Bad Wimpfen combines a distinctive Hohenstaufen heritage with scenic views and seasonal Advent offerings. The Imperial Palace defines the townscape; the 58-metre-high Blue Tower offers far-reaching views over the old town and Neckar Valley. Hiking and cycling trails, as well as an audio-guided town tour, offer further ways to explore Bad Wimpfen.
The Imperial Palace and the Views
Dating from the Hohenstaufen period, the Imperial Palace defines Bad Wimpfen’s townscape with its distinctive towers, the Stone House, the Hohenstaufen Gate and the Palace Chapel. It is the largest imperial palace north of the Alps. This makes it a clear historical highlight if you primarily associate Bad Wimpfen with its Hohenstaufen period.
The Blue Tower is a 58-metre-high observation tower. From there, the view stretches far across Bad Wimpfen’s old town and the Neckar Valley. It complements the architectural heritage with a perspective on the town and the valley.
Advent: Tradition and Fixed Dates
The traditional nativity scene exhibition at the Municipal Gallery in the Old Hospital is open to visitors from 27 November to 13 December 2026.
The Old German Christmas Market traditionally takes place on the first three Advent weekends in Bad Wimpfen’s listed old town. The Christmas market tradition dates back to 1487, when Emperor Frederick III granted the then Imperial City of Wimpfen the privilege of holding a market before Christmas. This market was the former St Catherine’s Market. The year 1487 marks its historical origins; the market traditionally takes place on the first three Advent weekends.
Hiking, Cycling and Exploring the Town
Hiking routes in Bad Wimpfen include the Way of St James pilgrimage route and the Saltwater Circular Hiking Trail. If you are planning a hike, check current trail conditions locally. The Salt & Sole Cycling Route passes through Bad Wimpfen; here too, it is advisable to check the current signage and trail conditions before setting off.
The Lauschtour app offers an audio-guided town tour of Bad Wimpfen for exploring the old town. Check in advance whether the tour is available in the app. The outdoor escape game “Hohenstaufen Secret” takes you to historic sites in Bad Wimpfen and covers people and topics from the Hohenstaufen period, as well as the dispute between Emperor Frederick II and his son, King Henry (VII). The audio-guided town tour and the escape game therefore have different focuses: one on the old town, the other on historic sites and a game storyline.
Public tours of the Catholic Collegiate Church of St Peter in the Valley are listed from January to November, at 3 pm on the first Monday of each month. Check the latest booking information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Massenbachhausen, Lauffen am Neckar, Untereisesheim, Jagsthausen, Eppingen, Untergruppenbach, Bad Rappenau, Schwaigern.
See the main travel overview: Heilbronn.
