Discover Hochstadt (Pfalz)

Hochstadt (Pfalz) combines winegrowing with a landscape of loess sunken lanes and vineyards. Historic buildings, a viewing tower and cycling options round out the picture. When planning a trip, you can focus on nature, local history or food and wine. The first documentary mention of the village dates back to a Lorsch Abbey charter from 776.

Loess, Vineyards and Views

The first loess sunken lane in the Hochstadt land consolidation area was restored between 1990 and 1992. In 2002, a second, larger and deeper sunken lane was created in Hochstadt, alongside a south-facing loess slope. Both sunken lanes provide habitats for plants and animals that thrive in heat and dry conditions, including lizards, snails and wild bees.

The Houschder Winzerturm, also known as the Hochstadter Turm, is located near Hochstadt. Its viewing platform offers far-reaching views across the vineyards; visits at sunrise or sunset are considered especially rewarding. The tower was built in 2004 by the Hochstadt land consolidation participants’ association and commemorates the 2002 land consolidation.

Architectural History in the Village

Several listed buildings represent different periods and architectural styles. St. George’s Parish Church on Hauptstraße is a Baroque hall church dating from 1749 onwards; its Neo-Gothic tower dates from 1864. The Protestant church at Hauptstraße 64 is also listed and is a Baroque hall church dating from 1727. At Friedhofstraße 7 stands a listed half-timbered Baroque house dating from 1751.

The Jewish cemetery is also listed as a monument zone. It contains 93 gravestones; the oldest dates to 1864. Together with the churches and the half-timbered house, it offers a glimpse of the village’s architectural and local history from the 18th to the 19th century.

Cycling, Draisine Rides and Picnic Breaks

The Südpfalz cycle route runs through Hochstadt, past vineyards, towards Klein- and Großfischlingen. Overall, the route is considered gently hilly and suitable for families with children. Check current route information before setting off, as the route may change.

Another way to experience the area is the Südpfalz Draisine Railway: it runs from Bornheim via Dreihof, Hochstadt, Zeiskam and Lustadt to Westheim and back; the route covers up to 24 kilometres. As booking and operating arrangements may change seasonally, check them before planning your trip.

The “Im Rebenmeer” picnic area is located outside Hochstadt, among vineyards, and offers shady natural-wood seating for walkers, cyclists and day-trippers. For directions, start at the Friedhof Oberdorf car park: follow the farm track for 850 metres, turn left and continue for another 300 metres. Check current trail conditions before setting off.

Winegrowing, Fruit and Food

The Schweder family has run Weingut Schweder in Hochstadt since 1898. Covering around 19 hectares, the estate focuses on Burgundy varieties and Piwi grape varieties; the vines grow in deep loam and loess soils around Hochstadt. Weingut Hörner is on a farmstead on the western edge of the village and cultivates around 30 hectares of its own vineyards. The winery describes its approach to winegrowing as modern and close to nature. Weingut Rummel cultivates around 16 hectares around Hochstadt, growing both modern and traditional grape varieties. The vineyards lie on calcareous, partly sandy loess-loam soils.

Obsthof Wicke produces more than 40 varieties of apples and pears, as well as nashi pears, plums, mirabelles, peaches and nectarines. The farm café serves breakfast featuring produce from the farm and region, along with coffee, homemade cakes, ice cream, waffles, juices and small seasonal dishes. The café’s offerings may vary by season.

Hochstadt as a Place to Stay

This lets you choose where to stay based on the experiences that matter most to you on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Edenkoben, Böchingen, Rinnthal, Völkersweiler, Wernersberg, Gossersweiler-Stein, Dernbach, Kirrweiler (Pfalz).

Back to the main travel overview: Southern Wine Route.