In Kappelrodeck, winegrowing, local legends, and a variety of trails come together. When planning your visit, you can first decide whether you are more interested in the vineyards, a themed trail, or the history of the town. The attractions offer different focuses, without requiring you to follow a set itinerary.
Vineyards and the Legend of the Dasenstein Witch
The “Hex vom Dasenstein” vineyard area around Kappelrodeck covers 180 hectares and is farmed by around 80 winegrowing families. Nearly 80 percent of the vineyard area is planted with Pinot Noir. These figures give the wine-growing landscape a distinct character: the grape variety accounts for a large share of the area, while many families shape local winegrowing. According to legend, the Dasenstein Witch gave Kappelrodeck wine its name. Here, wine and storytelling traditions are therefore linked even in the name.
The Dasenstein is a natural monument in the vineyards. Below it, the Dasenstein Hut, equipped with seating, invites you to take a break. Those interested in winegrowing will find a place described as a wine experience center at the “Hex vom Dasenstein” wine cellar. Visitors can also view an extensive medal collection at the wine cellars in Kappelrodeck and Waldulm. Check in advance when access is possible.
Trails with Different Focuses
The Orchard Nature Trail starts in Kappelrodeck below Brandrain and runs along the boundaries of Kappelrodeck and Waldulm. Along the way, there is a three-part information board and a biotope; the trail also passes wild roses, native trees, and habitats for wild and honey bees. Stone fruit trees bearing plums and cherries, other shrubs, and wild berry hedges add to the trail’s features. The route therefore focuses on fruit, plants, and habitats.
The Dasenstein Legend Trail takes a different approach: it starts at Kappelrodeck train station, which is easily reached by public transport. This short, scenic hike runs through the vineyards outside Kappelrodeck and alternates between forest and vines, as well as hills and valleys. If you would rather focus on the legend itself than on the landscape, the multimedia legend hike offers another way to experience the story of the Dasenstein Witch. You will need a Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone or tablet. The quality hiking trail Kappelrodecker Hexensteig, in turn, connects the Acher and Rench valleys. These trails differ in focus and route; choose according to the subject that interests you most on your trip.
Rodeck Castle and Views of the Region
Rodeck Castle is the landmark of the municipality of Kappelrodeck and was built in the 12th or 13th century. It complements the nature and wine themes with a historical point of reference. If you are interested in several aspects of the town during your stay, you can choose how to balance the vineyards, legend trails, and medieval castle without combining every theme into a single outing.
The wider Ortenaukreis destination lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares, stretching from the Rhine plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. They provide a broader landscape context for anyone who wants to consider the region’s natural environment beyond the local wine and legend themes.
Plan a Stay That Suits You
Leave room for different activities during your stay: a trail focused on nature and fruit offers a different experience from a visit centered on winegrowing and history. It is advisable to check in advance whether you can visit the wine cellar and see the medal collection; the landscape and trail descriptions can help guide your choice regardless.
Discover more destinations: Durbach, Seelbach, Mahlberg, Ettenheim, Oberwolfach, Appenweier, Rheinau, Oberkirch
To the main travel overview: Ortenaukreis.
