Day Trip Tips in Our Region
The Bergstrasse is Calling!
Whether you’re active in nature, relaxing with a glass of wine or tracing the region’s history – Heppenheim and the Bergstrasse offer countless possibilities for an unforgettable time. The region invites you to experience the perfect blend of nature, culture and indulgence.
Nature and activity: Hiking or cycling through gentle vineyards, along the Burgensteig castle trail or up to Starkenburg Castle with its breathtaking views.
History and culture: Half-timbered romance in the historic old town, the Kurmainzer Amtshaus, or Starkenburg Castle as the region’s imposing landmark.
Indulgence and joie de vivre: Tasting regional wines directly at the winery, stopping off at a cosy seasonal wine tavern (“Straußwirtschaft”) or enjoying fine cuisine.
Events and experiences: The famous Heppenheim Festival (“Heppenheimer Festspiele”), lively wine festivals or a stroll through the traditional Christmas market.
Prepare to be amazed!
Must-See Places on the Bergstrasse
Starkenburg Castle
2,1 km / Route
A hilltop castle at 295 m above sea level with spectacular views over Heppenheim and the Bergstrasse.
Miramar Adventure Pool
14,1 km / Route / Website
Swimming fun for the whole family, wellness and sauna, including the jungle bay, sauna paradise and special thermal areas.
Domäne Bergstraße
2,3 km / Route / Website
Walks through the vineyards with magnificent views and a relaxed break on the wine terrace. The Domäne Bergstraße combines Mediterranean flair with a winegrowing tradition that has grown over centuries.
Frankenstein Castle
28,0 km / Route
Frankenstein Castle fascinates not only with its centuries-old history, but also with the famous myth surrounding Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”.
Windeck Castle
14,2 km / Route / Website
The fascinating castle ruins of Windeck offer spectacular views, a cosy restaurant and a beer garden.
Wachenburg Castle
15,5 km / Route / Website
The youngest castle on the Bergstrasse serves as a memorial and meeting place for the Weinheim Senior Convention and its student fraternities. The climb is well worth it, thanks to the castle tavern and the breathtaking panoramic view.
Lorsch Abbey
6,2 km / Route / Website
Lorsch Abbey, recognised in 1991 as Hesse’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with its historical significance as an imperial abbey of Charlemagne and is considered the cradle of modern Western medicine.
Lindenfels Castle
18,7 km / Route
Lindenfels Castle was Palatine property for over 600 years and is today a well-preserved historical landmark that can be visited free of charge.
High-Moves Climbing Gym
7,8 km / Route / Website
Since opening in 2007, the Bensheim climbing gym has set new standards with its innovative architecture and additions such as a bouldering area and zip line, ranking among Germany’s top climbing gyms.
Bergtierpark Fürth-Erlenbach Wildlife Park
11,6 km / Route / Website
Idyllically located in the Odenwald, the Erlenbach mountain wildlife park offers spacious open-air enclosures across seven hectares and has been inviting visitors to linger in the midst of nature for almost 60 years.
Überwaldbahn Solar Draisine
21,7 km
A rail-trolley tour to destinations in the Odenwald – the 9.6 km route crosses high viaducts and passes through two tunnels, with wonderful views of the Odenwald.
Felsenmeer (“Sea of Rocks”)
13,1 km
Climbing opportunities on gigantic boulders stretching down the Felsberg for over a kilometre. The impressive landscape raises questions about its origins, which are answered in the information centre.
Wald-Michelbach Summer Toboggan Run
19,7 km
The summer toboggan run in Wald-Michelbach offers thrilling rides over 1,000 m with spiral curves and heights of six metres. Open year-round, ideal for families and groups, with a kiosk and panoramic views.
Auerbach Castle
17,4 km
Auerbach Castle, built in the 13th century, is famous for its setting and themed dining experiences (knights’ banquets). From the tower or the terrace, you have a wonderful view over the Bergstrasse, the Odenwald and the Rhine plain.
Fürstenlager State Park
9,0 km
The former summer residence of the Hessian landgraves and grand dukes has been preserved unchanged for over 200 years. The buildings and the landscaped park, as well as Europe’s oldest giant sequoia on the “Herrenwiese” meadow, invite you to visit.
Kirchberghäuschen Bensheim
7,1 km
The Kirchberghäuschen in Bensheim, inaugurated in 1857, is a popular landmark and destination. With its history and beautiful views, it is today a listed cultural monument.
Bensheim Bathing Lake
8,0 km
The natural bathing lake in Bensheim, with its 300 m sandy beach and expansive sunbathing lawn, is a popular summer spot. Its good water quality and central location make it easily accessible for everyone.
Melibokus
14,0 km
At 517 m, the Melibokus is the highest mountain of the Bergstrasse-Odenwald and offers an impressive view over the Upper Rhine Valley. The name dates back to the 16th century; before that it was called “Malschen”, referring to “Spitzberg” or boundary stones (“Malsteine”) that once marked the cardinal directions.
Golf Club Bensheim
8,3 km
Golfing on the Bergstrasse, players enjoy impressive views of castles and vineyards. On the clubhouse terrace, you can take in the view over good food and local wine – storks included.
Viernheim Climbing Forest
13,5 km
The climbing forest in Viernheim offers an exciting adventure among the treetops. With challenges for everyone – from beginners to pros – it combines adrenaline, team spirit and the experience of nature.
Museum Heppenheim
0,1 km
The museum in the Kurmainzer Amtshof presents local history and folklore with changing special exhibitions. A varied programme of lectures, readings and art completes the offering.
Mannheim Planetarium
31,4 km
Mannheim’s planetarium offers realistic star projections with its “Universarium”. In 2015, it was upgraded with digital 360° projection technology delivering impressive space experiences in the highest quality.
Regional Partners & Wines
The Bergstrasse – A Paradise for Wine Lovers
We know exactly where our food comes from – and you can taste it in every bite.