Discover Dossenheim: Trails, Traditions and History

Dossenheim combines trails through the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park with quarry history and vibrant local traditions. At 550 m above sea level, the so-called Weißer Stein is the highest point in the town. Hiking, cycling, museum visits and the Dossemer Kerwe festival offer a range of ways to enjoy your stay.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

In Dossenheim, Comfort Hiking Trail 1, “From the Long Cherry Tree to the Weißer Stein,” runs for 5.38 km through the varied landscape of the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park. It also leads to the Weißer Stein Tower. From there, you can enjoy views of the surrounding area; the tower is accessed by stairs. There is also a restaurant with a beer garden and a children’s playground.

For mountain biking, Dossenheim has the Steinbrecher Trail: a 19 km loop with 800 m of elevation gain and six trail sections. Its length and elevation gain set it apart clearly from the 5.38 km Comfort Hiking Trail. So your choice of route also depends on whether you are looking for a hiking trail or a mountain biking loop. A section of the long-distance Burgensteig Bergstraße trail also passes through Dossenheim.

Local Traditions, Museum and Quarry History

The Dossemer Kerwe is held every year in September as a street festival celebrating local traditions in Dossenheim. The festivities include a small amusement area for children, food stalls and live music. A longstanding part of the Kerwe is the traditional Holzäpfeltanz: it is part of Dossenheim’s old local traditions and has been passed down since the 17th century.

The local history museum is housed in Dossenheim’s old town hall. Under the theme “Life and Work in the Quarrying Village,” it documents aspects of Dossenheim’s early history, its castles and its links with the quarries. The museum also includes the Dossenheim Schoolroom, where you can see old school supplies, books, dollhouses and other historical objects.

The former Leferenz quarry has been transformed into an experiential space with a total of nine geosite information panels. The museum and the former quarry thus offer two different ways to explore Dossenheim’s history. Nearby, east of the municipality of Dossenheim in the Rhein-Neckar district, lies Schauenburg, also known as Neu-Schauenburg, a spur castle ruin.

Weighing Local Attractions and Access

The municipality of Dossenheim also includes Schwabenheimer Hof, an agricultural hamlet also known as the village of Schwabenheim. It is considered a popular destination for visitors, hikers and cyclists, particularly in spring and summer.

Dossenheim lies on federal highway B3, is connected to the A5 motorway and is easily accessible by car. Tram services connect it with Heidelberg, Mannheim and Weinheim.

More to Explore in the Rhein-Neckar District

Across the wider Rhein-Neckar district destination, distinctive cultural and culinary attractions complement what the town has to offer. The Electoral Palatinate’s Schwetzingen Palace features a Rococo theatre and a world-famous park; asparagus has been cultivated in Schwetzingen for around 350 years. In Ladenburg’s historic town centre, much of the townscape still reflects the Middle Ages and, in some places, the Roman period. These regional examples can be explored as separate interests alongside Dossenheim’s hiking trails, history and local traditions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Heddesheim, Hockenheim, Altlußheim, Weinheim, Oftersheim, Hirschberg an der Bergstraße, Angelbachtal, Neidenstein

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