Essenheim: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Essenheim is situated on the southwestern slope of the Selz Valley. The village has around 200 hectares of vineyards; Domherr and Teufelspfad are named Essenheim vineyard sites. The vines of Wagner Winery also grow on the south-facing slopes of the Selz Valley.

Wine and Landscape

The wider setting is Rheinhessen, with around 26,300 hectares of vineyards, which is described as Germany’s largest wine-growing region. It also has a network of more than 500 kilometres of well-signposted cycle paths through gently rolling vineyards. The Selz Valley Cycle Route reaches Essenheim via a steep climb. The Terroir Hiking Trail also passes through the Essenheim area.

History and Culture

Essenheim’s Protestant parish experienced the Reformation in 1533 and is described as the oldest Protestant parish in Rheinhessen. The nave in its present form dates from 1775. The church tower probably originated in the 15th century and is also a remnant of an earlier fortified church, from which the defence of the village was organised. The old rectory is described as probably the only Essenheim house still standing from the time of the Thirty Years’ War.

A historical tour of the village includes the former village moat and fortified churchyard, the Protestant Church, the Jewish cemetery, the historic town hall, the discovery site of a Roman sarcophagus, and the striking former tithe barn on Domherrnstraße. Stolpersteine memorial stones commemorate former Jewish residents of Essenheim. The “Street of History” exhibition presented the social and historical development of the village in ten private courtyards, the Protestant church and the Old School.

The Dalles is the historic centre of village life, a raised circular square with a view that directly adjoins the Kunstforum. The Domherrnhof is a half-timbered building with a vaulted cellar.

Art and Events

The redesigned steps between the church and the town hall courtyard are used as a venue for concerts and theatre performances. The Essenheim Art Association presents contemporary art and documentary films in six to seven exhibitions per year; admission to its events is free.

Trails and Wine

In summer, the courtyard of Wagner Winery becomes a cultural stage for theatre, jazz, readings and wine tastings. The winery offers wine tastings and guided vineyard walks for groups; two signposted wine walks start there. During the season, the winery’s wine tavern serves typical Rheinhessen dishes on weekends while it is open. For hikers, the winery can provide a map, glasses and suitable wines.

Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Essenheim can continue their accommodation search afterwards. More local pages: Undenheim, Nieder-Olm, Gensingen, Gau-Algesheim, Heidesheim am Rhein, Bodenheim, Uelversheim, Badenheim.

For the overarching travel overview: Mainz-Bingen.