If you want to avoid the crowds and tourist traps on the Rhine River, consider the unspoiled Neckar River between Heidelberg and Bad Wimpfen. By my count, there are fourteen castles and castle ruins along this forty-four mile stretch of the river, and for my money, castle ruins are the best way to learn about Medieval life and warfare.  Here are five for your consideration.

• Schloss Horneck

• Burg Hornberg

• Schloss Zwingberg

• Burg Schadeck

• Burg Hinterburg