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'City of two castles'. A description often given to the town of Weinheim in Germany is given. It is one of the greenest cities in Baden-Württemberg and has some wonderful sights to explore. From a historic old town to a market square in Italian atmospheres to green parks and gardens, where will you go first?

The green town of Weinheim in Baden-Württemberg

Weinheim offers travelers the ideal combination between nature, culture and cozy city life. This makes this German city a special pearl in Baden-Württemberg. A place to remember and which obviously belongs on your bucket list. Are you visiting Weinheim? Then be sure not to skip these highlights.

1. The botanical gardens of Hermannshof

When in Weinheim, don't miss a visit to the Hermannshof botanical gardens. Hermannshof in fact belongs to one of the most beautiful places in the city. It is a very nice place to escape from crowds in the town, especially on summer days. As well as being a place to unwind. You will find a huge diversity of plants and flowers, the most prominent being the many colorful tulips that bloom at the beginning of spring. But also the magnolia blossoms, wisteria and purple flowers attract attention and can be enjoyed in the period from May to October. Besides plants and flowers, you will also find particularly old trees, even centuries-old trees such as the nearly 300-year-old plane tree.

The splendor of the Hermannshof botanical gardens is spread over no less than an area of nearly 2 acres. A place where both young and old can enjoy themselves. A fun fact to share is that the Hermannshof has been included in the 2024 Garden Calendar, making it one of the 12 most beautiful gardens in the world. Do you now understand why the Hermannshof is ranked number one among the highlights of Weinheim, and even Baden-Württemberg?

Admission to the garden is free and you will find the entrance at Babostraße 5 and at Grabengasse/Rote Turmstraße. The gardens are open from April through September, daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For opening hours during the winter months, check the Hermmanshof website.

Wisteria Weinheim Hermannshof
Wisteria Hermannshof | Photo: Maria Zimmerman
Wachenburg Castle Weinheim
Wachenburg Castle, Weinheim

2. City castles of Berckheim, Windeck and Wachenburg.

As we wrote at the beginning of the article, Weinheim is known as the "city of two castles. This name is not only of historical value, but also offer you as a traveler insane locations to explore. But did you know that this name is based on the two elevated ruined castles Windeck and Wachenburg? And on top of that, there are the panoramic views you have of the vast surroundings from these city castles.

Berckheim

A former castle that now serves as the town hall of Weinheim. You will find a beautiful castle garden that you should not skip. There is an atmosphere of peace and beauty. It is the ideal place for a walk where you can take in the colorful flower beds, insane views and the historical splendor of the area.

Windeck

If you are going to visit Windeck Castle, there is a beautiful green trail that leads you to the top. This is the so-called Grüffelo trail. The castle dates back to 1109, but actually it is currently nothing more than a ruin. Over the centuries, the castle has belonged to different regions and owners, but since 1978 it has belonged to Weinheim, making it one of the town's landmarks.

Wachenburg

Although a castle almost always looks medieval, that is not the case with Wachenburg. This 330-meter-high castle was built from 1907 to 1928 as a venue for events and meetings. And that is still its function today. You'll find a restaurant offering panoramic views, and of course you can eat blissfully there, too.

3. The historic city center

Die Altstadt, also called the historic city center, is a feast for the eyes. It is full of photogenic half-timbered houses. One street is even more beautiful than the other. It is an incredibly cozy town where you can wander through the streets. Do not forget to take a look in the Gerberbachviertel district, where you will find many unique half-timbered houses.

4. Exotenwald

The exotic forest is unique to Weinheim in Germany, but also certainly in Europe. The forest stands out with its fairytale-like appearance of giant trees and sweet-smelling shrubs. You will find a collection of exotic and very rare trees from all over the world. Take a walk through Exotenwald and get to know tree species not normally found in Europe. You immediately understand why this is a particularly green gem in Weinheim!

Panoramic view Weinheim
Panoramic view of Weinheim
Park in Weinheim
Park in Weinheim

Practical tips for visiting Weinheim

On Weinheim's beautiful market square you'll find the local tourist office. Here you can get all kinds of information about the best things to do in Weinheim as well as the Baden-Württemberg region. In addition, the tourist office also offers the possibility to book activities on the spot, including, for example, a guided tour of the old town center.

How do I get to Weinheim?

The south of Germany has some particularly beautiful places to explore, including, therefore, the town of Weinheim. In our opinion, the ideal way to explore this region is by car. About 6.5 hours drive from Rotterdam you will find Weinheim, which makes Weinheim but also the region of Baden-Württemberg an ideal destination for a road trip close to home.

Prefer not to travel by car? Then you can still visit Weinheim, as the town is easily accessible by public transportation. If you are in the German city of Frankfurt, for example, you can be in the center of Weinheim in an hour. And train connections from the Netherlands to Frankfurt are also good.

Combine a visit to Weinheim with other gems in Baden-Württemberg

The sunny southwest, that is how the German region of Baden-Württemberg is also described. The region has beautiful landscapes, particularly beautiful nature and cozy and historic towns, including, of course, Weinheim. But towns like Freiburg and Rastatt are also worth exploring. Fancy going on vacation and discovering hidden gems? Then get inspired quickly on the website of Baden-Württemberg!

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At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!