Just before Christmas, a 16km tour took us into the Palatinate Forest to Neustadt an der Weinstrasse in Rhineland/Palatinate in 2021. Neustadt is quite an old town with a historic old town. We hiked through the nearby forest around a small mountain to the top and then back to the town.
In this video, I go on a hike around Neustadt an der Weinstraße, a lively town at the heart of the German Wine Route (Deutsche Weinstraße). Nestled between the rolling vineyards of the Palatinate region and the forested slopes of the Pfälzerwald (Palatinate Forest), Neustadt is an ideal base for exploring nature, culture, and tradition on foot. Hiking here offers the perfect balance between scenic landscapes and historic atmosphere.
Neustadt itself is full of charm. With its half-timbered houses, cobbled squares, and wine taverns, the town reflects the deep connection between daily life and viticulture. Starting a hike here means walking directly from the urban old town into vineyards, where trails lead gently uphill and reward with wide views across the Rhine plain. The town is surrounded by wine-growing villages like Hambach, Gimmeldingen, and Mußbach, each with its own character and traditions.
The vineyards are one of the main highlights. Trails weave between rows of vines, changing colour and character with the seasons. In spring, the almond blossoms in the region bring bursts of pink to the landscape. In summer, the vines are full and green. Autumn transforms the hills into a sea of golden leaves, accompanied by the activity of the grape harvest. Even in winter, the bare vines under low light create a quiet and atmospheric backdrop.
To the west, the paths climb into the Palatinate Forest, one of Germany’s largest continuous woodland areas. Here, shady trails lead past sandstone cliffs, lookout points, and even castle ruins. The most famous of these is Hambach Castle (Hambacher Schloss), often called the cradle of German democracy. Standing on its terrace offers not just sweeping views but also a sense of history tied to the region.
The variety of trails around Neustadt is remarkable. Some routes are short and easy vineyard walks with panoramic views, while others extend into the forest, offering longer and more challenging hikes. Along the way, hikers can stop in wine taverns, rustic huts, or viewpoints to enjoy regional food and, of course, a glass of wine.
The rhythm of hiking here is one of contrasts: open vineyard slopes with sunlight and wide horizons, followed by shaded forest paths where sandstone cliffs and castle ruins appear suddenly among the trees. This constant change makes walking in the area both relaxing and full of discovery.
This video captures the general impression of hiking around Neustadt an der Weinstraße: the vineyards, the forest, the castles, and the cultural charm of the town itself. It is not a detailed hiking guide but a look at the atmosphere and diversity that make this region so appealing.
For travelers, Neustadt offers the essence of the Pfalz (Palatinate): excellent wines, scenic landscapes, and a strong sense of tradition. Hiking here is more than just a walk—it is a cultural journey through vineyards and history, where nature and human heritage are deeply connected. Whether for a short stroll or a day-long hike into the Palatinate Forest, Neustadt is a destination that combines beauty, variety, and authenticity.