Visitors to the Bergstraße holiday region between Darmstadt and Heidelberg should definitely plan a trip to the town of Weinheim. With roughly 45,000 inhabitants Weinheim is offering a superb combination of countryside, culture and shopping experiences. It is not by chance that Weinheim is one of the select group of "small-town gems" in Baden-Württemberg.
Weinheim an der Bergstraße – has lots of unique attractions:
The cosy, Mediterranean marketplace, which is located on a slight rise between the Gerberbachviertel and Schloss Berckheim (today's town hall). Lined on the left and right by attractive half-timbered buildings, this Italian-style piazza is the beating heart of Weinheim. It feels as though you are in a single street café because the bistros and restaurants are side by side and invite you to enjoy.
By contrast, things are rather more tranquil in the romantic tanner´s quarter (Gerberbachviertel). The old half-timbered houses stand cheek by jowl in the old town. Across the cobblestones you come to the old guilds and craftworker houses, which bear testimony to the artisan tannery work that used to be conducted here. The little stream and buildings charmingly decorated with flowers by residents offer the ideal place to linger for a while.
The mild, Mediterranean climate ensures that the almond trees in Weinheim are already in blossom when other places are still coping with chilly conditions. The large number of remarkable parks and gardens also naturally profit from annual average temperatures that match those in the Northern Italian lakes.
The forest arboretum Exotenwald Weinheim is unique in Europe. Over an area of 60 hectares, there are more than 160 exotic species of trees and bushes. These include incredible giant trees such as the redwoods, or the Katsura, which smells like cake and is also known as the "cake tree". The arboretum is directly adjacent to the English-style castle garden.
A visit to the Schau- und Sichtungsgarten Hermannshof (a botanical garden) should also definitely be on your schedule. This research garden is planted with shrubs and grasses and enjoys an international reputation. It is a real gem and has something to offer in every season.
Above the town, there are two more imposing highlights: the ruins of the castle Windeck and the Wachenburg castle. Two castles with very different histories. They give the town its pseudonym: Zweiburgenstadt (the town of two castles). In fine weather, both castles offer a view across the Rhine valley towards the Palatinate Forest.
In addition to many tourist attractions, there is no shortage of culture in Weinheim. And it wouldn't be Weinheim if some of these shows did not take place in really special locations. The Schlosspark castle garden, or the walls of the ruins of the castle Windeck and the Wachenburg castle, or the banks of the Waidsee often form a backdrop for live performances, e.g. for the "Theater am Turm" series of events.
For hikers and cyclists, the well-signposted routes cannot be faulted. Some of these go through the Exotenwald, others take you on a round trip of the town's treasures, or along hiking trails, such as the castle trail (Burgensteig) and the flower trail (Blütenweg). Weinheim is a fantastic place to start and finish a trip.
And of course Weinheim is also ideal for shorter walks. You can either explore the town independently or sign up for a guided tour. In addition, in honour of crime writer Ingrid Noll, there is a theme-route with audio commentary by the author herself that takes you through the town centre.
Younger visitors can have great adventures on the Gruffalo path below the two castles.
For those in search of relaxation, Weinheim also has the Waidsee beach and the MIRAMAR water park with its salt & crystal thermal springs plus sauna facilities.
If you prefer shopping, a stroll below the two castles is the perfect choice. As you wander the picturesque alleyways, you will discover lots of independent retailers selling a wide range of products. From antiques, to fashion, to spices such as lemon pepper, there really is something for everyone here.
Comfortable family-run hotels are the perfect venue for a short break in Weinheim.
Exciting and relaxed - that's Weinheim an der Bergstraße!
