Enjoy your time in this jewel of the Deutsche Weinstraße, or German Wine Route, where you’re surrounded by vineyards, stunning scenery, and cultural extravaganzas that celebrate it all. There’s an endearing quirkiness that makes everything interesting in Bad Dürkheim.
Take the Riesenfass, where you see what’s purported to be the biggest barrel in the world. If you’ve just visited Heidelberg castle you know that honor’s already been taken. Your puzzled expression gives way to amusement when you realize it’s just a barrel shaped restaurant. How’s that for novelty?
The Schlossgarten nearby soon grabs your attention with its inordinate beauty. Half timbered houses along the avenue add to the picture book effect, making you want to linger. You will perhaps intend to stay longer at the Cure House (Kurhaus) where they have salt springs and other spa treatments.
The road leading to the Palatinate Forest region has some architectural wonders awaiting you. Clothed in the astounding beauty of the surrounding area, you’ll find the ruins of the Benedictine abbey of Kloster Limburg and the Hardenburg Castle.
The Haus Catoir Arts Center will captivate art lovers and others. The baroque style building houses the local history museum, a music academy and the municipal library are housed here. If you’re here in the summer, chances are there’s some cultural event going on in the courtyard.
The Philippshall Saline or Bad Dürkheim salt works is a listed cultural monument you can’t afford to miss, especially if have some respiratory ailment that could do with some help. The Salinarium is popular with folks who enjoy the saline tang in the air that re-creates a seaside ambience.
By the way, mid September is a great time to visit if you like sausages. That is when the Sausage Fair kicks off with great fanfare and accompanying entertainments. The streets are taken over by processions and fairs, and you get to taste some real good food and wine, and of course sausages and home made bread.
Bottom line, this town is definitely a great place to visit and relax, as are many others from the Bad Dürkheim District.
And the entire state of Rhineland-Palatinate is awesome. Cultural diversities, nice people, extensive wine regions, and green areas all over the place. You’ll enjoy it!
