mostly downhill with no notable climbs. With asphalt cycle paths and fine gravel roads under your tyres, you follow the signs for the Filstal Route North. The main northern route is waymarked with a yellow and red logo. In many places, you'll see the yellow-blue logo of the alternative southern route too.

Between May and October, a cycling and hiking bus runs on Sundays and public holidays, taking you and your bike from Kirchheim/Teck S-Bahn or Göppingen station to the start of the Filstal route. The best bit: you don’t have to pay for your bike.

On the first stage, pure Alb idyll awaits. From the station, you cycle through unique nature to the source of the Fils and on to Geislingen. Lonely valleys and striking rock formations, picturesque juniper heaths and extensive orchard meadows define this adventure.

On the second stage, the scenery gradually becomes more urban the closer you get to the Neckar. Between Süßen and Plochingen, you get to know the Filstal's traditional industry which will probably both impress and surprise you. Did you know that the coveted Bambi trophy, an annual German award, is made at the Strassacker art foundry in Süßen and that paper tissues were invented in Göppingen?

You can find even more interesting facts on the numerous information boards set up along the Filstal route. Despite their shared name, the Fils wasn’t named after the monetary unit from the Middle East. In old ‘Hochdeutsch’, Fils means ‘willow tree’ so the Fils River means ‘river lined with willows.’

If you are curious and want to learn even more about this fantastic valley, then get on your bike and experience the many sides of the Filstal.

Tip: If you’re feeling particularly enthusiastic, you can cycle the Filstal route as a loop from Plochingen. Check out my Tour from Plochingen to the start of the Filstal route here: komoot.com/tour/679014201. If you cycle to the start, you rack up about 100 kilometres (62.1 mi) by the end. Athletic cyclists can do this in one day. Otherwise, you can extend your adventure by one day.