More than 1,200 years of documented history, two nature reserves and cycling tours of 14 and 15 kilometres give Dannstadt-Schauernheim a range of things to explore during a stay. Culture, nature and outdoor activities can be planned around specific places and routes.
History, Fountains and Craftsmanship
Dannstadt was first mentioned in a document from Lorsch Abbey dating to 769. Schauernheim appears in the Lorsch Codex in 770 and 782 under the historical name Scurheim. Together, the two present-day districts have more than 1,200 years of documented history.
The Sagenbrunnen (Fountain of Legends) was built by Reinhard Ader in the town centre in 1986. It is considered the only fountain of its kind in Germany and is associated with hope and comfort in difficult times. The Ochs-&-Esel-Brunnen (Ox and Donkey Fountain) symbolises the two districts: an ox and a donkey represent them, while two semicircular pools of water form a complete water disc.
The Ochs-&-Esel-Brunnen is a regular venue for the Winterbrunnenfest, the Dannstadter Kerwe and the Kunst&Genuss-Markt. Check event dates before your trip. The Historic Shoemaker’s Workshop is also located in Dannstadt-Schauernheim, in the Zentrum Alte Schule, in the Rhein-Pfalz district.
Natural Areas and Walking Trails
The two nature reserves are located in different districts. Gräberfeld lies in the Dannstadt part of the municipality and is home to rare and endangered plants, including pheasant’s eye. Sandlöcher lies in the Schauernheim part and provides a refuge for rare animals and plants.
Enjoy relaxing walks along the Marlach and Stechgraben. The Palatinate Forest borders the area and offers opportunities to enjoy nature and go hiking. Alongside the nature reserves, walking trails and the region’s hiking scenery provide further ways to experience the outdoors.
Cycling: Kunsttour and ILE Tour
The 15-kilometre Kunsttour follows paved paths through the administrative area of Dannstadt-Schauernheim and connects artistic highlights in Dannstadt-Schauernheim, Hochdorf-Assenheim and Rödersheim-Gronau. The 14-kilometre ILE Tour also follows paved paths, passing through fields and vineyards. It offers views of the Haardt and a rest stop at Fußgönheimer Weiher. The route also passes through Dannstadt-Schauernheim and neighbouring villages.
The Kunsttour focuses on art, while the ILE Tour features scenery and a rest stop by the pond. The routes differ in length by one kilometre. An official cycling map shows local routes and paved paths, as well as their connections to the regional cycling network. Additional information covers art, culture, nature, restaurants and farm shops.
There is a pump track on Mutterstadter Weg in Hochdorf-Assenheim. Cyclists gain speed on the undulating track through body movements, without pedalling.
Bus Connections and Getting Around the Region
Bus route 571 connects Haßloch, Hochdorf and Ludwigshafen; route 580 connects Deidesheim, Rödersheim and Ludwigshafen. Both routes meet at the Verbandsgemeinde town hall and run seven days a week until at least 11 p.m. Check routes and timetables before travelling.
A Culinary Taste of the Rhein-Pfalz District
The Rhein-Pfalz district is known as the “vegetable garden of Germany”; its inns and restaurants serve fresh seasonal produce. This regional connection adds a culinary dimension to the area’s cultural and natural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Limburgerhof, Mutterstadt, Dudenhofen, Bobenheim-Roxheim, Harthausen, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, HeĂźheim, Hanhofen
Go to the main travel overview: Rhein-Pfalz district.
