Bensheim Travel Guide

A complete travel guide to Bensheim with information on places to visit, food scene, where to stay and how to get there.


Travel Guide to Bensheim: A Comprehensive Tour Guide

Bensheim is a beautiful and historic city located in South Hesse, Germany. It is known for its beautiful scenic views, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage. If you are planning to visit Bensheim, this comprehensive tour guide will help you make the most of your trip.

Introduction to Bensheim

Bensheim is a small municipality located in South Hesse, Germany. It is a charming city with a rich history, dating back to the 8th century. The city is divided into two sections, Bensheim-Auerbach and Bensheim, both of which have their unique charm and attractions.

With a population of over 40,000 residents, Bensheim is a lively city with a vibrant culture and a wide range of activities and attractions to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Bensheim has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Bensheim

Below is a list of places to visit in Bensheim:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lauterburg Castle: Located in the heart of the city, Lauterburg Castle is a magnificent structure dating back to the 12th century. It is a perfect place for history lovers to explore and learn about the region’s past.
  • Bensheim Museum: This museum is an excellent place to visit if you are interested in local culture, history, and art. It has a wide range of exhibits showcasing the region’s past and present.
  • Bensheim Synagogue: This synagogue is a historical landmark, representing the Jewish community’s rich history in the area. It is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in religious history.

Natural Attractions of Bensheim: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bergstraße-Odenwald Nature Park: This is a stunning nature reserve that spans over several municipalities, including Bensheim. It is an excellent place for hiking, biking, and nature walks, with scenic views of the surrounding valley.
  • Nibelungensteig Trail: This is a scenic trail that runs through the city’s outskirts, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Jewish Cemetery: This cemetery is a peaceful and tranquil place, located in the heart of Bensheim. It is an excellent place to explore, learn about the region’s Jewish history, and appreciate the serene atmosphere.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bensheim

Bensheim offers many exciting hiking and biking routes with beautiful scenery. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Nibelungensteig Trail: This trail runs 95 kilometers through stunning landscapes, starting from Zwingenberg and passing through Bensheim.
  • Bergstraße-Odenwald Nature Park: With over 3,500 kilometers of marked trails, this nature park has something for hikers of all skill levels. The park offers scenic views of valleys, vineyards, and mountains and passes through several municipalities, including Bensheim.
  • Rhine-Neckar Cycle Route: This is a popular cycling route that passes through several municipalities, including Bensheim. It offers scenic views of the region’s beautiful landscapes and is a perfect way to explore the countryside while getting some exercise.

Best Things to Do in Bensheim: Activities and Tours

Bensheim offers many exciting activities and tours, including:

  • Wine Tasting Tours: This region is known for its exquisite wines, and taking a wine tasting tour is a must-do activity for wine enthusiasts. You can visit local vineyards and sample some of the best wines in the region.
  • Bensheim Christmas Market: The Bensheim Christmas Market is a popular annual event, with vendors selling crafts, traditional food, and drinks. It is a perfect place to experience German holiday traditions and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
  • The Palace Concert: The Palace Concert is a yearly event that takes place in the Lauterburg Castle. It features classical music and is an excellent way to experience the region’s rich culture and history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bensheim

Here’s a week-long itinerary you can follow while visiting Bensheim:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Bensheim Museum and explore the city’s historical sites
Day 2 Hike or bike through Bergstraße-Odenwald Nature Park
Day 3 Take a wine tasting tour of local vineyards
Day 4 Visit Lauterburg Castle and explore the castle grounds
Day 5 Visit Bensheim Synagogue and other religious sites in the area
Day 6 Take a day trip to nearby Heidelberg
Day 7 Relax and enjoy some local food and drink scene

Food and Drink Scene of Bensheim

Bensheim offers a wide range of local dishes and beverages that you must try, including:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Flammkuchen: This is a savory dish similar to pizza, with a thin crust and a variety of toppings, including bacon, cheese, onions, and sour cream.
  • Handkäse mit Musik: This is a local cheese dish served with onions, vinegar, and oil. It is a classic dish you must try while in Bensheim.
  • Riesling Wine: The region is famous for its Riesling wines, and you must try them when visiting Bensheim.

Local Beverages

  • Apfelwein: This is a local apple wine, also known as Ebbelwoi. It is a refreshing drink that locals love to savor.
  • Bier: German beer is famous worldwide, and Bensheim has its local breweries, offering a variety of different types of beer.

Where to Stay in Bensheim: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bensheim offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the top-rated hotels include:

  • BEST WESTERN Parkhotel Krone: This is a beautiful hotel that offers a spa, pool, and comfortable rooms with excellent service.
  • Hotel-Restaurant Poststuben: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant featuring traditional dishes.

What to Buy in Bensheim: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bensheim has many unique souvenirs and local products that you can bring home, including:

  • Wine: Bensheim is known for its exceptional wines, and you can purchase some to take home.
  • Crafts: There are several shops offering handmade crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and other traditional items.

Local Culture and Customs of Bensheim

Bensheim has a rich culture, steeped in history and tradition. Some of the local customs and traditions you’ll experience include:

  • Fasching: This is a celebration similar to carnival held in February. It is a time for locals to dress up in costumes and enjoy parties and parades.
  • Friedrichsfest: This is an annual event held in July, featuring local music, food, and dances. It is a celebration of the town’s heritage and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Bensheim

The best time to visit Bensheim is during the summer months between June and August. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bensheim

Do:

  • Try the local wine and cuisine: Bensheim is known for its food and drink scene, and you must try some while visiting.
  • Explore the city’s rich culture and history: Bensheim has a fascinating history, and there are many museums and historical sites to explore.
  • Bring comfortable shoes: The city has many hiking and biking trails, so be sure to have comfortable shoes to explore.

Don’t:

  • Ignore local customs and traditions: Be respectful of the locals’ customs and traditions and try to learn about them while visiting.
  • Expect everyone to speak English: Although many people in Bensheim speak English, it’s always polite to learn some common phrases in German.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bensheim

Bensheim is a safe city to visit, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always best to take normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Bensheim

Bensheim has excellent medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals. Medical treatment is widely available and of a high standard.

Getting to Bensheim: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bensheim

The closest airports to Bensheim are Frankfurt Airport and Stuttgart Airport, both of which offer international and domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Bensheim

Bensheim has a central bus station in the heart of the city, offering local and regional transport options.

Other Options

Bensheim is well connected by train, with a central train station offering connections to other cities in Germany and Europe.

How to Get Around Bensheim

Bensheim is a small city, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, there are also options for public transport, including buses and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Bensheim: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bensheim is an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations, including:

  • Heidelberg: This picturesque city is only 20 kilometers from Bensheim and is home to some of Germany’s most famous landmarks, including the Heidelberg Castle.
  • Frankfurt: Only 60 kilometers from Bensheim, Frankfurt is a bustling city offering a mix of modern and traditional attractions, including the Frankfurt Cathedral and the Goethe House.

Conclusion

Bensheim is a beautiful and historic city, offering a mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in visiting museums, hiking through nature, or simply trying the local cuisine, Bensheim has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive tour guide helps you make the most of your trip to Bensheim.

Wambolter Hof Wambolter Hof Half-timbered houses from 1682, Marktplatz Half-timbered houses from 1682, Marktplatz Bridge with statues within the ''Altstadt'' Bridge with statues within the ''Altstadt''