Frei-Laubersheim: Wine Traditions, Architectural History and Hiking Trails

Frei-Laubersheim combines a winegrowing tradition dating back more than 1,200 years with buildings whose history ranges from the defensive tower built around 1200 to the town hall of 1603. The Hiwweltour Eichelberg also brings together natural and cultural landscapes, quarry scenery and winegrowing. The town’s history and time spent outdoors offer different highlights during a stay.

Architectural History and Places of Remembrance

The town hall is a Renaissance building dating from 1603; a pillory stone also stands by the town hall. Several buildings in the historic quarter have initial construction phases dating from the 16th century and were rebuilt in the 18th century. The oldest building in town is the defensive tower of the former fortifications; it was built around 1200.

The newer church in Frei-Laubersheim also makes its own architectural statement: it is a seven-sided rotunda with an integrated bell tower. It was consecrated on November 8, 1970. The Peace Linden beside the Catholic church commemorates the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871. To the north of town, the foundations of the former St. Catherine’s Church were excavated by a local teacher and a school class. The building complex of the former Tholey Abbey estate has been preserved, particularly within the Görtz estate.

Winegrowing, Museum and Local History

The long tradition of winegrowing shapes the town’s history; a different historical facet lies behind the nickname “Cappes-Laubersheim.” It refers to the former importance of cabbage growing. Wine and cabbage thus stand side by side as distinct themes when you explore local history.

The village museum is located in the former sales room of the Mathes butcher shop. It was added in 1905 to a main building dating from 1734. The exhibition room measures 25 square metres, while the outdoor area is twice as large; two display windows are also used to exhibit objects. Opening hours are linked to public events in Frei-Laubersheim and to regional, national or international occasions such as International Museum Day. As exhibition arrangements and opening schedules may change, check the current dates and the exhibition on display before visiting.

The Hiwweltour Eichelberg

The Hiwweltour Eichelberg starts and ends at the hiking car park by the old railway station in Frei-Laubersheim. The circular trail is 11.2 kilometres long and includes 270 metres of ascent and descent. It is known for connecting diverse natural and cultural landscapes with views of quartz porphyry quarries and Frei-Laubersheim’s wine culture. In Rheinhessen, the Hiwweltour routes are certified circular hikes through the wine-cultural landscape; nature experiences and long-distance views are part of their character.

The distance and elevation gain provide concrete points of reference for planning your day. Check local route information before setting out: the route authority may revise distance figures, and regional trail markings may change.

Which aspect matters more to you depends on whether you want to focus your trip more on local history or on a longer hike.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lauschied, Reiffelbach, Hargesheim, Schloßböckelheim, Meddersheim, Meisenheim, Nußbaum and Langenlonsheim.

Go to the main travel overview: Bad Kreuznach.