This hike was to Bad Dürkheim in Reinland Pfalz in Germany at the end of 2021. First it went uphill through forests and then in a circle back to Bad Dürkheim. In between, some restaurants should actually be open in the summer, but of course everything was closed during our visit. Special highlights were a castle ruin, a monastery ruin and a graduation house.
In this video, I go on a hike around Bad Dürkheim, a well-known town on the German Wine Route (Deutsche Weinstraße) in Rhineland-Palatinate. Surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, and the edge of the Palatinate Forest (Pfälzerwald), Bad Dürkheim offers a perfect setting for hiking that combines nature, history, and culture.
The town itself is famous for its spa traditions and for hosting the world’s largest wine festival, the Wurstmarkt, each autumn. But beyond the lively events, Bad Dürkheim is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Hiking here means moving between vineyards, forest paths, and cultural landmarks, all within a short distance of the town.
One of the highlights of the area is the Weinberge (vineyards) that stretch across the hillsides. Trails lead directly through the vineyards, offering wide views over the Rhine plain and the small wine-growing villages scattered across the valley. The rhythm of the vineyards changes with the seasons: in spring, fresh green growth; in summer, full vines under the sun; in autumn, golden leaves and grape harvest; and in winter, quiet rows of bare vines.
To the west, the landscape rises into the Palatinate Forest, one of the largest contiguous forest areas in Germany. Hiking here offers shady trails, sandstone cliffs, and lookout points with sweeping views over the Rhine valley. The forest is also rich in history, with castle ruins hidden among the hills. Around Bad Dürkheim, hikers can discover sites such as Limburg Abbey, a ruined monastery with a long history, or climb up to castles that once guarded the region.
Another unique landmark near the town is the Giant Wine Barrel (Dürkheimer Riesenfass), one of the symbols of Bad Dürkheim. While it is not part of the hiking trails, it reflects the deep connection of the town and region to viticulture. Along the hiking routes, this connection is also visible, with small wine huts and opportunities to taste local wines directly from producers.
The hiking trails vary in character. Some are easy paths through vineyards and along the edge of the town, while others climb into the hills of the Palatinate Forest. The mix of open views and shady woodland makes hiking here diverse and rewarding. With every turn, there are new perspectives—of the vineyards, of the Rhine plain stretching into the distance, or of the forested ridges of the Pfälzerwald.
The atmosphere of hiking around Bad Dürkheim changes not only with the seasons but also with the time of day. In the morning, the light over the vineyards is soft and calm; by midday, the hills feel lively and warm; in the evening, the sunsets over the Rhine valley can be spectacular. The region is also popular with locals and travelers who combine walking with enjoying regional food and wine.
This video captures the general impression of hiking around Bad Dürkheim: the vineyards, the forest trails, the ruins and viewpoints, and the relaxed rhythm of life along the Wine Route. It is not a detailed guide but a look at the atmosphere and variety that make this part of Germany so enjoyable to explore on foot.
For travelers, Bad Dürkheim is more than a spa and wine town—it is a starting point to discover one of Germany’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. Hiking here combines nature and tradition, offering trails that are both peaceful and full of character. Whether for a short vineyard walk or a longer hike into the Palatinate Forest, the area around Bad Dürkheim has much to offer.