If you want to combine winegrowing, urban history and scenic views in one trip, Bensheim offers a range of experiences. The Bergsträßer Winzerfest lasts nine days and has provided a platform for local winegrowers since 1929. Other attractions include a town museum, historic walking tours, the wine trail and the ruins of Auerbach Castle. When planning your trip, consider whether you want to focus on Bensheim itself or include other places along the Bergstraße.

Urban History and Architecture

The permanent exhibition at the Bensheim Town Museum presents more than 50,000 years of history. The town’s Historic Walking Tour offers an overview of historic sites, leading to 23 locations, including the market fountain, Red Tower, Hohenecker Hof, Marienhaus and Fraa-vun-Bensem fountain. The Metzendorf Historic Walking Tour focuses on something different. Divided into two sections, it takes you to important buildings in Bensheim designed by country-house architects Georg and Heinrich Metzendorf. You can choose between a tour of numerous historic sites and an architecture-focused route.

Wine and Local Discoveries

The wine trail leads to the Kirchberghäuschen, a restaurant among the vineyards. There, wooden signs explain different grape varieties and the work of winegrowers. The route thus combines its destination with informative insights into winegrowing. There is also an option for groups: Spirituosenschmiede at Grieselstraße 51 offers individual guided tours for groups of six or more. This minimum group size is a practical point to bear in mind when planning a tour.

Castle Views and Heights

The ruins of Auerbach Castle offer sweeping views across the Rhine plain. The 517.4-metre-high Melibokus stands right next to the castle. A distinctive feature of the landscape can be found on Auerbach Castle’s battlements: a hardy pine tree that has been growing there for more than 300 years. The view, the neighbouring mountain and the old tree each contribute something different to the place’s character.

The Hemsberg Tower is another prominent landmark. The 22-metre-high tower can be climbed via a well-preserved wooden staircase when the Hemsbergturm innkeeper has raised the flag. Keep this condition in mind when planning your climb.

Hiking in Bensheim and Along the Bergstraße

Bensheim and its surroundings offer opportunities for hiking. The Burgensteig and Blütenweg trails are two ways to explore the Bergstraße on foot. The Bensheim Tourist Information Office also arranges guided hikes in the footsteps of the Nibelungs through the hills and valleys of the Bergstraße-Odenwald Nature Park. As well as urban walking tours, you can choose from hiking experiences focused on the surrounding region.

Other Destinations in the Wider Bergstraße Travel Region

In Heppenheim, you’ll find the “Wine & Stone” adventure trail. It is around 6.9 kilometres long and has approximately 70 information stations. An autumn hike takes place along the trail every year on 3 October from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; at five stations, hikers can enjoy wine and food among the vineyards. Check the specific event dates before you travel. The region’s wines also offer their own point of reference: Riesling is the Bergstraße’s typical white wine, while Pinot Noir dominates the red wine category. Visitors can sample Red Riesling and other Bergstraße specialities directly from producers, in wine taverns or at wine festivals.

Another destination on the Bergstraße is Lorsch Abbey. It is home to one of the best-preserved Carolingian buildings north of the Alps; in 1991, the abbey was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Public guided tours are available for groups of two or more. Check dates and prices in advance if you are planning a tour.

Choose Where to Stay Based on Your Interests

If you want to focus your trip on Bensheim’s walking tours, the wine trail and the ruins of Auerbach Castle, consider staying in Bensheim. If you also want to visit Heppenheim or Lorsch, include them as separate destinations on the Bergstraße.

Discover more destinations: Auerbach, Heppenheim, Abtsteinach, Lautertal, Mörlenbach, Zwingenberg, Einhausen, Wald-Michelbach.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Bergstraße.