In Hochstadt (Pfalz), winegrowing, loess landscapes and architectural heritage from several centuries come together. You can focus your trip on different interests: local history, observing nature, cycling or regional produce. This lets you plan your days around what interests you, rather than trying to fit everything into a single itinerary.
Local History and Architectural Heritage
Hochstadt is first mentioned in 776 in a document from Lorsch Abbey. The listed St. George’s Church stands on the main street. It is a Baroque hall church whose construction dates back to 1749. Its Neo-Gothic tower dates from 1864. The Protestant Church at Hauptstraße 64 is also a listed Baroque hall church, dated to 1727. Other protected heritage sites include the Jewish cemetery, with 93 gravestones—the oldest dated to 1864—and a Baroque half-timbered house at Friedhofstraße 7 dating from 1751. These dates point to different periods in the town’s history.
Loess Hollow Ways and Vineyard Views
The loess landscape showcases two different approaches to hollow ways: the first loess hollow way in the Hochstadt land consolidation area was restored between 1990 and 1992. In 2002, a second, larger and deeper loess hollow way was created in Hochstadt, with an adjoining south-facing loess slope. The hollow ways provide a habitat for plants and animals that thrive in warm, dry conditions, including lizards, snails and wild bees. Visitors interested in landscapes and biodiversity can experience the town from a different perspective here than through its architectural history.
The Houschder Winzerturm, also known as the Hochstadter Turm, was built in 2004 by the Hochstadt land consolidation participants’ association and commemorates the 2002 land consolidation. As a viewpoint near Hochstadt, it offers wide-ranging views across the vineyards. Visits at sunrise or sunset are considered especially rewarding.
Cycling and Outdoor Breaks
The South Palatinate Draisine Railway runs from Bornheim via Dreihof, Hochstadt, Zeiskam and Lustadt to Westheim and back; the round trip covers up to 24 kilometres. Booking and operating arrangements may vary by season, so it is worth checking current travel options in advance. Another cycling option is the South Palatinate Cycle Route, which runs through Hochstadt, past vineyards towards Klein- and GroĂźfischlingen. The route is considered gently hilly and suitable for families with children. As the route may change, check it before setting out.
The “Im Rebenmeer” picnic area is outside Hochstadt, among vineyards. It offers shaded natural-wood seating for hikers, cyclists and day-trippers. Directions: From the car park at Oberdorf Cemetery, follow the farm track for 850 metres, turn left and walk another 300 metres. As path conditions may change, check the directions before setting out.
Winegrowing and Regional Produce
Weingut Schweder has been run by the Schweder family in Hochstadt since 1898. Its vineyards cover around 19 hectares, with a focus on Burgundy varieties and Piwi (fungus-resistant) grape varieties grown in deep loess-clay soils around Hochstadt. Weingut Hörner is on an Aussiedlerhof (a farmstead outside the village) on the western edge of town. It manages around 30 hectares of its own vineyards and describes its approach to winegrowing as modern and close to nature. Weingut Rummel cultivates around 16 hectares in the area around Hochstadt, growing both modern and traditional grape varieties. The vineyards lie on calcareous, partly sandy loess-clay soils.
Fruit growing is also part of the local offering. Obsthof Wicke produces more than 40 varieties of apples and pears, as well as nashi pears, plums, mirabelles, peaches and nectarines. The farm café serves breakfast featuring produce from the farm and the region, along with coffee, homemade cakes, ice cream, waffles, juices and small seasonal dishes. As the café’s offerings may change with the seasons, check the current selection before visiting.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Vorderweidenthal, Essingen, Schweigen-Rechtenbach, Bad Bergzabern, Albersweiler, Stein, Ramberg, Venningen.
Return to the main travel overview: Southern Wine Route.
