Dannstadt-Schauernheim

Dannstadt-Schauernheim combines a long local history with fountain culture, protected natural areas and cycle routes with different focuses. You can shape your stay around historical discoveries, walks by the water or a ride along paved paths. The character of the two present-day districts and their surroundings is reflected in a wide variety of details.

Early traces and fountains with their own symbolism

The two present-day districts have more than 1,200 years of documented history. Dannstadt is first mentioned in a document from Lorsch Abbey dating to 769. Schauernheim appears in the Lorsch Codex in 770 and 782 under the name Scurheim. These early records give each district its own historical points of reference.

The fountains also offer distinct points of interest. The Sagenbrunnen (Legend Fountain) was created by Reinhard Ader in 1986. It is associated with hope and comfort in difficult times; it is also considered the only fountain of its kind in Germany. The Ochs-&-Esel-Brunnen (Ox and Donkey Fountain) symbolizes the two districts with an ox and a donkey. Two semicircular pools together form a complete water disc.

Recurring events are associated with the Ochs-&-Esel-Brunnen: the Winter Fountain Festival, the Dannstadt Kerwe fair and the Kunst&Genuss market. The fountains thus provide a cultural counterpoint to the area’s nature and cycling attractions.

Nature reserves and walks

The Gräberfeld nature reserve lies within the Dannstadt part of the municipal area. Rare, endangered plants grow there, including pheasant’s eye. The Sandlöcher nature reserve is in the Schauernheim part and serves as a refuge for rare animals and plants. Each reserve brings different aspects of nature into focus.

Relaxed walks are possible along the Marlach and Stechgraben streams. The Palatinate Forest borders the area directly and offers opportunities to enjoy nature and go hiking. The range extends from paths alongside waterways to the natural and hiking landscape of the neighboring forest.

Two cycle routes, two different focuses

The 15-kilometer Kunsttour (Art Tour) follows paved paths through the Dannstadt-Schauernheim administrative area. It links artistic highlights in Dannstadt-Schauernheim, Hochdorf-Assenheim and Rödersheim-Gronau. The 14-kilometer ILE-Tour also follows paved paths, but passes through fields and vineyards. Along the way, there are views of the Haardt hills; there is also a rest area by the Fußgönheimer Weiher pond. The route passes through Dannstadt-Schauernheim and neighboring villages.

The routes differ in length by just one kilometer; their themes contrast more clearly: art and artistic highlights on one route, fields, vineyards and a waterside rest area on the other. An official cycling map shows routes and paved paths in the area, as well as their connections to the regional cycling network. It also provides information on art, culture, nature, dining and farm shops.

Getting around by bus

Route 571 connects Haßloch, Hochdorf and Ludwigshafen. Route 580 connects Deidesheim, Rödersheim and Ludwigshafen; both routes meet at the Verbandsgemeinde town hall. The timetable in effect following the operator change on June 15, 2025, shows both routes running seven days a week until at least 11 p.m. Check the timetable before you travel to make sure your plans match the current service.

The wider area: Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis

The wider travel destination of Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis includes the Rhine floodplains, with their jungle-like areas and swimming lakes, as part of its landscape. The district lies centrally between the Palatinate Forest and the Odenwald and offers numerous cycle routes through fields and floodplains. These include the Kraut-und-Rüben-Radweg, which runs through green fields and villages and along the Rhine. This regional perspective complements the walks and cycle routes described locally with further landscapes and route options in Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis.

Discover more destinations: Harthausen, Böhl-Iggelheim, Waldsee, Ludwigshafen Am Rhein, Bobenheim-Roxheim, Schifferstadt, Hanhofen, Lambsheim.

Back to the overview of destinations: Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis.