Bad Wimpfen – Hohenstaufen History and Old Town
Accommodation in Bad Wimpfen
Bad Wimpfen combines Hohenstaufen history with a listed old town and recurring Advent events. Hiking routes and cycling paths offer further ways to spend your days. When planning your trip, a good starting point is to consider whether you want to focus on historic architecture, a visit during Advent, or getting active on foot and by bike.
Blick von der Neckarbrücke auf die markante Stadtsilhouette von Bad Wimpfen mit den Türmen der ehemaligen Kaiserpfalz.
Photo: roger4336 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Hohenstaufen History in the Townscape
The Imperial Palace from the Hohenstaufen era is the largest imperial palace north of the Alps. With its distinctive towers, Stone House, Hohenstaufen Gate and palace chapel, it shapes the townscape of Bad Wimpfen. Together, these named buildings bring the Hohenstaufen heritage to life: the focus is not just on one tower, but also on the gate, chapel and Stone House.
Advent with a Historic Connection
The Christmas market tradition in Bad Wimpfen dates back to 1487. At that time, Emperor Frederick III granted the imperial city of Wimpfen the privilege of holding a market before Christmas; this market was the former St. Catherine’s Market. The Old German Christmas Market takes place on the first three weekends of Advent in the listed old town. The exact dates vary from year to year, so it is worth checking that year’s calendar before your trip.
Another seasonal attraction is the traditional nativity scene exhibition at the Municipal Gallery in the Old Hospital. In 2026, it will be open to visitors from November 27 to December 13. If you are planning a visit during Advent, you can take both the market dates and the set exhibition period for 2026 into account when planning your trip.
Views and Discoveries of Your Own
The Blue Tower is 58 metres high and offers sweeping views of Bad Wimpfen’s old town and the Neckar Valley. The Lauschtour app is available for an audio tour of the old town; check the app’s current availability in advance.
The outdoor escape game “Hohenstaufen Secret” leads to historic sites in Bad Wimpfen. It focuses on people and topics from the Hohenstaufen era, as well as the conflict between Emperor Frederick II and his son, King Henry (VII). If this activity suits your travel plans, check the details with the tourist office.
Public guided tours of the Catholic Collegiate Church of St. Peter in the Valley are scheduled for 3 p.m. on the first Monday of each month from January through November. Before visiting, check the booking information to confirm that your chosen tour is taking place.
Hiking and Cycling
Hiking routes in Bad Wimpfen include the Way of St. James pilgrimage route and the Salt Spring circular hiking trail. The Salt & Brine Cycle Route passes through Bad Wimpfen. This gives you a choice between named hiking routes and a cycling route, depending on which type of outing suits your stay. Check the current local conditions before setting out on a route.
Bad Wimpfen and the Broader Destination of Heilbronn
The broader destination of Heilbronn offers further types of excursions for exploring the region: the Neckar Valley Cycle Route is one of the cycling routes highlighted in Heilbronn District. There are also around 1,000 kilometres of signposted circular day tours in the Kraichgau, Zabergäu, Weinsberg Valley and Schozach-Bottwartal. These regional details add to the options without replacing the hiking routes and cycle route in Bad Wimpfen.
A family activity is also listed for the broader destination of Heilbronn: the Güglingen Roman Museum offers a family tour of its permanent exhibition at 3 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month. For dates in 2026, check the specific date before your trip.
When choosing a holiday apartment in Bad Wimpfen, it helps to consider the purpose of your trip: the Imperial Palace and old town lend themselves to a focus on history and architecture, while the Advent events are tied to specific travel dates. If you would rather plan active days, you can consider the hiking and cycling routes mentioned above. If you also want to explore the broader destination of Heilbronn, you will find further regional excursions and cultural activities there.
Discover more destinations: Cleebronn, Untereisesheim, Schwaigern, Weinsberg, Lauffen Am Neckar, Hardthausen Am Kocher, Ellhofen, Siegelsbach
Go to the broader travel overview: Heilbronn.
