Castle ruins of Wachtenburg

Located on the outskirts of Wachenheim, the "Schönste Weinsicht" offers a view of the Wachtenburg castle ruins - the landmark of this traditional wine and sparkling town on the German Wine Route.

Facts

  • 7,5 km

    Distance

  • 2,5 hour

    Duration

  • medium

    Difficulty level

Pfalz - Castle ruins of Wachtenburg

On the outskirts of Wachenheim, the Best Vineyard View in the Palatinate Region for 2016 provides vistas over the ruins of the Wachtenburg – the symbol of the historic wine-growing city on the German Wine Route. The oldest sections of the castle date back to the 12th century, and its rectangular keep served as a residence and defence structure. Most of the complex was destroyed during the Nine Years’ War in 1689. The lookout point is located on the Rieslingtour circular walking trail, which leads across the market square with St. George’s Simultaneum, the Ludwigskapelle, and the market fountain, past the city wall and into the vineyards.

Hikers pass the Weinstraßenfenster and make their way up to the Wachtenburg, which offers a magnificent view over the Rhine Valley. The way back heads through the Wachenheim vineyards of Schlossberg and Altenburg – past the Vineyard View – and back to the market square.