In Simmern/Hunsrück, visitors can discover city history, church architecture, and film-related themes as distinct highlights of a stay. The new Blue Route city walk was completed in 2022 and explains the city’s history and culture. Simmern is also considered a tourist information center and gateway to Soonwald Nature Park. Anyone interested in the city’s past will find several specific points of interest here—from a walking tour to churches and fortifications to exhibitions.
City History and Historic Buildings
An earlier cultural and historical city walk was established in 2005, with around 20 information stations. The Blue Route and the older walk thus represent different stages in the development of the city’s walking tours. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the two details separate: the Blue Route explains Simmern’s history and culture; the approximately 20 stations belong to the walk established in 2005.
The present-day Church of St. Stephen was begun in 1486 under Duke Johann I, as Simmern was developing into a princely residence. The tomb monuments of the dukes of Simmern are located in St. Anne’s Chapel. They are considered among the best-known examples of Renaissance culture between Mainz and Trier. Together, the two churches offer different insights into the city’s religious and courtly history.
Another historic building is the Schinderhannes Tower in the center of Simmern. It is a surviving section of the medieval fortifications and one of the few remaining structures of the former residential city. Since 1999, it has housed a permanent exhibition about Schinderhannes. Check the exhibition’s current visiting arrangements before your trip.
Film, Museums, and Guided City Tours
The Edgar Reitz Film House presents film installations on the theme of Heimat (homeland) in the oldest part of Simmern. Exhibits include props, sets, costumes, and set photographs. This connects the film focus with concrete insights into the equipment and design of film productions. Before your visit, also check the latest information about the exhibition contents.
A guided tour of Simmern takes visitors to Schlossplatz, the bastion on Römerberg, the two churches, and Schinderhannes Tower. This guided option lets you visit several historic sites. Tour availability may change, so ask about dates in advance.
A guided tour of the Hunsrück Museum covers prehistory and natural history, geology, Hunsrück film, city and regional history, folk culture, and the art collection of Friedrich Karl Ströher. The range of topics therefore extends from natural history to regional art. Tour content and availability may change, so checking before your trip is recommended.
A Guided Walk Through the Recreation Areas
As a complement to the cultural attractions, a guided circular hike through Simmern’s green recreation areas is available. It is about 9 kilometers long and starts and ends at Simmersee. The route length and start and end points help you fit this activity into your day’s plans without confusing it with a city tour or museum tour. You should also check whether the guided hike is available on your chosen date.
When planning your overnight stay, your preferred focus may help you decide: are city history, churches, and film your main interests, or would you also like to include the guided walk through the recreation areas? The activities described differ in subject and format—from historic buildings and exhibitions to a hike of about 9 kilometers. Tailor your plans to these interests and check current visiting and tour dates before setting your itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Fronhofen, Horn, Külz, Tiefenbach, Sargenroth, Morshausen, Dill, Beltheim.
Go to the regional travel overview: Rhein-Hunsrück.
