Holiday in Pfalz
Area in Germany — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇩🇪
Country
Germany
Type
Area
Best time to travel
March/April (almond blossom), May to October (wine, hiking, 15-28 °C). September for the Wurstmarkt. Winter for Christmas markets.
Budget/day
60-130 €
Getting there from Germany
By ICE train to Mannheim (30 min from Frankfurt), then regional train to Neustadt an der Weinstraße. By car via A65 or A6.
About Pfalz
The Pfalz in Rhineland-Palatinate is Germany's largest contiguous wine-growing region and a place that uniquely combines enjoyment, history, and nature. The German Wine Route, opened in 1935 as the first tourist wine route in Germany, winds for 85 kilometers from Bockenheim in the north to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach at the French border. The Pfälzerwald is the largest contiguous forest area in Germany and has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve along with the adjacent French Northern Vosges. Bizarre sandstone cliffs, mighty castle ruins, and tranquil ponds shape a landscape that is unparalleled as a hiking paradise. The Dahner Felsenpfad and the Felsenland Sagenweg lead past bizarre rock formations. Bad Dürkheim is home to the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, the largest wine festival in the world: over 600,000 visitors celebrate for nine days every September with Pfälzer wine, Saumagen, and brass music. The giant barrel in Bad Dürkheim holds 1.7 million liters and houses a wine restaurant. The region surprises with an almost Mediterranean climate: figs, almonds, lemons, and kiwis thrive along the Wine Route. In spring, the Haardt transforms into a sea of pink blossoms when the almond trees bloom — the Pfälzer almond blossom is considered Germany's harbinger of spring.
Top 5 highlights in Pfalz
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Deutsche Weinstraße
85 km first tourist wine route in Germany: from Bockenheim to the German Wine Gate, lined with wine villages and taverns.
Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt
Largest wine festival in the world: over 600,000 visitors celebrate for nine days in September with Pfälzer wine and Saumagen.
Pfälzerwald (UNESCO)
Largest contiguous forest area in Germany: sandstone cliffs, castle ruins, and hiking trails in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Burg Trifels
Imperial castle above Annweiler, where Richard the Lionheart was held captive: replica of the imperial crown and panoramic view.
Mandelblüte an der Weinstraße
Thousands of almond trees bloom in March/April in pink along the Haardt: Germany's earliest spring messenger, almost Mediterranean.
Hotels in Pfalz
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Pfalz
Recommended travel time
March/April (almond blossom), May to October (wine, hiking, 15-28 °C). September for the Wurstmarkt. Winter for Christmas markets.
Summer
18-30 °C, sunny and warm, one of the warmest areas in Germany
Winter
0-7 °C, mild for German standards, rarely snow in the lowlands
How much does a holiday in Pfalz cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
30-55 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60-130 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
140-320 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Pfalz
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Pfalz
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Visit taverns — seasonal winemaker taverns with homemade wine and cold platters. A broom over the door indicates that they are open.
Secure Wurstmarkt tickets early — hotels in Bad Dürkheim are fully booked months in advance in September. Alternative: Neustadt or Deidesheim as a base.
Hike the Pfälzer Weinsteig — 170 km premium hiking trail through vineyards and Pfälzerwald. Individual stages of 15-25 km are perfect for day hikes.
Almond blossom in March — Gimmeldingen near Neustadt has the most beautiful almond blossom festival. Check the exact date online, weather-dependent.
Rent an e-bike — the Wine Route is ideal for e-bike tours. Rental stations in Neustadt, Deidesheim, and Bad Dürkheim.
Food & drink in Pfalz
These specialties you must try!
