The circular trails around Nesselried, the history of horseradish in Urloffen, and buildings in Appenweier and Zimmern reveal different sides of the destination. There are also nature trails, leisure activities and culture. A simple focus can help with your planning: would you rather spend your time outdoors, exploring regional history, or taking part in a particular activity? The different themes offer practical ideas without requiring you to follow a fixed itinerary.
The circular trails around Nesselried: vineyards, forests and views
The circular trails around Nesselried lead through vineyards, mixed forests and orchards in a landscape of foothills. Along the way, views open up towards the Vosges and the Rhine plain. A hike therefore takes in a variety of landscapes. The trails can be used year-round and are also accessible with a stroller. If you would like to experience the area in different seasons, these trails are an option that is not limited to a single time of year.
Forest nature trail with information boards
The children’s forest nature trail is just over one kilometre long and shares information about the forest and its inhabitants on eight information boards. The trail starts and ends at the forest car park, which also has a large playground. This loop combines a specific forest theme with clearly defined start and end points. You can explore it on its own or compare it with the longer circular trails around Nesselried: here, learning along the trail is the main focus.
More leisure activities
The area around Max-Jordan-See is used for relaxation, socialising and sport. Another option is golf: Urloffen Golf Club has 27 holes, including an 18-hole championship course and a public 9-hole course. Check operating details before your visit.
At Ortenauring, you can drive your own kart or rent one. The track also hosts championship rounds for the BW Cup and state championships. Check operating details and event dates before your visit. For cultural evenings, ARTappenweier offers something different: the local programme includes cabaret and comedy by performers from Germany, the German-speaking region, Italy, the USA and television. Three events are planned in Appenweier each year.
Horseradish and historic buildings
Horseradish cultivation began in Urloffen at the start of the 20th century. Trade in the root made the town well known throughout Baden. This history is also reflected in a culinary offering today: Gaukels Meerrettichstube serves horseradish dishes all year round, alongside seasonal options. Check the current menu before your visit. This is a way to connect the area’s agricultural history with a specific regional speciality.
The buildings, too, represent different places and periods. The pilgrimage church in Zimmern is considered the oldest religious building in the municipality of Appenweier. Rathaus I in Appenweier is a former Baroque courthouse. The parish church in Appenweier is considered a Rococo gem. Together, these examples offer a glimpse into religious and architectural history without suggesting that all three buildings date from the same period.
The Ortenau district as a regional setting
The Ortenau district, the wider travel destination, lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. The district has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares. They extend from the Rhine plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest.
Discover more destinations: Friesenheim, Neuried, Mahlberg, Hohberg, Kippenheim, Berghaupten, Hofstetten, Durbach
Go to the wider travel overview: Ortenau district.
