In Ipsheim, vineyard landscapes, Hoheneck Castle and distinctive local design come together. From the terroir f pavilion in the Ipsheim vineyards, you can enjoy views of the Upper Aisch Valley. The castle and the chapel in the vineyard each add their own character; the Kastenbau building and a Bacchus statue add distinctive design details to the scene. When planning your visit, it is worth noting the different access conditions at these historic sites.
Vineyards, views and access conditions
The terroir f pavilion is located in the Ipsheim vineyards and offers views of the Upper Aisch Valley. Hoheneck Castle is generally not open for interior visits because seminars are held there. Since 1984, it has served as a youth education centre run by the Nuremberg City District Youth Council. Check the current visitor information for dates and access arrangements before your visit.
The chapel in the vineyard is located among the vines below Hoheneck Castle. Because of its remote location, it is usually locked; it is opened for church services and vineyard tours. These conditions differ considerably from those of an interior that is generally open to the public. Plan your visit around the stated occasions or tours, and check the latest information.
The Kastenbau building and the Bacchus statue
At the Kastenbau in Ipsheim, the monumental building sits quietly within a paved area, like a ship on the water. The flowing water symbolises time. This description links the form of the place with a clear meaning: water is not merely a design feature here, but also represents the passage of time.
Another distinctive feature can be found in the newly designed Markgrafenplatz. An almost life-size bronze statue of Bacchus was installed there on 11 August 2000. Surrounded by five young sycamore maples, it stands on an oval wine barrel made of local shell limestone. At the Kastenbau, water and symbolism of time shape the impression; the Bacchus statue draws the eye to its form, the trees and the stone wine barrel on which it stands.
Regional highlights: Neustadt A.D.Aisch-Bad Windsheim
The wider destination of Neustadt A.D.Aisch-Bad Windsheim offers more to explore beyond Ipsheim. At county level, the Steigerwald and Frankenhöhe nature parks set the scene; the county is particularly well suited to exploring on foot or by bicycle. The nearly 100-kilometre-long “From the Main to the Zenn” long-distance cycle route crosses the county and connects Kitzingen with Fürth. The county-wide cycle route network also offers themed routes for different abilities, from leisurely rides to more challenging cycling. The regional selection therefore ranges from a longer connection between two cities to themed routes.
Cultural attractions in other places across the wider destination offer their own highlights. In Bad Windsheim, a walk through the Franconian Open-Air Museum is described as a journey through 700 years of everyday Franconian history. The museum includes the Bauhofstadel, built between 1441 and 1444. Its late-medieval roof structure spans an interior of around 360 square metres without supports. In Neustadt an der Aisch, the Aischgrund Carp Museum explores the more than 1,250-year tradition of carp farming across ten rooms.
Regional cuisine also offers seasonal highlights. In Neustadt an der Aisch, Aischgrund mirror carp is one of the local specialities; it is served from September to April, including fried until crispy or cooked in a seasoned broth. The Aischgrund Carp Gourmet Weeks take place every year from 1 September to 1 November at selected restaurants throughout the county. Check which restaurants are participating before you travel. The county’s game weeks are scheduled for November and feature game meat prepared in various ways; check the current programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Markt Bibart, Emskirchen, Scheinfeld, Baudenbach, Neustadt An Der Aisch, Markt Erlbach, Wilhelmsdorf, Burghaslach.
Back to the wider travel overview: Neustadt A.D.Aisch-Bad Windsheim.
