Spring Hike in Weinheim, Germany: Hermannshof, Schlosspark & Burgruine Windeck Loop
This 2–3 hour loop hike in Weinheim takes you through the blooming Hermannshof garden, tranquil Schlosspark, the exotic tree forest of Exotenwald, and ends at the panoramic Burgruine Windeck. Ideal for a spring getaway from Heidelberg or Mannheim, complete with café stops and castle views.
Region: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Duration: 2 hours 49 minutes
Distance: 9.55 km
Highest Elevation: 280 m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May)
🚆 How to Get to the Trail
The hike starts in Weinheim, easily accessible by public transportation.
- By Train: Take a train to Weinheim Hauptbahnhof.
- By Bus: From the station, take Bus 633 to the Weinheim, Hermannshof stop.
🥐 Pre-Hike Brunch at Café Fräulein Männl
Website: https://www.fraeulein-maennl.de/
We started our day with brunch and coffee at this cozy café near Weinheimer Schlosspark. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it was the perfect spot to enjoy the spring sunshine. I had the Avocado Classic, while my boyfriend chose the Hummus Classic—both were fresh and delicious.
Trail Highlights: A Scenic Loop Through Nature and History
A. Weinheim Marktplatz
The trail begins at the charming Weinheim town square, passing by the St. Laurentius Catholic Church. In the early morning, the area is peaceful. It's a great way to start the day!
B. Hermannshof Botanical Garden
Spring is the perfect time to visit this beautiful garden. On our hike (April 19, 2025), we were treated to vibrant flowers and perfect weather. This is a must-see stop for nature lovers and photographers.
C. Schlosspark Weinheim
A tranquil, well-maintained park surrounding Weinheim Castle. It was quieter than Hermannshof, with shaded paths and plenty of green space for relaxing.
D-E. Exotenwald Weinheim
This unique forest is home to exotic trees from North America and Asia. With several trails to choose from, it’s a great place to explore. We followed our pre-planned Komoot route to continue toward the castle.
F. Burgruine Windeck (Windeck Castle Ruins)
The final destination of the loop! The Windeck Castle Ruins offer panoramic views of Weinheim. There's a small fee to climb the old castle walls, and a restaurant on site serving food and wine. We brought our own snacks and enjoyed a picnic just outside the castle grounds while taking in the views.
🍦 Post-Hike Treat: Ice Cream at Gelateria Pandolfo
We finished our hike back at the Weinheim Marktplatz, which was now lively and bustling. To reward ourselves, we stopped at Gelateria Pandolfo for some ice cream. They even had vegan options!
Final Thoughts: Why This is One of the Best Day Hikes Near Heidelberg
This scenic 9.5 km hike in Weinheim is perfect for a spring day. It combines botanical beauty, forest trails, and medieval history, all accessible by public transit. Whether you’re based in Heidelberg, Mannheim, or traveling through the Baden-Württemberg region, this hike is a must-do.