Kappelrodeck: Vineyards, Legends and Trails

Kappelrodeck combines a distinctive wine-growing landscape with the legend of the Witch of Dasenstein and trails that offer insights into nature and local history. Rodeck Castle adds a historical touch. If you would like to combine wine-growing, storytelling traditions and hikes on one trip, the town offers several ways to do so.

Wine-growing and the legend of Dasenstein

The vineyards in the “Hex vom Dasenstein” wine-growing area around Kappelrodeck cover 180 hectares and are cultivated by around 80 wine-growing families. Almost 80 percent of the vineyard area in Kappelrodeck is planted with Pinot Noir. The legend is also part of the local wine culture: according to the tale, the Witch of Dasenstein gave Kappelrodeck wine its name. You can experience the story on a multimedia legends walk using a Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone or tablet.

The “Hex vom Dasenstein” wine cellar is considered a wine experience destination. You can also see an extensive medal collection in the wine cellars of Kappelrodeck and Waldulm. The wine-growing landscape, grape variety and legend offer different ways to discover the town: through its cultivation, local storytelling or the collection associated with its wine.

Educational trail and hiking routes

The fruit-tree educational trail runs through the districts of Kappelrodeck and Waldulm; its starting point is in Kappelrodeck below Brandrain. The route passes a three-part information board and a biotope, as well as wild roses and native trees. Other stops include wild and honeybee hives, stone-fruit trees with plums and cherries, and shrubs and hedgerows of wild berries. Along the trail, you will encounter both fruit-growing traditions and a variety of habitats and plants.

The Dasenstein Legends Circular Trail starts at Kappelrodeck station, which is easily accessible by public transport. This short, scenic hike leads through the vineyards outside Kappelrodeck, with the landscape alternating between forest and vines, and hills and valleys. The Kappelrodecker Hexensteig quality hiking trail also connects the Acher and Rench valleys. Below the Dasenstein natural monument, the Dasenstein hut in the vineyards has seating where you can take a break.

Landmarks and the wider travel region

Dasenstein is a natural monument in Kappelrodeck’s vineyards. Rodeck Castle, the town’s landmark, was built in the 12th or 13th century. These two places offer different points of interest: Dasenstein is part of the wine-growing landscape, while Rodeck Castle reflects the town’s long history.

The wider travel region is the Ortenau district, located between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares; they extend from the Rhine Plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. Families can enjoy water activities all year round at Rulantica in the Ortenau district, with numerous indoor and outdoor water attractions. The facilities also include Hyggedal, a relaxation and sauna area. Europa-Park is located in the municipality of Rust. In Gutach, a tour of the historic farmhouses at the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum shows how people in the Black Forest lived and worked up to 600 years ago.

Choose the right search area

If you would also like to include other nature, water and cultural destinations in the Ortenau district in your plans, consider the wider region when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Kippenheim, Ohlsbach, Gutach, Hornberg, Lautenbach, Sasbachwalden, Ichenheim, Durbach.

See the overview of the wider travel region: Ortenau district.