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German Wine Cycle Route

· 2 reviews · Bicycle Rides · Pfalz · Open
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  • Haus der Deutschen Weinstraße Bockenheim
    Haus der Deutschen Weinstraße Bockenheim
    Photo: Marijke Wetzig, Zum Wohl. Die Pfalz.
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.
Open
difficult
Distance 98.3 km
7:00 h
830 m
869 m
271 m
110 m
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. 

Author’s recommendation

Die Radtour lässt sich gut mit der Bahn kombinieren, die im Stundentakt verkehrt.

Profile picture of Julian Völk
Author
Julian Völk 
Update: March 23, 2023
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
271 m
Lowest point
110 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 24.42%Dirt road 45.68%Forested/wild trail 2.63%Path 0.64%Road 26.62%
Asphalt
24 km
Dirt road
44.9 km
Forested/wild trail
2.6 km
Path
0.6 km
Road
26.2 km
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Rest stops

Restaurant Dürkheimer Riesenfass

Safety information

Cyclists must obey the German highway code (StVo).

Tips and hints

Feedback, errors or omissions? Contact us by email: radwege@lbm.rlp.de www.radwanderland.de (responsible for infrastructure and route description).

Start

Bockenheim an der Weinstraße (158 m)
Coordinates:
DD
49.609100, 8.181528
DMS
49°36'32.8"N 8°10'53.5"E
UTM
32U 440868 5495491
w3w 
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Destination

Schweigen-Rechtenbach am deutschen Weintor

Turn-by-turn directions

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. 

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

Along the route, various train stations offer connections to local and long-distance public transport: Grünstadt, Bad Dürkheim, Neustadt/ Wstr. (long-distance train station), Siebeldingen, Bad Bergzabern, Wissembourg (F), among others.

Timetable information: via DB travel information and in the app DB Navigator.

Bicycle transport is permitted on regional trains in the Palatinate region (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN)) - on weekdays between 6 and 9 a.m. for a fee, otherwise free of charge. Passengers, baby carriages and wheelchairs are given priority when space is limited.

Parking

Please park only in the designated parking areas and be sure to keep access routes for emergency vehicles and work routes in the forest and vineyards clear at all times. For overnight stays in camper vans and caravans, there are explicitly designated camper van sites.

Coordinates

DD
49.609100, 8.181528
DMS
49°36'32.8"N 8°10'53.5"E
UTM
32U 440868 5495491
w3w 
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Show on Map
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Author’s map recommendations

"Die Pfalz.Radkarte" on a scale of 1: 160,000, which includes information on more than 30 cycle routes as well as e-bike rental and charging stations. To order at www.pfalz.de/informationsmaterial

Equipment

Please wear a helmet. Touring bicycle or bike with multiple gears, weatherproof clothing, drinks and supplies.

Questions and answers

Question from Peter Ohmer · September 13, 2021 · Community
Unterkuenfte
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Question from Andy Rea · October 19, 2020 · Community
Ich hätte einen Vorschlag: Die einzelnen Etappen, insbesondere die GPS-Tracks aufteilen und getrennt beschreiben. Nicht alle GPS schaffen die Wegpunkte der ganzen Route zu speichern. Die Beschreibung vom Moselradweg ist für Tagesplanungen besser gemacht.
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Rating

4.5
(2)
Joachim Keinert 
September 15, 2020 · Community
Schöne Zweitagestour. Die Bahn fährt aber nur im Stundentakt zwischen Wissembourg und Grünstadt (ein oder zweimal umsteigen)
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When did you do this route? September 13, 2020

Photos from others


Status
Open
Reviews
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
98.3 km
Duration
7:00 h
Ascent
830 m
Descent
869 m
Highest point
271 m
Lowest point
110 m
Public-transport-friendly Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Linear route

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  • 49 Waypoints
  • 49 Waypoints
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