Weinheim between the Exotic Forest, Old Town and Waidsee

Weinheim offers nature experiences, historic sites and activities on the water. Tree species from other continents grow in the approximately 60-hectare Exotic Forest; in good weather, Windeck Castle Ruins offer views across Weinheim and the Rhine plain as far as the Palatinate. Other highlights include the Gerberbach Quarter and Waidsee lido. This gives you a range of excursions to plan for your stay, rather than limiting yourself to a single theme.

Among giant trees and circular trails

In the Exotic Forest, you will find giant sequoias, Chilean monkey puzzle trees, Japanese and North American magnolia trees, and Californian incense cedars. Three signposted circular trails lead through the forest. If you are interested in the trees, you can plan to join one of the public guided tours: one takes place there once a month from March to November. The limited frequency of once a month should be taken into account when planning your visit.

The Kneipp facility can also be included as a separate stop on your outing. It is about a 15-minute walk from the castle park. The Exotic Forest Circular Trail and the Great Circular Trail pass by it. So, if you would like to visit the facility, you can choose between walking from the castle park and following either of the two circular trails.

History and life in Weinheim

Windeck Castle Ruins were built after 1100 as a protective castle for Lorsch Abbey. In good weather, the view from there stretches across Weinheim and the Rhine plain to the Palatinate. If you would like to include historic sites and viewpoints in your stay, this offers a different focus from a day in the forest.

The Weinheim City Museum is dedicated to the history of the city and the region. Its permanent exhibition covers around 1,000 square metres, and special exhibitions are added regularly. Wachenburg Castle was built between 1907 and 1928 as a memorial and meeting place for the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent and its active student fraternities. Both sites offer different ways to explore Weinheim’s history.

The Gerberbach Quarter’s streetscape is shaped by old tanners’ houses and workshops, winding lanes, small courtyards and half-timbered houses. For a city walk, you could also use an audio guide: it leads you through Weinheim at 13 stops and presents the city from Ingrid Noll’s perspective.

Waidsee and special events

Waidsee lido combines water sports with activities for children. Water sports on offer include stand-up paddleboarding, surfing and canoeing; diving is also available. The lido also has a children’s playground with a zip line and a designated non-swimmer area. These specific facilities can help you decide whether a stay focused on the water fits your travel plans.

Two dates stand out for traditions and events: the Weinheim Summer Day Parade takes place every year in March on Laetare Sunday and includes around 3,000 participants. The Old Town Kerwe fair is held in the Gerberbach Quarter on the second weekend in August. If you would like to combine your trip with one of these events, plan your dates around the relevant occasion.

Weinheim can be reached by RNV tram line 5 from the direction of Mannheim and Heidelberg; several bus routes also run to Weinheim from the Odenwald. The Mühlental valley, with its six mills, is nearby, between Weinheim and Birkenau. When choosing a holiday apartment, these different interests may help you decide: would you mainly like to plan forest trails and nature activities, are you more interested in local history, or would you like to spend time at Waidsee?

If you would like to browse more pages about local destinations, you can also visit Hockenheim, Ladenburg, Sandhausen, Spechbach, Epfenbach, Schriesheim, Rauenberg and Walldorf.

For the wider travel overview: Rhine-Neckar District.