The route leaves Heilbronn to the west and soon climbs out of the Neckar area into the Zabergäu. Beyond the city, the day becomes more rural: vineyards, fields, small towns and the hills between Heuchelberg, Stromberg and Kraichgau shape the first part. Via Brackenheim, Güglingen and the area around Zaberfeld, the route stays rolling but manageable. It then moves toward Oberderdingen and Bretten. The landscape opens up here, with long views across fields, vineyard slopes and scattered villages. Bretten marks a clear change of setting before the route continues toward the Pfinztal. The final kilometres become more urban: Grötzingen, Durlach and the eastern edge of Karlsruhe close the stage.
