Kraichtal can be explored through a range of interests: historic buildings and collections, astronomy, and views and outdoor activities. This variety is useful when planning a trip, as the attractions offer different experiences. Cultural attractions include an open castle tour, permanent exhibitions and temporary displays; there are also astronomy attractions and hiking information. When looking for accommodation, you can start by considering which focus best suits your trip.

Castle and Collections

Graf-Eberstein Castle in Gochsheim was built between 1520 and 1580. An open guided tour takes place there at 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month; no registration is required. Check the latest information about the tour before travelling. The castle also houses a modern permanent exhibition with interactive stations on regional history and three artists with roots in Kraichtal.

The Torwächterhaus in Münzesheim is considered the oldest house in this district and was first mentioned in 1602. Today it hosts temporary exhibitions by the Kraichtal Local History and Museum Association, Münzesheim branch. The year refers to the house’s first recorded mention. As the exhibitions are only shown for a limited time, check the programme before visiting.

Another permanent exhibition is housed in the Pharmacy Museum in Gochsheim: it includes Rita Link’s herbarium and Hajo Rheinstädter’s “Curiosities” collection. This helps put the different focuses of Kraichtal’s collections into context: the castle is dedicated to regional history and artists with roots in Kraichtal, while the Pharmacy Museum features the two collections mentioned above. When choosing cultural venues, you can weigh up these subject areas.

Astronomy: Planetarium and Independent Exploration

The Kraichtal Observatory includes a mechanical planetarium and an Astro Garden with a diameter of over 30 metres. Another way to explore astronomy is at the Astronomy Park, where individual visitors interested in astronomy may explore the universe independently. Unusual astronomical models with descriptions are provided for this purpose. While the observatory includes a mechanical planetarium and an Astro Garden with a diameter of over 30 metres, individual visitors interested in astronomy may independently explore the universe using the described astronomical models at the Astronomy Park. Check the latest operating details for the Astronomy Park before your visit.

Views, Photography and Hiking

The Old Water Tower above Kraichtal-Menzingen offers views of Menzingen and the surrounding Kraichtal hills. The Menzingen Moated Castle ruins offer good photography opportunities from various angles. These two spots cater to different interests: the tower offers views of the town and hills, while the ruins provide photo opportunities.

The labyrinth-shaped barefoot path in the Sensory Garden in Gochsheim features 14 different materials. Its labyrinth layout and variety of materials give this attraction a distinctive profile among the Kraichtal outings described here.

At Kraichtal’s hiking railway stations, nature lovers can find hiking information and tour overviews. A continuous waymarking system starts right at each station. This offers a different approach to planning than choosing a single viewpoint or photo spot: at the hiking railway stations, the focus is on tour overviews and trail markings.

Discover more destinations: Karlsbad, Walzbachtal, Karlsruhe, Ubstadt-Weiher, Ettlingen, Waghäusel, Oberhausen-Rheinhausen, Östringen.

Go to the main travel overview: Karlsruhe.