At almost 100 km in length, this route explores Germany’s largest wine-growing region and showcases the most scenic features of the sun-kissed Palatinate. The cycle route runs the entire length of the western edge of the Rhine Plain and crosses a multitude of stream valleys emanating from the Palatinate Forest. This results in constant undulation, with some short and steep peaks. The region’s countless wine-growing estates give cyclists a warm welcome.
Mellow wine country, lush orchards, Palatinate Forest with quiet valleys and murmuring streams and a Mediterranean climate – all this can be found on the German Wine Cycle Route. The first wine tourism route in Germany begins in the north near Bockenheim (not far from Worms) and ends around 85 km away at the French border in Schweigen-Rechtenbach. The section from Maikammer to Schweigen-Rechtenbach is known as the Southern Wine Route. The wine gives the landscape its very special character. Here, the attractions of the Palatinate Forest meet vineyards and numerous castles and palaces – Hambach Castle, Wachtenburg Castle, Neuleiningen Castle, Trifels Castle and Villa Ludwigshöhe Castle, to name just a few. Winemakers show off their skills in small, cosy wine taverns, and also in modern wine shops. You should also try some traditional Palatinate specialities, such as pig’s stomach, liver dumplings and white asparagus. Fan of gourmet cuisine will be in their element here too. Countless wine festivals allow guests to sample the region’s high-quality wines and get to know the open, friendly people of the Palatinate.
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Please wear a helmet. Touring bicycle or bike with multiple gears, weatherproof clothing, drinks and supplies.
From the starting point, the House of the German Wine Route in Bockenheim, the cycle route leads south through Grünstadt to Kirchheim. From there, you follow the main route via Freinsheim, or alternatively take the more demanding panoramic route via Kleinkarlbach and Weisenheim am Berg to the wine and spa resort of Bad Dürkheim. From here, the cycle route passes through the pretty wine villages of Wachenheim, Forst and Deidesheim to Neustadt an der Weinstraße. It is worth visiting the historic old town and taking a detour to Hambach Castle, known as the birthplace of German democracy. In the shadow of Hambach Castle, the route continues to Maikammer. For experienced cyclists, it is worth taking a detour via the panoramic route to St. Martin. The main route continues further to the south via Edenkoben and Rhodt under Rietburg, known for its famous Theresienstraße. From Rhodt you can take another detour along the panoramic route to Weyher.
The main route continues through the tranquil wine-growing communities of Hainfeld, Burrweiler, Gleisweiler, Frankweiler, Siebeldingen and Birkweiler. Surrounded by castles, the route heads south via Leinsweiler, Eschbach and Klingenmünster to the spa town of Bad Bergzabern. From there, it is only a short hop through the village of Dörrenbach, the Sleeping Beauty of the Palatinate, to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the border with Alsace.
Feedback, errors or omissions? Contact us by email: radwege@lbm.rlp.de www.radwanderland.de (responsible for infrastructure and route description).
Feedback, errors or omissions? Contact us by email: radwege@lbm.rlp.de www.radwanderland.de (responsible for infrastructure and route description).