European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 6, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                By Mark wonders staff writer the picturesque West German Village of Necka Steinach has virtually everything a town should possess to attract tourists. The Neckar Valley town with the River flowing beside it has narrow winding streets half timbered buildings interesting shops restaurants and bakeries and a Public Garden in its Center. And looming above it All Are the four famous castles that gave the town its name and made Necka Steinach a prime Stop on the Bergstrasser or Castle Road. Necka Steinach about nine Miles East of Heidelberg is in a Scenic area that s perfect for sightseeing trips. As you drive from Heidelberg to Necka Steinach you la enjoy watching the meandering Neckar River. Lush forests line the Road. The town established in 1377, pales in age compared to its castles Schwa Bennest was built in 1230, Vorderburg in 1200, Mittelberg in 1170 and Hinterberg in 1100. Looking Over the Valley one gets a sense of medieval romanticism. Expect to do a lot of walking if you want to explore one or a of the castles. The trailways Are Steep but the View you i be rewarded with will More than make the Effort worthwhile. Schwa Bennest Castle is the farthest from tire town Vorderburg is the closest. This Small town of fishermen and shippers lends itself to walking Tours. Follow the main Street toward the 15th-Century late gothic style protestant Church Complete with ancient tombstones. Next to the Church is a quaint Park to enjoy either before or after you Sample some of the local baked delicacies from one of the bakeries or restaurants across the Street. After your Brief sojourn in the Park it s on to the Banks of the Neckar River where if time permits you May embark on a trip aboard one of the daily cruise ships that can take you to Heidelburg or Points beyond. A trip to Heidelberg should take approximately 90 minutes one Way. It costs 8 Marks about $5 for adults 4 Marks for children. Across the River one May find a number of campers in the Campground which is situated in a excellent spot at the foot of the surrounding Hills to View both the four castles and the Village itself. After you Are finished enjoying the River and the surrounding scenery there s always time for lunch or an Early dinner at one of the restaurants along the water s Edge. Prices Are relatively Low considering that Necka Steinach is after All a tourist town. Returning from the water you la notice markings on the sides of some of the buildings to indicate the height reached by the River during floods of Long ago. Some of the markings Date Back More than 450 years. To get to Necka Steinach from the Frankfurt area take autobahn 5 South to Heidelberg. From Heidelburg take Highway 37 East for nine Miles. For More information on other sights in Necka Steinach Contact the local tourist office at Haup Strasse 7 town hall6918 Necka Steinach Tel. 06229-313 or 314. Top the Mittelberg Castle looms Over Necka Steinach As boats ply the River. Above a Cobblestone Street leads past the town s 15th-Century Church. At left a closer View of Mittelberg. September 6, 1990 stripes Magazine 9