by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:19th November 2019

Exploring the winding lanes of the old town

Heppenheim was the last destination on our Lakes and Lederhosen 2019 road trip before returning to the UK.
 
I must admit that prior to arriving in Heppenheim, I had some qualms about what to expect. Not that I was unduly worried; it’s just that we had visited some incredible Bavarian towns. And I wondered whether Heppenheim in the Hesse region of Germany would give them a run for their money.
 
Well, those doubts were soon diminished as we stepped into Heppenheim’s Marktplatz. It felt like we had gatecrashed a movie set. It was beautiful.

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A tactile brass 3D map of the Old Town of Heppenheim with the cathedral dominating the town
Touchy-feely map of Heppenheim

Where is Heppenheim?

How to get to Heppenheim

- By Air
You can catch a flight into Frankfurt International, and a connecting train to Heppenheim in a little over an hour. Check Booking.Com for your flight options.

- By Car
Heppenheim is just under 400 miles from Le Shuttle at Calais and just 35 miles from Frankfurt airport, so use RentalCars.Com to find your perfect hire car, and you'll be here in no time.

Discovering a little of Heppenheim

They grow wine too
Heppenheim, which is located in southern Hesse, is also known for its wine. Rows of manicured vineyards standing side by side across the hillside terraces are always a pleasant sight.
The roofline in front of the hills that provide a backdrop to Heppenheim.
Lush hillsides of Heppenheim

The variety of wine that is mainly harvested in this region is Riesling.

Due to the favourable soil conditions and ideal climate, dry Riesling is of high quality and, I can imagine, very sought after.

A view along a path that drops down before the eye is led up to a hillside with vineyards and a fortified Castle atop.
Vineyards nestled in the foothills of Starkenburg, a fortified castle

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Heppenheim Altstadt

Exploring old Germany
The old town of Heppenheim is incredibly pretty. You would completely miss it if you didn’t stop and take the short meander up the hill to the charming square.
The arch separating the Old Town from the new town of Heppenheim.
Through the arch to the Altstadt
A cobbled lane weaving its way past lovingly kept half-timbered homes with their painted shutters.
Winding streets of Heppenhein
A cobbled lane leading past half-timbered houses towards the centre of the Old Town of Heppenheim.
Lanes leading to Marktplatz

All through the tiny lanes of Heppenheim are colourful dwellings so immaculately kept.  Little boutiques, cafes, and ice cream parlours were tempting you.

Even though Heppenheim Altstadt attracts visitors, it still feels like it is in the hands of its residents.

Interesting fact

Well, if you’re a Formula 1 fan, then you may be interested to know that Sebastian Vettel was born in Heppenheim.

I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books.  I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.

We used a previous version of this book to plan our Germany road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.

DK Germany Cover

Heppenheim Marktplatz

The heart of this jewel in the Hesse region of Germany
Heppenheim Marktplatz stands out with its unique features, such as the charming central Marienbrunnen (fountain), a popular spot for locals to gather and chat. The square is also a treasure trove of history, surrounded by picturesque half-timbered buildings.
The view of market platz with its stone fountain taking centre stage against the backdrop of half-timbered buildings
Heppenheim Marktplatz
It’s so pleasing to see the care and pride that is taken in Heppenheim. The Rathaus (town hall) plays a central role; however, there are many other beautiful buildings here, too.
The stone fountain In the centre of market platz in front of Heppenheim's half-timbered town hall.
Heppenheim Rathaus
A roofline view of the gable ends of the building surrounding market platz. Here you can see a wrought iron sign featuring Golden Angel of a local hotel.
The Goldener Engel hotel in Marktplatz

Where to stay in Heppenheim

Halber Mond
During our visit to Heppenheim, the hotel we stayed at was the very welcoming Halber Mond. What made it even better was that it had its own on-site microbrewery.

The colourful lanes of Heppenheim

A charming walk through German History
Although you won't want to leave the Marktplatz, the intriguing little lanes that lead off it are inviting. Quaint rose line lanes with even more half-timbered homes for you to admire.
Another attractive half-timbered building at the edge of a lane leading away from the church.
Peaceful lanes
A bench with numerous potted plants the base of a half-timbered home
Half-timbered homes in Heppenheim
2 cyclist riding up a cobbled pathway towards market platz in the centre of the Old Town of Heppenheim
Cycling into Marktplatz
A bench with numerous potted plants the base of a half-timbered home
Empty streets around Altstadt
The vibrant streets, seemingly untouched by the outside world, instil a sense of intrigue. You feel as if you're embarking on a personal voyage of discovery, with the streets as your guide.

Tourist Information

If you are tempted to visit the Hessen region of Germany, the local tourism website gives some handy pointers.

Discover more of Germany

If you’d like to discover more of Germany, take a peek at some of our other posts. Just a short hop into Bavaria, we’ve visited Regensburg, Augsburg and Dinkelsbühl and at Christmas time, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg and Munich
Featured image for “Visiting Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany”
Aug. 06, 2019

Visiting Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany

A Bavarian city with an intriguing history
Featured image for “A Visit to Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany”
Aug. 20, 2019

A Visit to Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany

A Medieval Bavarian treat
Featured image for “A few hours in Dinkelsbühl, Bavaria, Germany”
Sep. 13, 2019

A few hours in Dinkelsbühl, Bavaria, Germany

A delicious Chocolate-Box treat along the Romantic Road.
Featured image for “The enchanting Christkindlesmarkt at Nuremberg, Germany”
Dec. 20, 2016

The enchanting Christkindlesmarkt at Nuremberg, Germany

Ahhhhh gingerbread…..
Featured image for “Mystical Reiterlesmarkt at Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany”
Dec. 22, 2016

Mystical Reiterlesmarkt at Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Where the magic happens
Featured image for “Magical Munich at Christmas”
Dec. 16, 2017

Magical Munich at Christmas

We love the German traditions…

Historic Heppenheim

Take me to church
As you continue your leisurely stroll through Heppenheim, you'll soon find yourself at the town's pinnacle. St. Peter's church proudly stands there, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Looking up at the front of the Cathedral of Bergstraße with its yellow brickwork and deep red stonework.
St Peter’s church Heppenheim
A portrait, wide angle view of a statue of Christ on the cross in front of the twin towers of the Cathedral of Bergstraße in Heppenheim.
“Cathedral of the Bergstraße” in Heppenheim
St Peter's church, also known as the "Cathedral of the Bergstraße", is a marvel of neo-gothic architecture. Built between 1900 and 1904, it is a unique and impressive structure that adds to the charm of Heppenheim.

Heppenheim's Streetlamps

Telling a tale of old Germany
While wandering around Heppenheim, keep an eye out for the quirky streetlamps. Dotted all through the old town, these lamps have some interesting, if not quite strange, depictions on them.
A close-up of a street Lantern attached to half-timbered building. The lantern depicts scene from local folklore.
Unusual streetlamps through Heppenheim
Another close-up, this time of a free-standing street lamp depicting yet another image from local traditions.
Every lamp tells a story

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