Neckarbischofsheim between the Castle Park and the city’s history

Neckarbischofsheim lies among gentle hills on the border between the Kraichgau and the Kleiner Odenwald. The castle park, historic buildings, a walking tour through the old town and three circular hiking trails offer a variety of experiences. The municipality of Neckarbischofsheim also includes Helmhof and Untergimpern. You can tailor your stay to nature, local history or seasonal activities.

Castle Park and Hiking Trails

The approximately 2.6-hectare castle park surrounds the Old Castle, a picturesque castle pond and a well-preserved Renaissance gate. The arboretum includes, among other trees, two that are more than 250 years old; particularly impressive specimens are marked with information boards. The park, pond and gate bring together a green space and historic architecture.

The castle park is the starting and finishing point for three circular hikes maintained by the Neckarbischofsheim branch of the Odenwald Club. The “Altenberg” route (NB 4) is 5.6 kilometres long, “Autenberg” (NB 1) covers 7.3 kilometres, and “Helmhöfer Forsthaus” (NB 3) runs for 18.0 kilometres. The distances make the differences between the routes clear: when planning your day, you can choose between one shorter and two longer circular hikes without changing your starting or finishing point. The municipality also offers varied walks and longer hikes, including routes through neighbouring municipalities.

History on a Walking Tour of the Old Town

The Historical Walking Tour covers 25 monuments in the old town. Information boards and QR codes provide further information and video clips, combining a walk with opportunities to explore in greater depth. A landmark along the way is the Pentagonal Tower, dating from 1448. At 24 metres tall, it is a remnant of the town’s defences and a local landmark. Since 1965, the tower has housed an exhibition on local history, with boundary stones, fossils, Roman artefacts, the furnishings of a farmhouse parlour, and objects relating to crafts and agriculture. The collection also includes archival materials on the town’s history, club flags and uniforms.

Other historic sites reveal different sides of Neckarbischofsheim. The tower of the Protestant town church of St. Salvator was built in 1543. Schmitthenner House is the birthplace of the poet and theologian Adolf Schmitthenner. Alexanderburg, built in the first half of the 16th century, is the birthplace of the poet Karl Mayer and the landscape painter Louis Mayer. At Synagogue Square, sections of wall from the Jewish house of worship built in 1848 have been preserved; a memorial stone commemorates its destruction during the November Pogrom of 1938. The town pharmacy was built in 1824 in the Neoclassical Weinbrenner style; its history as a pharmacy dates back to 1881.

The local collections also offer a way to explore the area’s history. The local history museum displays objects and paintings from the history of Neckarbischofsheim and the Lords of Helmstatt, who were the local lords from the 13th to the 19th century. The Adolf Schmitthenner Room contains works by poets Karl Mayer and Adolf Schmitthenner, both born in Neckarbischofsheim, as well as paintings by the landscape artist Louis Mayer.

Seasonal Activities and Choosing Accommodation

Seasonal activities offer something different from hiking. The Feldbahnfreunde operate a narrow-gauge railway attraction at the edge of town on the road towards Helmhof; rides are available during the summer months and on selected dates. Check the schedule before travelling. There is also an outdoor swimming pool for the summer months. As its seasonal availability may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

Your choice of activities may therefore be the deciding factor in planning your stay.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Heddesheim, Reilingen, Wilhelmsfeld, Neulußheim, Lobbach, Schönbrunn, Hockenheim, Hemsbach.

Go to the main travel overview: Rhein-Neckar District.