Vineyards on the southern side of the Erlenbach and meadows on its northern bank give Oberhausen a distinct landscape. The village also offers historic buildings, a cycling route through the village and various travel options. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether you are most interested in walks, architectural history or cycling routes.
Riverside landscape and protected nature
The meadows on the north bank of the Erlenbach are ideal for leisurely walks. Oberhausen also has a small-leaved lime designated as a natural monument. The sand pit is classified as a protected landscape feature; access restrictions may apply there. Check local regulations before visiting. The small-leaved lime and the sand pit have different protection categories, though both are part of Oberhausen’s natural environment.
Getting here and finding your way
The nearest railway station is in Barbelroth, about one kilometre away. Bad Bergzabern, about five kilometres away, can be reached by bus and by cycle path. The B427 federal road also runs through Oberhausen. This gives you several travel and transport options to consider when choosing your accommodation. If you plan to take the bus, check the timetable for the relevant dates before travelling.
The “Vom Riesling zum Zander” cycle route also passes through Oberhausen. It is another point of reference when planning a cycling trip. You can therefore plan around this through-route, the cycle path to Bad Bergzabern or walks along the meadows by the Erlenbach.
Architectural heritage in the village
Oberhausen’s historic buildings include the Friedhofstraße Bridge, a late-Baroque arched structure dating from 1788. The town hall is a Neoclassical-Gothic rendered building with a tower dating from 1875 and is one of the village’s sights, with its clock tower crowned with battlements. At Untere Hauptstraße 24 stands a Baroque half-timbered house dating from 1703. Historic half-timbered houses are another feature of Oberhausen.
West of Oberhausen, at Oberdorfstraße 36, is the former oil mill. The core of the building probably dates from the 18th century. Together, these buildings showcase different historical forms: the bridge’s arched structure, the town hall, half-timbered houses and the former mill site. The dating of the oil mill’s building core is approximate.
Cycling, wine tastings and the Kerwe fair
Wine tastings are a leisure activity in Oberhausen. The Kerwe fair is scheduled for the last weekend in August; check the programme for the relevant year before travelling. A stay planned around an event date can therefore be organised differently from a trip focused on the buildings or cycling. The stated Kerwe date does not replace checking the programme for the specific year.
More to explore in the Südliche Weinstraße destination
The wider Südliche Weinstraße destination also offers its own landscape and cultural attractions. Südliche Weinstraße borders the Palatinate Forest Nature Park Biosphere Reserve. Burg Landeck has a 25-metre-high platform with views across the Vorderpfalz towards the Odenwald and Black Forest; visibility depends on the weather. Replicas of the Imperial Regalia are on display at Trifels Imperial Castle. These examples offer different perspectives: a view across the landscape and an exhibition of historic insignia.
There are also various themed routes for walks and hikes in the Südliche Weinstraße destination. The TrifelsErlebnisWeg is 3.6 kilometres long, rated easy and has 18 play and information stations. The Keschde-Erlebnisweg is a 6.1-kilometre circular route around Föhrlenberg that is suitable for pushchairs and focuses on the Palatinate sweet chestnut; seasonal conditions may affect access. The shorter route is rated easy, while the longer one can be described as a circular walk with a focus on sweet chestnuts.
At Lake Silz, the climate and nature trail has two circular routes of different lengths. Its themes include forests, biodiversity, drinking water supply and water retention. For cycling plans, the “Radwandern in der Südpfalz” cycling map lists 27 signposted cycle routes and circular tours, stretching from the Rhine through Südliche Weinstraße to the Palatinate Forest. Map editions and route signage may be updated. The Burgentour is also listed as an individual cycling loop, at 42.4 kilometres; route changes may affect its length.
For the wider travel overview: Bad Bergzabern.
