Herbolzheim: Half-timbered houses, Kirnburg and trails

Townscape and architectural history

The town hall dates from the Baroque period. It was renovated in 1891 and given a Neo-Renaissance façade. The gatehouse stands on Hauptstraße; it was formerly the residential and administrative building of the Carl Kuenzer linen-weaving mill, founded in 1834. The old townscape also reflects different eras: the rural half-timbered buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries include gable arcades and high wine cellars. Baroque townhouses with ornate portals date from the late Baroque and early Neoclassical periods, between 1740 and 1800. Those interested in architectural styles can use these differences as a guiding theme for exploring the town.

Kirnburg and the Schlossgut estate in Bleichheim

Kirnburg Castle ruin, with sections dating from the 12th-century Hohenstaufen period, lies above the district of Bleichheim. The tourism office offers guided tours of the ruin for groups by arrangement. Bleichheim is also home to the Schlossgut estate of the Counts of Kageneck, with the Herrenmühle mill, manor house and tithe barn dating from 1590. The garden covers 2,400 square metres. Families can visit it, and groups can do so on request. Before visiting, check the estate’s website for current opening hours.

Other discoveries offer different experiences: explore the history of Herbolzheim in a playful way with Faustus and Clothilde. The fairy-tale trail is a labyrinth-like forest path about 500 metres long, with wooden fairy-tale figures, a climbing dragon and a troll swing. The Herbolzheim display garden features old and forgotten crops, as well as various culinary and medicinal herbs.

Trails on foot and by bike

The wine hiking trail runs from the marketplace to the Heuberg Tower and follows a medieval route to Ettenheim. It is about three kilometres long, is considered well marked and is equipped with information boards. Another educational trail, also three kilometres long, lies in the municipal forest near Herbolzheim; there you can see award-winning Trees of the Year and various wooden artworks. The two trails have different focuses: the wine hiking trail highlights the route to the Heuberg Tower and its historic connection, while the educational trail focuses on trees and wood art.

Cycling options also vary considerably. The forests around Herbolzheim offer challenging mountain bike rides, while the Elz meadows are ideal for leisurely rides on flat terrain. Another sporty ride passes through Herbolzheim and the Rhine Valley: it covers 40 kilometres, takes about two to three hours and includes a refreshment stop. When planning, you can choose between a challenging mountain bike loop, a relaxed ride on flat terrain and a longer tour with a refreshment stop.

Choose a suitable base for your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Herbolzheim, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your holiday. If you mainly want to explore architectural history, the town hall, gatehouse and half-timbered buildings can shape your stay. For days outdoors, the different trails and bike rides offer a basis for planning. Choose the location of your accommodation to suit the destinations you want to visit. If you are planning a guided tour of Kirnburg, note that group tours take place by arrangement.

Discover more destinations

Also discover Tutschfelden.

Discover more destinations: Freiamt, Vörstetten, Weisweil, Malterdingen, Rheinhausen, Sasbach Am Kaiserstuhl, Teningen.

See the regional travel overview: Emmendingen.