97km (60 miles) NE of Stuttgart, 138km (86 miles) W of Nürnberg

Technically, this medieval town is not in the Neckar Valley; however, if you skip it in your travels through this region, you'll have missed one of southwestern Germany's treasures. Schwäbisch Hall is located in the heart of the forests of the Schwäbische Alb, where it clings to the steep banks of the Kocher River, a tributary of the Neckar. From the opposite bank, the houses of the Altstadt set on terraces built into the hillside appear to be arranged in steps, overlooking the old wooden river bridges.