Fürfeld: Hiking, Vineyards and History

Forests and vineyards frame Fürfeld. Hiking trails wind through natural landscapes and vineyards, while historic buildings tell stories of different centuries. You can discover the town through its landscape as well as its history.

Hiking Among Vineyards and Scenic Views

The Staudernheim–Soultz-sous-Forêts long-distance hiking trail, marked with a blue bar, passes through Fürfeld on its route from Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg towards the Palatinate and Alsace. The Rheinhessische Schweiz recreation area offers extensive hiking opportunities through natural landscapes and vineyards; historic buildings and buildings reflecting local history lie along the trails.

The Hiwweltour Eichelberg also brings together a variety of impressions: it crosses the pine-covered Eichelberg and the wild natural landscapes of Rheinhessische Schweiz. Panoramic spots for a break include Nordpfalzblick. Another rest stop offers a view over Fürfeld, and a northern access path leads into the town. A second access point starts on the outskirts and runs through vineyards towards Thalermühle.

The route links Fürfeld’s half-timbered village character and wine culture with Baroque and medieval history. Alongside the landscape and views, the history of the buildings is also a key theme of the hike.

Cycling Through Gently Rolling Landscapes

A cycle path follows the Appel through natural landscapes and past old mills, castle ruins and churches. Vineyards, forests, meadows and fields characterize the landscape along the route; the Appel flows through Fürfeld’s municipal area. The regional cycling options also include the Appelbachtal and the Alsenztal. The landscape there is gently rolling, and mountain biking is also possible.

Gothic Chapel and Traces of Local History

Iben Castle and Templar Chapel is one of Germany’s oldest Gothic church buildings; only its choir survives. It stood at the center of a medieval Templar moated castle, first documented as a commandery seat in 1258. From Fürfeld, you can reach the chapel via the L 410 towards Hof Iben; parking is available along the path to the chapel. Of the former moated castle at Hof Iben, only the chapel and a few remains of the fortification wall survive.

Another historic building is the Baroque house. The Barons of Kerpen had it built around 1730 as an official residence for the Schultheiß (mayor). The town’s earlier history is also tangible: Fürfeld was first mentioned in a deed of donation issued in 897. There are 98 gravestones in the Jewish cemetery; the last burial took place in 1937.

The various stops reveal different layers of history: from the first documented mention through the medieval moated castle to the 18th-century official residence. Together with the hiking and cycling options, they offer a variety of reasons to explore Fürfeld and choose your accommodation according to the focus of your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Gutenberg, Bockenau, Meckenbach, Simmertal, Bretzenheim, Volxheim, Kirschroth, Duchroth.

For the main travel overview: Bad Kreuznach.