Palatinate Wine Steig Stage 03 Bad Dürkheim - Deidesheim

From Römerplatz we walk through Bad Dürkheim to the Flaggenturm, which offers a panoramic view of the sea of vines, the Rhine plain, and the Palatinate Forest. A detour is worthwhile via a connecting path to the monastery church and the villa district of Seebach. The route continues through sweet chestnut woods, later through warmth-loving pine and oak forests down to a shady picnic spot by the creek. On paths we overcome another wooded ridge before reaching the idyllic Burgtal. Past the campsite it goes up to the ruin of Wachtenburg, the “Balcony of the Palatinate.” Here we can not only stop at the castle tavern but also enjoy the splendid view of the wine and sparkling wine town of Wachenheim and the Rhine plain. Afterwards, we climb along a forested hillside ridge and after some time enter the grounds of the Heidenlöcher through a stone gate. These are the remains of a refuge castle from Carolingian times. At the other end of the site, a path leads steeply down to the Michaelskapelle chapel, where the view stretches far over Deidesheim and its vineyard areas to the east. Through sun-drenched vineyards we finally reach our daily destination, Deidesheim. The spa town delights with its typical wine taverns and wineries, as well as its romantic old town.

For our hiking tours, we recommend the following equipment as standard:

Hiking on natural paths and trails - Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After thunderstorms or heavy rain, trees can still fall or branches can drop. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery sections. Not all rocks or chasms are secured with ropes or railings. Surefootedness is required in places. You should expect such path impairments when hiking. If you think certain sections are impassable for you, you should bypass them. Despite the “unmissable” marking of the premium hiking trails, we always recommend carrying an appropriate hiking map for safety reasons, so that you can quickly reach a safe area in case of a thunderstorm or emergency. Trail closures and detours must be observed.

Hazard situations - In an emergency, quick help is needed. Even though cell phones can send GPS signals, the classic rescue points are often the fastest. These are located at places easily accessible to rescue vehicles. Remember the points with green signs and a white cross. In case of emergency, return to these points and provide the number on the sign when calling for help. This way, rescuers will know where to find you.

From the A650 continue on the B37 to Bad Dürkheim. Then take the exit Deidesheim, Bad Dürkheim, Wachenheim.

By train to Bad Dürkheim station

Timetable information: via the DB Reiseauskunft and in the DB Navigator app

Wurstmarktplatz (direction town center / spa center)

From 22.07.2024, the square will be divided into a fee-free zone with a limited parking duration and a fee-based area. The regulations for the areas are as follows:

Area P1: Riesenfass

The western parking area in front of the Riesenfass, between Schlossgartenstraße and Weinstraße Nord, includes 254 parking spaces and remains free of charge. The maximum permitted parking duration is 3 hours, which must be indicated by a parking disc.

Area P2: Salinarium / Therme

There are 1120 parking spaces available in the eastern parking areas. A flat daily fee of 3 euros is charged for these spaces. This daily flat rate applies all day until 9 a.m. the next day. Commuters and other regular users have the option to purchase a monthly ticket for 15 euros, valid for 31 days.

Parking tickets: Parking tickets can be activated at five machines by entering the license plate number or via the mobile app “Parkster,” so no return trip to the car is necessary. A payment receipt can be printed at the machine. Payment can be made in cash or by EC card at the machine or via the “Parkster” app.

Please only park in designated parking spaces and always keep access routes for emergency vehicles and work paths in the forest and vineyards clear. For overnight stays in campers and caravans, there are explicitly designated motorhome parking spaces.

360° Palatinate

Those who like to hike a bit longer can make a detour from the start in Bad Dürkheim (via the Weinsteig connecting path) up to the Limburg monastery ruin. This extends the route by 6 km and leads back to the main route near the Flaggenturm.