The Vitaltour Felsengarten offers Simmertal a clear hiking option: This circular route, rated difficult, is 13.8 kilometers long and starts and ends in the village. Its length and difficulty rating are specific criteria for choosing a route; this loop can therefore be clearly distinguished from a shorter visit to the village.
Hiking around Simmertal
Along the way, the route passes viewpoints and leads through vineyards, forests and rocky terrain. The viewpoints and the changes between landscape types give the loop a variety of sections. The route lies within the “Nahetal zwischen Simmertal und Bad Kreuznach” FFH area.
The Felsengarten trail starts at the historic town hall. Before setting out, check the tour operator’s latest information, as trail conditions can change. Another route takes a different approach: The shortest route from the Sägemühlen parking area in Simmertal to Dhaun Castle leads via Rotenberg and Brunkenstein. This gives you a choice between a designated circular route and a route whose destination is Dhaun Castle.
Town Hall, Church and Local History
The historic town hall dates from 1499 and houses a natural history museum. Its exhibits include fossils, minerals, and botanical and ornithological specimens. Visits are by appointment; if you plan to visit the museum, arrange your visit accordingly.
The Protestant Church also offers concrete insights into local history. It was built in 1730 as a rubble-stone structure with a three-sided apse and a square roof turret. Its Stumm organ also dates from 1730. The building’s design and the organ can therefore be placed in the same period.
The village was referred to as “Simera” in 841. Roman grave finds in the area are considered evidence of an ancient settlement history. A predecessor church dedicated to Saint Maximin is recorded in Simmertal in 1140. These early names and historical traces add a longer local history to the later buildings.
The history of the fortifications is also part of the area’s story: Brunkenstein and Rotenburg were built between Simmertal and Dhaun Castle as military outposts of strategic importance. A clearly visible remnant of the wall remains at Brunkenstein. The route via Brunkenstein on the way to the castle can thus be connected with a tangible historic site.
Accommodation and Regional Highlights
There is a campsite on the Kellenbach with pitches for motorhomes and bikers. Before travelling, check the latest information on opening and pitch regulations.
In the wider destination of Bad Kreuznach, the Bridge Houses provide a contrasting architectural highlight. The half-timbered buildings were constructed from 1480 on pillars of the old Nahe Bridge because of a lack of space; the bridge itself dates from around 1300. The earlier date therefore belongs to the bridge, with the Bridge Houses added later. Since 1985/86, the museums of the city of Bad Kreuznach have been housed in the listed former Bangert manor house, which is set in a historic park.
Discover more destinations: Merxheim, Meckenbach, NuĂźbaum, Hahnenbach, Oberhausen An Der Nahe, Bad Kreuznach, Guldental, Hallgarten.
Back to the main travel guide: Bad Kreuznach.
