Hockenheim combines a defining tobacco history with distinctive church architecture, an expansive Garden Show Park and motorsport. When planning your stay, it is worth distinguishing between the main attractions: the tobacco museum and churches offer an introduction to the town’s history, while tourist drives at the Hockenheimring take place on seasonal dates. The after-work market offers another regular reason to visit.
Tobacco History and Churches
The Hockenheim Tobacco Museum opened in 1984 and is considered the first tobacco museum in Baden-Württemberg. It explores Hockenheim’s tradition of tobacco growing and processing. Items on display include worktables, molds, presses and scales from an old cigar factory. Pipes, smoking accessories and numerous photographs round out the exhibition. The focus is thus on both the processing and the use of tobacco.
The Protestant Hockenheim Town Church offers a different historical perspective. It was built between 1905 and 1907 in the Neo-Baroque style, based on a design by Hermann Behagel. Its 50-meter-high tower is among the region’s tallest church towers. The interior renovation completed in 2019, modern media technology and its organ, which is renowned beyond the region, also make the church suitable for concerts. Check specific concert dates separately.
The Catholic Church of St. George provides an architectural contrast: it is one of the rare Art Nouveau churches in southern Germany to have been largely preserved in its original state. Its preserved tower, altars, pulpit and organ make it an example of sacred Art Nouveau in the region and a cultural monument of particular significance. At the Hockenheim Jewish Cemetery, the focus is instead on the history and size of the site. It has existed since 1879; 53 headstones are spread across more than 5.72 hectares. Access may be limited to visits arranged in advance or special opening times. Check visiting arrangements in advance.
Garden Show Park and Events
The Hockenheim Garden Show Park grew out of the 1991 Baden-WĂĽrttemberg State Garden Show. The approximately 16-hectare site includes historic gardens and a rose garden. It also features a lakeside stage, numerous works of art, around 370 square meters of brightly planted seasonal flower beds and a diverse range of perennial plantings. Those interested in gardens or public art will find a different focus here from that of historic interiors and churches. Since the grounds and facilities may change over time, check specific plans before your visit if needed.
The Hockenheim Medieval Market is also held annually in the Garden Show Park. Demonstrations and traditional crafts offer an introduction to medieval life. The park is therefore associated not only with gardens but also with a recurring event. Check the specific dates and program for your stay.
Planning Motorsport and Market Days
On tourist drive days, you can experience the legendary Hockenheimring in your own vehicle. These take place irregularly on dates announced in advance during the season, so plan around a confirmed date. The Hockenheimring also offers its Insider Tour. Participant numbers are limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Tourist drives and the Insider Tour are different ways to experience the Hockenheimring.
The Hockenheim after-work market was launched in spring 2024 and continues to take place on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Zehntscheunenplatz. Regional vendors sell, among other things, fruit and vegetables, cheese, baked goods and wine; freshly prepared food is also available. The selection of vendors and products may vary from one market day to the next.
For planning your dates, it helps to distinguish between the market and motorsport: the after-work market follows a monthly schedule, whereas tourist drives are scheduled irregularly during the season. If a drive is your main reason for visiting, check its published date first. You can use the second or fourth Friday as a guide when planning for the market and confirm that it is going ahead before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Helmstadt-Bargen, Schwetzingen, Bammental, Dossenheim, Reilingen, Zuzenhausen, Oftersheim, NeuluĂźheim
Return to the regional travel overview: Rhine-Neckar District.
