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If touring quaint country villages, gentle hiking through rolling countryside and exploring historic castles, all while enjoying local wine sounds like your kind of adventure, the German wine route is the ideal road trip for you. Our three-day itinerary starting in the town of Bockenheim and finishing in Schweigen-Rechtenbach gives you the chance to explore the many vineyards littering the area and taste first-class wines and other culinary delights along the way.
Route
Bockenheim ➤ Neustadt ➤ Schweigen-Rechtenbach
Distance
Approx 3 6miles / Approx. 1 hour 15 mins
Travel duration
3 days
Highlights
Largest wine barrel in the world, German Wine Gate, Trifels Castle, Hambach Castle, Wachtenburg Castle Ruin
Best time to travel
Late March to mid-October
Insider tipp: The winemaking village of Sankt Martin is less touristy so is perfect if you’re looking for tranquility, while the wine hike to Kropsburg is worth the trip if you enjoy hiking.
Tolls
None
The official starting point of the German wine route, Bockenheim an der Weinstraße, dates back to the early medieval period so it is awash with local German tradition and culture. The picturesque streets and historic buildings add a quant charm while the town’s many wine cellars mean there’s plenty to interest those looking to sample the region’s wine. If you’re keen to experience a wine-tasting tour on your first day, there are plenty of vineyards to choose from as you head out of Bockenheim towards Neustadt an der Weinstraße, your next stop for the evening.
The gateway to the Palatinate Forest Park, Neustadt an der Weinstraße is nestled on the edge of the forest, close to the French border. It boasts the most half-timbered houses in the Palatinate and is home to a rare stone house dating back to the 13th century, so it is a great place to stop and soak up the history of the area. As you journey onwards along the wine route towards Schweigen-Rechtenbach you’ll come across other must-visit attractions like Hambach Castle and Villa Ludwigshöhe.
No trip along the German wine route would be complete without heading to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach. Marking the official end of your road trip, the area sits in the Palatinate Forest and is surrounded by stunning hiking and cycling routes, should you wish to get out and explore. For those happy to end their trip at a slower pace, the area is an oasis of peace and relaxation with charming villages to explore, local culinary delights to be savoured, and even more wine-tasting tours from some of the region’s finest local vineyards.
A wine hike, or Weinwanderung, is a unique way to explore the picturesque vineyards and rolling countryside the German wine route is famed for. It typically involves trekking across the countryside, crossing meadows and meandering through forest paths while stopping at wineries to sample their wines and learn more about the winemaking process.
During a wine hike, you’ll have the chance to speak to local winemakers, giving you exclusive insights into their craft and the wines that they produce. But you also get to soak up the atmosphere of charming villages and historical landmarks while enjoying scenic views at a slower pace.
Follow our top tips to make the most of your wine hike:
If you’re planning a German road trip, you should follow these camping dos and don’ts: