Heppenheim (Bergstraße) combines a protected historic old town, Starkenburg Castle and trails with a variety of themes. When choosing your destination, you can decide whether you are most interested in the town’s history, winegrowing or outdoor activities. The sights and activities offer specific ways to explore each of these interests.
Old Town, Castle and Local History
Heppenheim has more than 400 protected cultural monuments, many of which are located in the half-timbered old town. The historic buildings are a defining part of the townscape. If you are interested in the town’s history, the Heppenheim Museum also offers a range of historical exhibits.
The museum is housed in the historic Kurmainzer Amtshof, whose first construction phases date back to the 13th or 14th century. A permanent exhibition on the town’s history is displayed in the central building. The oldest part of the complex, known as the Saalbau, houses the Kurfürstensaal, with Gothic angel frescoes and Renaissance wall paintings.
Starkenburg Castle also connects Heppenheim with its history: it was built in 1065 by Lorsch Abbey as a protective castle on the 295-metre-high Schlossberg and is one of the oldest castles in the western Odenwald. The Heppenheim Tourist Information Office offers themed tours of the historic old town, Starkenburg Castle, the vineyards and the Lantern Trail. Check current dates and booking details before planning.
Themed Trails among Lanterns, Vines and Stars
You can explore the Heppenheim Lantern Trail on your own. More than 150 silhouette cutouts on the old town’s lanterns depict Hessian legends. The trail combines a walk through the old town with stories from the region.
The Wine & Stone Discovery Trail focuses on the vineyards: the 6.9-kilometre route runs through Heppenheim’s vineyards and features around 70 information stations. The Planet Trail has a different focus. It runs for about two kilometres from the Tourist Information Office to the Starkenburg Observatory; 13 bilingual signs provide information about planets, minor planets, comets and the Milky Way. The distance and theme can help you choose between a trail through the vineyards and a route featuring astronomical information.
Wine and Events
Heppenheim has 180 hectares of vineyards and is the largest wine town on the Bergstraße. The Bergstraße vineyard hike can also start in Heppenheim. Along the route, it features six tasting stands serving wines, sparkling wines and Seccos from the Hessische Bergstraße. Check the details for the relevant edition when planning your trip.
Outdoor Activities at Bruchsee
The Bruchsee recreational area lies in the south of Heppenheim. It has walking paths for jogging and relaxing, as well as an exercise circuit and a fitness trail. At the Bruchsee orchard meadow, children can explore an educational trail with an apple thief quiz.
Another option is the multi-purpose meadow on Erbachwiesenweg. Its sports box lets you borrow sports and play equipment using an iOS or Android app. App availability may change; check in advance if needed.
Getting There
Heppenheim station is served by buses and trains in the VRN network. You can check the relevant connection with the transport association when planning your journey.
Discover more destinations: Grasellenbach, Wald-Michelbach, Bensheim, Lampertheim, Hirschhorn am Neckar, Birkenau, Rimbach, Biblis
Back to the main travel overview: Bergstraße.
