Public Transportation
German Wine Route
The German Wine Route runs picturesquely along the eastern foothills of the Palatinate Forest and connects the most beautiful wine villages in the Palatinate over 85 km between Bockenheim in the north and Schweigen-Rechtenbach in the south. Due to its mild climate, this region is also known as the Tuscany of Germany. The region has something special to offer at any time of year: In spring, numerous almond trees blossom along the Wine Route – pink is the first holiday feeling of the year. Summer attracts guests and locals alike with numerous wine festivals and open-air events in the countryside. The largest wine festival in the world, the Dürkheim sausage market, takes place every year on 2. and September 3rd weekend. In autumn, during the grape harvest, the many wine taverns offer new wine and onion tart, which tastes best in convivial company at large tables! In the run-up to Christmas, there is a cosy Christmas market with mulled wine and regional offerings in almost every small winegrowing village
The edge of the Palatinate Forest is lined with many medieval castles and palaces The sometimes arduous ascent is usually rewarded with fantastic views of the Rhine plain. The Hardenburg Castle near Bad Dürkheim is one of the largest castle ruins in Rhineland-Palatinate, where you can experience the time of the Counts of Leiningen and their almost 600-year rule over Bad Dürkheim. A little further south, high above Neustadt, lies Hambach Castle, the cradle of German democracy. The Hambach Festival of 1832 is vividly brought to life in the museum’s permanent exhibition.
Railroad enthusiasts will also find a very informative railroad museum in Neustadt. And with the Kuckucksbähnel, a historic museum train, you can travel into the middle of the Palatinate Forest into the Elmstein Valley. But beware – be prepared to meet the famous Palatinate mythical creatures, the Elwedritsche, here!
You can experience the culinary delights of the Palatinate in numerous quaint wine taverns and chic wine bars, cozy restaurants and upscale Michelin-starred cuisine. Award-winning wines from the best vineyards in Germany to accompany Saumagen and Lewerworscht! Hmmm…
