Hockenheim: Tobacco History, Church Art and Motorsport

Hockenheim offers a wide range of themes for a trip: the tradition of tobacco cultivation, church art and gardens, as well as motorsport at the Hockenheimring. When planning, you can consider which of these interests will shape your stay. History and architecture, a visit to the market or tours around the racetrack each offer a different focus.

Tobacco History and Church Art

The Hockenheim Tobacco Museum opened in 1984, is considered the first tobacco museum in Baden-Württemberg, and explores Hockenheim’s tradition of tobacco cultivation and processing. Its focus is the history of tobacco and how it is processed. The exhibits include worktables, moulds, presses and scales from an old cigar factory, as well as pipes, smoking accessories and numerous photographs. Individual displays may change.

The Protestant Stadtkirche also tells the story of the city’s architectural history. It was built between 1905 and 1907 in the Neo-Baroque style, based on a design by Hermann Behagel. Its 50-metre-high tower is among the tallest church towers in the region. The interior renovation completed in 2019, modern media technology and the organ, which is of outstanding importance beyond the region, define the church; the organ also makes it suitable for concerts.

St. Georg offers a different perspective on sacred architecture: the Catholic church is one of the rare Art Nouveau churches in southern Germany to have been largely preserved in its original form. Its preserved tower, altars, pulpit and organ make it an important example of sacred Art Nouveau in the region and a cultural monument of special significance. Check the opening arrangements separately before visiting. The Hockenheim Jewish Cemetery is a place of remembrance and has existed since 1879. Its 53 gravestones are spread across more than 5.72 hectares; visits are possible only by appointment or during special opening hours.

Gartenschaupark, Market Life and Annual Programme

The Gartenschaupark was created for the 1991 Baden-Württemberg State Garden Show and covers around 16 hectares. Its design includes historic gardens and a rose garden, a lakeside stage and numerous works of art. It also features around 370 m² of colourful seasonal flower beds and a variety of perennial plantings. The park offers a contrast to historic interiors and buildings: here, gardens, changing flower displays and outdoor art take centre stage.

The Hockenheim Medieval Market is held annually in the Gartenschaupark. Demonstrations and traditional crafts offer an insight into medieval life. Check dates and the programme separately before your visit. The Hockenheim Feierabendmarkt offers a different glimpse of market life today: it was launched in spring 2024 and continues to take place on the second and fourth Friday of each month, from 14:00 to 18:00, at Zehntscheunenplatz. Regional vendors sell, among other things, fruit and vegetables, cheese, baked goods and wine; freshly prepared meals are also available. What is on offer may vary from one market day to the next.

Motorsport and Travel Planning

During public driving sessions, you can experience the legendary Hockenheimring in your own vehicle. The sessions take place irregularly during the season on dates announced in advance. If you would like to include this experience in your plans, check the dates that have been announced. The number of participants on the Insider Tour is limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. These notes help you distinguish between the different motorsport offerings when planning your trip, without assuming fixed dates or availability.

More Places to Visit in the Rhine-Neckar District

Other places in the wider Rhine-Neckar District add to the range of cultural and travel experiences. The Electoral Palatinate’s Schwetzingen Palace has a Rococo theatre and a world-famous park. In Ladenburg’s historic town centre, much of the townscape still reflects the Middle Ages and, in places, the Roman period. Schwetzingen is also known for its long tradition of cultivation: asparagus has been grown there for around 350 years. Palace and garden culture, historic urban character and regional cuisine each offer a distinct focus.

Discover More Destinations

Heiligkreuzsteinach, Heidelberg, Zuzenhausen, Ketsch, Walldorf, Hirschberg an der Bergstraße, Ladenburg, Neulußheim

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