Kippenheim lies at the transition from the Black Forest foothills to the Rhine Plain. Cultural history and trails through the forest give a stay here a variety of focal points. Information panels are displayed at historic buildings and sights. The signposted Christian-Jewish Cultural Trail uses information panels to explore the religious and ethical heritage of Jewish and Christian traditions in Kippenheim and Schmieheim.

Reading cultural history in buildings

The former synagogue building in Kippenheim is a Neo-Romanesque structure, inaugurated in 1852 and listed as a historic monument since the 1980s. Visits are possible on Sundays from May to September; guided tours are available on request. If you plan to stop here, check the latest visitor information in advance, as seasonal details may change.

The historic church also has its own architectural history: it began as a Romanesque choir-tower church. Its tower dates from the late 12th century, while the nave and polygonal east choir date from 1501. By comparison, the former synagogue was inaugurated in 1852, so the buildings represent different periods in Kippenheim’s history.

The Maria-Frieden Chapel was built in 1946 on the Hohbühl in a wine-growing area. Together with the older buildings, it broadens the view of the town’s various historical reference points.

Choose hikes by time and distance

For a hike with a specific estimated duration, the Great Circular Trail offers a useful guide: the route is 15 kilometres long and takes an estimated six hours. It passes through the Schmieheim forests to the area around the 428-metre-high Heidenkopf. This means setting aside a large part of the day; the actual duration may vary depending on local conditions.

There is also a 23.8-kilometre hiking route in the municipal forest, divided into four signposted sections. For this route, the distance and division into sections are the main points, whereas an approximate duration is also given for the Great Circular Trail. This makes it possible to compare the route information with your preferred time frame. Local signage may change.

By bike or to the outdoor pool

The mountain bike tour around Schmieheim is seven kilometres long and considered suitable for beginner mountain bikers. Local conditions may change; check them before setting out. For a break, cyclists can choose from inns, seasonal wine taverns and wineries in Schmieheim. As businesses and opening hours may change, it is worth checking current availability before stopping.

Kippenheim outdoor pool adds a seasonal swimming option to cultural visits and trail planning. The 40-metre-long pool has a non-swimmer area. As opening arrangements may change, check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Kappel-Grafenhausen, Ortenberg, Mühlenbach, Gengenbach, Friesenheim, Schutterwald, Achern, Rheinau.

Return to the main travel overview: Ortenaukreis.