You know you’ve got it good when you find a town that combines the best of what Germany’s known for. A town where the German Wine Route crosses the Autobahn, near to the northern border of the Palatinate Forest. And, conveniently located only about 25 km or 15 miles from the city of Worms. How lucky for the 13,000 people that call Grünstadt, the Green City, home.
Grünstadt’s history dates as far back as 5000 B.C. with archaeological finds from those ancient hunters and gatherers found around these parts. If you find yourself within Peterspark, know you’re walking around some seriously old real estate. The Romans once buried their dead here, as well as having built an elaborate temple complex. Once the Christians came along, they added their touch to the area when they built a church here.
Come to think of it, walking is probably the best way to see Grünstadt, especially if you’re going to do some serious wine tasting. Consider following the 3 Castle Walking Route which is one of the best. When following along this route, it’ll take you to the medieval Castle Altleiningen. Even better, you can start your journey here at this 12th century castle, since its available for inexpensive overnight accommodation.
Though if you do consider biking it, you’ll find some wonderful bike trails running through the forest. One of the more popular routes is the “Herb and Carrot Cycle Route,” which runs on for about 137 km through some wonderful forest countryside.
Besides the medieval castles and bike routes named after food, you’ll find some beautiful places to explore, too. One of the most notable is the elaborate Baroque-style Jewish synagogue which has been beautifully preserved, as there hasn’t been a Jewish presence here for about 80 years. The town has even preserved the old Jewish cemetery.
People not too fond of the colder months will find a festival that is held every March pretty interesting. The festival called Stabausstecken centers around an event called Winterverbrennung, or Winter Burning, where winter is symbolically burnt away.
Grünstadt has so much to offer from its walking and biking trails through wine country, to its medieval castles and Baroque synagogue, and even a fun “get rid of winter” festival. How could you not enjoy the Green City?
