Bad Dürkheim celebrates the largest wine festival in the world – the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt Bad Dürkheim has been celebrating its traditional festival And although the name might suggest otherwise wine traditionally plays the dominant role at the Wurstmarkt All the wines offered here are award-winning and come from local vineyards the Wurstmarkt is the largest wine festival in the world attracting over 600,000 visitors: 9 days of celebration 36 traditional wine stalls called "the wheelbarrows" it is the rides that make the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt so interesting With a successful mix of spectacular rides and games the largest wine festival in the world offers fun and entertainment for young and old alike New attractions and a different layout of the festival grounds each year provide variety and many surprising effects Several children’s rides and attractions complement the offerings and delight the youngest guests of the Wurstmarkt More information can be found at: www.duerkheimer-wurstmarkt.de where Wurstmarkt visitors sit side by side on narrow wooden benches at equally narrow tables The name “Schubkarchstand” harkens back to long-forgotten times: when winemakers pushed the wines on wheelbarrows to the festival grounds and upon arrival simply turned around the barrels for serving on them which are erected year after year according to old traditions Nowhere else at the Wurstmarkt is it so easy for locals and outsiders alike to enjoy the variety of traditional “Pälzer Schobbe” in a sociable setting and chat about “this and that.” Those who wish to enjoy a variety of exquisite wines in stylish surroundings served in stem glasses along with fine dishes will find a perfect home in the Wine Village the Wine Village offers a delicious selection of classic white wines to characterful red wines and artisanal sparkling wines delicately flavored dishes cater to the culinary well-being of guests The Wine Village has something for everyone: thirteen wine and four gastronomy tents sweeten the stay of all guests guests eager to celebrate are offered food and drinks If you’re in the mood for Palatine “Woi unn Worscht,” contagious party spirit make sure to add the festival tent to your Wurstmarkt checklist By the way: The music program ends at midnight on each event day while the bar service in the festival tent continues without music until 2 AM Rolling hills and wide plains make possible the seemingly endless seas of vines that define the image of the wine-growing region of the Palatinate This extraordinary sight is only interrupted by the winegrowing villages and towns of the famous German Wine Route Countless wine events attract visitors to famous wine towns such as Bad Dürkheim Maikammer and Neustadt an der Weinstraße throughout the year There's sure to be something for you: Dürkheim Sausage Market - The world's greatest wine festival (16.09.2025) in Bad Dürkheim Find your favourite wine at one of the inviting wine festivals in the Palatinate! You can also find more varied events throughout Rhineland-Palatinate in the Rhineland-Palatinate events calendar Would you like more information about the Palatinate holiday region and the wine festivals in the Palatinate? You can always find it on our page: Holidays in the Palatinate will embark on a release tour in March/April 2025 with his new studio album ›Songs From My Kitchen Vol 1‹ The album is set to be released at the beginning of the year Inspiration for it came from his popular livestream series ›Songs From My Kitchen‹ Curtis Stigers has been captivating his fans weekly since March 2021 with intimate living room concerts straight from his kitchen he presents himself in a relaxed and approachable manner - accompanied by acoustic guitars seasoned with humorous anecdotes and personal insights His new tour combines this intimate atmosphere with the dynamism of his live band making the concert experience particularly special The upcoming shows offer the chance to experience the new songs from ›Songs From My Kitchen Vol 1‹ as well as his timeless hits live Curtis Stigers is a remarkable figure in the world of music With an impressive career spanning decades he is known both in the USA and internationally velvety voice and exceptional musical talents have secured him a permanent place in the music scene France and Italy are the European countries most commonly associated with wine experts but rainy Germany boasts 13 prominent wine-growing areas of its own — as well as a gargantuan way of showing off its bottle bona fides German vintner Fritz Keller wanted to create a memorial to German wine in his hometown of Bad Duerkheim Keller knew no better way to honor the work that goes into making wine than with a giant wine barrel the barrel deserves its designation as “giant.” It took nearly 200 trees to make and boasts a diameter of nearly 45 feet the barrel could fit more than 449,092 gallons of wine it never contained the burgundy ambrosia but was always a tourist attraction The barrel stands in a long tradition of giant “somethings” popular along American highways Having been to the world’s largest fork in Springfield my wife and I knew we had to add this giant German monument to our list We also wanted to find out how the food served there stacks up as a tourist draw The restaurant offers an American-size parking lot worthy of the giant barrel attraction A friendly member of the waitstaff showed us to our seat in an oak-clad dining room we did not step right into the belly of the barrel the restaurant remained so popular that seating added outside the barrel is used for most daily traffic today For those who don’t want to miss out on the wine-barrel feel the restaurant features rustic booths inside smaller wine-barrel-style cutouts The dining room in the wine barrel is available but only for group gatherings and it must be reserved for such occasions After we recovered from this slight disappointment our waiter got us started by plopping down a leather-bound Bible of a menu It featured a well-curated array of German traditional fare with some international additions The restaurant also offers a small vegetarian menu but vegans and those with food allergies beware An entire page in the restaurant’s book-like menu is solely dedicated to describing all the allergens used in its kitchen alongside a steadfast acknowledgment that the barrel proudly serves traditional German fare and is not allergen-friendly was nonetheless able to find satisfying options and chose the salmon filet with green sauce saffron rice and a generous helping of mixed salad I chose the vegetarian rendition of the schnitzel which came topped with a creamy bearnaise sauce and rice The restaurant was well-visited but not crowded old-timey country flair seemed authentic and comfortable for both an extended lunch and relaxed dinner We made a second visit with family and chose to sit outside the cozy patio gives a nice beer-garden atmosphere in the shade of large umbrellas and the barrel itself Sitting outside also gives visitors the opportunity to breathe in the air coming from the nearby Bad Duerkheim graduation tower which allows saltwater to evaporate into droplets The mineral-enriched air is said to have beneficial health effects similar to those of sea air My family opted for such favorites as the traditional Jaeger schnitzel which was perfectly cooked to golden-brown perfection and came with a deliciously creamy mushroom sauce My wife chose the rump steak served the “Palatinate way,” in au jus with pan-fried onions and country potatoes She followed the menu’s recommendation and paired the meal with the red Fitz Laurent grapes matured in a local oak barrel with berry and smoky paprika flavors While the giant barrel has always been a bit of a gawker gimmick the restaurant is anything but a tourist trap It offers reliable and well-executed German favorites in a folksy traditional atmosphere without undue kitsch it is the perfect place to take family visiting the area and looking for good German cuisine we left stuffed and felt as round as the barrel that beckoned us there We already know we’ll be back for the Wurstmarkt in September Last order for food is one hour before closing Prices: Appetizers and soups 5.50-18.70 euros; main courses Each menu item can be ordered in a “little smaller” size for a reduced price Wines range from 3.90 per glass to 23.20 per bottle A LITTLE-KNOWN town in Germany is home to the largest wine festival in the world For two weekends every year, Bad Dürkheim is transformed into a wine lover's paradise when 36 wineries descend on the German spa town Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt has been running for 600 years with the huge event now featuring 300 award-winning wines Holidaymakers looking to quench their thirst will want to head to the Wine Village, a sprawl of 16 tents that serve both wine and food Wine Village serves a range of plonk from full-bodied reds to sparkling white wines While some wines are served in traditional stemmed glasses, others - like white wine spritzers - are given to punters in pint glasses others have questioned the choice of glassware which would affect the temperature of the wine Freshly prepared food can also be purchased in the Wine Village The Pushcart Stands are another main feature of the event because they're a nod back to previous traditions They're shaped like wheelbarrow stands that were once used by winemakers to push barrels of wine onto the festival site the wooden carts were simply turned and stored on the barrels for serving For younger visitors who can't drink, there are also several rides and rollercoasters at Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt One of those is Jupiter Riesenrad, a huge Ferris Wheel Eurocoaster and a Fun House called Freddy's Rollercoaster Entry is largely free - although visitors will need to pay for some ticketed events as well as the wine and food Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt is only open for one other weekend in 2024 dates for next year have already been announced with the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt returning between September 12 to September 16 and September 19 and September 22 The event welcomes around 700,000 each year - although don't think it is like your traditional German drinking festival and wear a dirndl or lederhosen as they're not the appropriate attire for the event Bad Dürkheim is a 70-minute drive from Mannheim Ryanair operates a direct service from London Stansted Airport to Frankfurt International Airport with return tickets costing £31 per person British Airways also operates a direct service from London City Airport with return fares costing £162 there are still places in Europe where beers cost less than £2 The country is the birthplace of Budweiser and Pilsner which means you can find a number of brewery tours New last year was the immersive beer experience Pilsner: The Original Beer Experience Valencia pints can be found for as little as £1.72 as well as home to beautiful sandy beaches Also one of the cheapest to have pints of beer was Porto you can head to the Pink Palace in the World of Wine (WOW) building which has themed rooms dedicated to the joys of rosé wine Brno in Czechia also has some of the cheapest beers pints were cheaper than Prague at around £1.71 a pint You can read more about European cities with cheap beers, here Other cheap city break destinations include Prague And we've found some cheap three-night European city breaks. Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ There's sure to be something for you: Dürkheim Sausage Market - The world's greatest wine festival (22.09.2025) in Bad Dürkheim Would you like more information about the Palatinate holiday region and the wine festivals in the Palatinate? You can always find it on our page: Holidays in the Palatinate. He chose his stage name because he is a ray of sunshine on stage. But also because nobody invites him to a job interview due to his real last name. He shares what he has experienced as an educator in kindergarten and why he doesn't get roles as an actor. We listen as he talks backwards and how he is recognized on the street and recently has to deal with sales tax, and we can't help but close him in our hearts. Janus head (2003) Prof Eberhard Linke, Bad Dürkheim The sculpture at the southern entrance to the Kurpark was financed by private donors as part of the >stadtkunst< series. This art object is station no. 10 on the cultural tour signpost. The artist is represented with another work in Bad Dürkheim (Station 23). Visiting the Palatinate Museum of Natural History is bound to interest its patrons for hours, regardless of whether they can read German or not. I’m in the latter category, and I loved this museum. The Google Translate app on my phone allowed me to read the signs that lack explanatory material in English. I found something fascinating to gaze at or inspect in every room, such as a giant hornet’s nest, a display of brilliant glow-in-the-dark minerals and the 13-foot-long skeleton of a tiger python. The museum is housed in an old mill on the banks of the Isenach River, along a quiet residential street on the outskirts of Bad Duerkheim. A local doctor founded the museum in the 1840s with the aim of informing villagers about medicine and hygiene, according to its website. Some original exhibits are still on display and may make you shudder: lifelike models of children infected with typical diseases of the era, such as scarlet fever and diphtheria. But most of the exhibits, spread across four floors, relate to the natural history of the region, with an emphasis on animals. The fauna ranges from a collection of small birds to the huge, 120,000-year-old pelvis bone of a European elephant found in Speyer. Each collection has a theme. There’s one on insects, another on the geology of the Pfalz and the variety of rocks found in the earth here, including pieces of volcanic rock dating back 296 million years. Others include botany, mushrooms, mining and minerals. In one room, you can glimpse the animals you might encounter in the vast Pfalz forest, from a wild boar, wildcat and fox to several species of woodpeckers. Despite being preserved behind a glass box, the critters look lifelike. One of the museum’s best-known exhibits is the Kraehenberg meteorite, which fell from the sky and landed in the Pfalz village of the same name in 1869. The bang caused as it entered Earth’s atmosphere was said to have been heard as far as Wiesbaden, about 62 miles away, according to the museum. The 32-pound chunk of gray rock is estimated to be 4.7 billion years old. In the attic is the so-called “room of curiosities.” A stuffed polar bear on its hind legs seems to peer at you when you walk in, one of several “grim trophies” from the days of colonial hunting, according to the museum’s own description. The ecletic collection ranges from a giraffe skull and teeth to fish heads and exotic beetles. This is also where the aforementioned child mannequins are housed. Their lifelike qualities gave me a start. For real kids, the museum has several hands-on activities, such as looking at spiders preserved in plastic cases under a microscope, touching animal skins and finding camouflaged insects. Bring a few extra euros to buy a souvenir or two in the museum’s small gift shop. Address: Kaiserslauterer Str. 111, 67098 Bad Duerkheim Cost: Admission is 3 euros for adults, 2 euros for students and children. A family ticket is 6 euros. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday closed. The World's Largest Wine Festival: Wurstmarkt Germany is known for its expertise in beer and wine but decidedly less celebrated for its traditional cuisine. Along Germany’s picturesque national wine route, however, historic towns beckon visitors to savor hearty local culinary delights, from schnitzel to sausages. But tucked away along a quaint side street in the heart of Bad Duerkheim, vegans and food enthusiasts can find an alternative to traditional meat-based dishes. DieDa im WeinGut, a wine-focused vegan bistro whose name roughly translates to “that one in the winery,” has become a small beacon for those seeking plant-based options. I spotted the place on a stroll through town, and though it was closed at the time, I knew I had to stop in later. I finally visited on a recent Tuesday evening and was shown to a sunny window seat off the cobblestoned alley.   Housed in a beautifully restored historic sandstone building, DieDa im WeinGut exudes rustic elegance. Exposed wooden beams and low lighting create an intimate and inviting atmosphere in the 38-seat restaurant. The menu comes only in German with decidedly local names for items but is minimalist and easy to navigate. It features a selection of appetizers and soups. The vegan burgers in various variations take the proverbial center stage. I started with the Grumbeere-Lolli with mojo, or potato lollipop appetizer. Don’t be fooled by its sweet-tooth title, though. The dish consists of roasted rosemary potatoes in a delicious, creamy lemon dip topped with sweet Incan red drop peppers, which at first glance looked like tiny tufts of sauce but packed a surprising flavor punch for their size. Then I had the pleasure of indulging in the establishment’s signature dish: the “mountain climber” vegan burger. And the creation earned its nickname. The expertly assembled burger came stacked sky-high with toppings ranging from bell peppers and onions to sprouts. I opted for an additional non-vegan Swiss cheese. Despite the fluffy bun, branded with the restaurant’s logo, this decidedly was not finger food and I quickly resorted to a civilized approach with fork and knife. The star of the show was undoubtedly the patty, handcrafted with a homemade blend of plant-based ingredients, starting with a base of pearl barley, which added a delightful chewy texture and nutty undertones to each bite. Paired with perfectly ripe tomatoes, lentils and a secret spice recipe and topped with a tangy French dressing, the burger offered a fantastic balanced profile. The restaurant does not serve traditional fries, which could be a serious faux pas for burger gourmets but did not deter my enjoyment. Instead, the burger came with a small side salad. The changing offerings of house-made soups are also a great side dish option. While the burger was filling, I couldn’t pass up the homemade fruit parfait, which was two slices of frozen yogurt with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa arranged in the shape of angel wings. It was a heavenly finish to a guilt-free meal. The menu is rounded out by a small but carefully selected wine list. While I sampled a velvety and fragrant merlot, my favorite turned out to be the organic and alcohol-free Ur-Dinkel beer. Ur-Dinkel is a German term that refers to a specific type of spelt, one of the oldest known cultivated grains. The resulting beer had a distinct but unobtrusive bready flavor that went well with the tangy burger. The brainchild of Kathleen and Martin Dreissig-Richter, DieDa im WeinGut launched in the middle of the pandemic in mid-2021. It started as an idea for a food bike, inspired by the mobile food stalls common in Asian countries. On a walk through Bad Duerkheim, however, the couple passed the former Crow’s Cave, a pub that was known primarily for beer and blues. The space seemed ideal to support food-bike operations and expanded into the bistro. The small pub kitchen did not accommodate large appliances such as deep fryers and grills, leading to the creation of the largely plant-based menu. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply curious about exploring plant-based cuisine along with local wine, give “that one” a try and take a detour from the traditional for one of the best vegan burgers around. Address: Roemerstrasse 13, Bad Duerkheim, Germany Hours: Monday and Tuesday, noon-2 p.m., and 5-10 p.m. Open every third Wednesday, noon-3 p.m.; Friday, noon-2 p.m., and 5-11 p.m.; and Saturday, 2-11 p.m. The kitchen closes by 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closed Thursday and Sunday. Prices: Entrees range from 7.20 euros for a small burger to 13.50 euros for the largest version. The restaurant features daily changing soups and seasonal items. Saying that a restaurant treats its operations as a plaything wouldn’t normally inspire confidence. But in the case of Joujou, a whimsical and all-gluten-free eatery in Bad Duerkheim, Germany, whose name means toy in French, conventional wisdom goes out the window. The words “vollmundig, achtsam, verspielt” on the restaurant’s window translate to “full-bodied, attentive, playful.” There are arts-and-crafts decorations inside such as evergreen trees made from wine corks. Themed, reserved dining areas like the sun room and the bottle room add to the amusement. The general indoor seating area is adorned in black, green and yellow with an Art Deco motif. Its custom-made tiles and squiggly light fixtures pay homage to the height of 1920s style. But with its wallpaper a riot of monkeys, birds, chameleons and flora, the jungle room was the most captivating for me. A large, shaded terrace invites outdoor dining in warm weather. I enjoyed a satisfying lunch there back in September, my only complaint being the wasp that refused to leave me and my food alone. But for our party of four dining at Joujou in early December, insects weren’t a concern. We settled in for a meal that ended up turning a foul-weather Monday into a pleasurable evening. The pumpkin risotto with black garlic that I ordered was the talk of the table, and deservedly so. The thick rice was soused with a sauce that hinted of mustard, with sweet slices of pumpkin and the optional bits of steak rounding out the dish, which I paired with a luscious blackberry limeade. Listed on the menu as Die Verfaelschung der Renaissance, it was a masterful and innovative melding of flavors. My three fellow diners sampled it as well and reached the same conclusion. Also, it was so filling that I had a portion to take home for later. In retrospect, I wouldn’t have added the small steak, which tasted fine but didn’t warrant the extra 15 euros. Aside from that, the meal was a stellar example of gluten-free cuisine. An American colleague who is the most Germanized of us opted for Der Verspielte Herbst. It consists of king oyster mushrooms, chestnuts and red cabbage. He too deemed his selection wunderbar and well-balanced in its blend of flavors and ingredients. The mushrooms were meaty and he also praised the chestnuts. However, he vowed to go with the pumpkin risotto next time. Another colleague ordered Die Ackerperle, which combines a potato-zucchini fritter with field greens and a balsamic dressing, and a berry crumble with chocolate sorbet whose menu name translates to “the sweet seduction.” The appetizer his girlfriend chose, Der Kreuzbluetler, had enough heft to qualify as a main course with the optional addition of breaded Rhine River catfish. Heaping helpings of cauliflower, greens, sprouts, fried onions and potato puree filled the plate, accompanied by a drizzle made of white wine and mustard. They also partook of a bowl of the soup of the day, which turned out to be a pumpkin soup. Although the presentation looked nice, they told me afterward that the soup needed salt. My colleague’s berry crumble dessert proved seductive enough to live up to its name. He shared a bite of the fritter and the salad with me, and I concurred with his favorable assessment of both. I especially liked the delightfully tangy dressing. Joujou is not just a restaurant, though. It has a bakery and a farm shop in a neighboring building, where items ranging from waffles and wine to organic fruits and vegetables are offered. A standout at the farm shop is the fully stocked backpacks that hikers can rent for a ready-made picnic. They contain plates, cups, utensils and napkins, as well as whatever wine and food the customer adds. A map of outstanding local trails is included. Given Joujou’s location on the German Wine Road, the restaurant proudly showcases regional vintages on its extensive wine list. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of such things as glass straws for drinks. But even with its adherence to high quality and freshness standards, Joujou isn’t tied down by any culinary concept in particular, giving the proprietors latitude to play around with the menu offerings. In addition, it possesses fancy-restaurant feel and aesthetics while shunning the snootiness associated with fine dining. I was the only person at our table restricted to a gluten-free diet. Yet all of us reveled in our experience at Joujou even though the rationale that led me to choose it didn’t apply to the others. And with all the reasons it’s given me to keep coming back, I’m convinced that the 30-minute drive is worth it. An allergy-conscious restaurant with good food that actively encourages patrons to have a good time? Yeah, count me in for that. Address: Hauptstrasse 34, Bad Duerkheim, Germany Hours: Restaurant, 12-10 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 12-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 12-9 p.m. Sunday. Lunch served from 12 to 3 p.m. weekdays. Brunch offered the last Sunday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Bakery and farm shop, 12-6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Cost: Lunchtime menu items range from 5.90 euros to 14.90 euros, and from 5 to 8 euros for waffles and cake. On the dinnertime menu, the soup of the day costs 9.90 euros; appetizers have a base range of 11.90 euros to 13.90 euros; entrees run from 17.90 euros to 22.90 euros. Sunday brunch, 24 euros. KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Months after the cancellation of the Oktoberfest dashed beer lovers’ hopes of downing frothy pilsners in crowded tents in Munich this fall, the world’s largest wine festival, the Wurstmarkt in Bad Duerkheim, has also been called off because of the coronavirus. “The Wurstmarkt as we know and love it cannot be held this year,” Bad Duerkheim Mayor Christoph Glogger said in a statement released this month. “Anyone who’s been to the Wurstmarkt knows that there is a closeness between people at the event that is unthinkable in coronavirus times.” The festival usually brings some 685,000 visitors to the fairground of the town, about 45 minutes east of Kaiserslautern, in September to sip wine and eat sausages at long tables. This year is the second in a row that it won’t happen. No events will take place at the fairground, known as Wurstmarkt Place, but town officials are working on developing “smaller event formats” that can be held in the city center, officials said in a statement, without going into detail. “Not having the Wurstmarkt is a bitter loss — we sell a lot of wine at the festival,” said Jan Eymael, the owner of Pfeffingen winery. “It throws our plans in disarray because we make wines specially for the Wurstmarkt, and hold some back just for the festival,” he said. “Those wines have to get to clients another way, which means greater expense for us.” Like other local vintners, Eymael will hold a smaller-scale wine festival at Pfeffingen winery, showcasing new wines. The festival will run for four weeks, starting September 24, he said. The Egon Schmitt winery is also stepping in to fill the gap left by the cancellation of the Wurstmarkt, and will welcome some 300 guests a day to an event in mid-August. Guests will be able to try white, red and sparkling wines and dine on local dishes, said Egon Schmitt, the namesake proprietor of the winery. A bike ride and running races in August along the Weinstrasse, which goes from Wissembourg in France through Neustadt and Bad Duerkheim to Bockenheim, have also been canceled this year because of the coronavirus, organizers said. With some 400,000 people expected at the Weinstrasse Experience Day, held on the last weekend in August, it would have been impossible to ensure that social distancing rules were respected, they said. After several autumns in Germany, I still count the days down to this harvest celebration, which conveniently takes place around the same time as my birthday. This year’s Wurstmarkt is Sept. 6-10 and 13-16. To ensure you love this fest as much as I do, bring plenty of euros and remember these tips: 1. Take the train, stay overnight, or find a designated driver. The point of attending this fest is to drink the region’s famous wines. More than 300 varieties are available, poured in the traditional Pfälzisch Dubbeglas — every serving is a pint of wine! It takes 1.5 hours by train or 50 minutes by car to reach the Wurstmarkt from Kaiserslautern. We usually take the train for the afternoon, which is plenty of time for rides, food and beverages. 3. Choose a Weinschorle. It’s a spritzer of sparkling water and wine. Stay hydrated and pace yourself by sticking to these. Note that menu prices do not include the deposit (pfand) that you must pay for using real cutlery and china. You will receive this deposit back (a couple of euros) when you return the dishes, so make sure you bus your table. 6. Get a photo in front of the Dürkheimer Riesenfaß. Built in the 1930s as a tribute to the area’s vineyards, this wine barrel is one of the largest in the world. It could hold 1.7 million liters of delicious wine but houses a unique restaurant instead. 7. Arrive and depart early. No matter how you’re getting there, arrive before 3 p.m., spend a few hours and depart no later than 9:30 p.m. Around then, the fairgrounds become a wall of people, and the fest is suddenly less enjoyable. Do not end up on one of the last trains (11 or 11:30 p.m.) because you will be standing. If traveling by car, leave before 11 p.m. to avoid the mass exodus. Sign up to receive travel tips, local event details, restaurant reviews, recipes, community news, and more every week from Stripes Europe. The world’s largest wine festival © Courtesy Stadt Bad Dürkheim | Image provided by Stadt Bad Dürkheim Drinks being poured at the festival © Courtesy Stadt Bad Dürkheim | Image provided by Stadt Bad Dürkheim Drinking set aside, you’ll have all day to get on the head-spinning fairground rides, try to win big with the daily tombola or enjoy the best views from the Ferris wheel. The Wurstmarkt festival is filled with all kinds of fun events and activities starting with the official opening ceremony on the first Friday through to the blazing farewell-fireworks on the last day get up early and head to the main stage for the Literarischer Frühschoppen event a boozy early morning get-together with music and poetry performances Later that day sees the coronation of the annual wine princess the nearby Michaelsberg has been clad in vines making it the oldest vineyard site in the Palatinate region Annual September pilgrimages to the hilltop chapel made the vineyard known across the region and the market which accompanied the event quickly grew in size the markets had moved to today’s meadows and from here expanded from being a sober consecration fest to a regional trade show for wine and agriculture It didn’t take long for the business focus to morph into an exuberant folk festival known more for its impressive consumption of wine and sausages – hence the name Wurstmarkt Bad Duerkheim wouldn’t be the same without the rackety festival and a fixed date was eventually established then seven and finally a whole nine days in 1985 Fireworks over the vineyards © Courtesy Stadt Bad Dürkheim | Image provided by Stadt Bad Dürkheim Prices to and from Heidelberg or Mannheim are usually around €17 one way while tickets from Frankfurt cost around €25 for the fastest connection Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Fairground rides at the festival © Courtesy Stadt Bad Dürkheim | Image provided by Stadt Bad Dürkheim If you click on a link in this story All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip Read Next See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn Design The Most Beautiful Churches in Berlin See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do Germany's Most Beautiful Abbeys and Monasteries See & Do A Guide to River Cruises in Germany: What to Know See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best Weekend Trips From Heidelberg Art 10 Masterpieces You Can Only See in Munich US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. In 1934, using 200 40-meter long pine boards, barrel maker and vintner Fritz Keller built the world's largest barrel. It has never held any liquid but holds a wine bar and restaurant instead. At 13.5 meters wide it could hold 1,700,000 liters of wine.—apparently 100 liters for every single person in town! The Giant Barrel, also known as the "Heart of the German Wine Route," is a monument to Germany's history of viniculture and sits appropriately at the edge of the town's square, where the annual "Sausage Fair" is held. Until the Giant Barrel of Bad Durkheim was built, the Great Tun of Heidelberg Castle was the largest barrel in the world. It is intended to take one back to a stripped-down simplicity, to spend extended time both inside and out, and absorb the natural drama of the Upper Rio Grande Valley. One man's collection of found art, sculpture, and ephemera adorns his two side-by-side homes. A German artist built a home and garden filled with whimsical art pieces, like a massive, operational volcano. This house covered in small stones was the work of one man over the course of nearly 30 years. In this Florida couple's cottage, nearly every surface—inside and out—is covered in mosaic artwork. A home covered with elaborate mosaic and other pieces of art. A New York–based physician returned home to Spain to build his own elaborate monument to Christopher Columbus. One of the few remaining carousels built by master amusement park carver Charles I.D. Looff. 2016What is claimed to be the world's largest wine festival will open to visitors on Friday The Bad Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt celebrates its 600th anniversary this year People are sitting around little tables on the grass and enjoying the sunny October weather They are listening to the laid-back beats of a jazz band playing on the square in front of them What better way to relax and enjoy a drop of the local wine and the culture that goes hand and hand with it The German Wine Festival in Neustadt an der Weinstraße provides the perfect atmosphere for everyone Next to the Mediterranean garden with palm and fig trees on Hetzelplatz a historic ‘Spiegelpalast’ marquee is set up complete with a ‘Bon Vivant’ lounge and two magnificent bars where staff serve more than 100 different wines from Neustadt the Palatinate region and all over the world You can enjoy them in peace in one of the cosy booths between the wooden columns and order a selection of fine cheeses to go with them Things get livelier as you head towards the station There is a merry-go-round on the festival square and the little half-timbered stalls provide sustenance for visitors in the form of local specialities plenty of sausages and no shortage of drinks Big groups of people stand around chatting while others are dressed up in their finery as they head over the square towards the town hall which is the venue for a special wine tasting every year and also where the German Wine Queen is crowned The wine festival in Neustadt is just one of many celebrated in the Palatinate region They are all lively occasions and visitors from outside are always welcome the more people are sitting around a table and chats about life in this lovely area in general and about the local wines Rides on the fair at the German Wine Festival in "Neustadt an der Weinstrasse" Enjoy wine at "Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt" in Bad Dürkheim The oldest wine festival in the Palatinate has a name that could confuse visitors: the roots of the Wurstmarkt which literally translates as the ‘sausage market’ The locals entertained the pilgrims and festival-goers who had travelled to the pilgrimage church on the Michaelsberg outside of town for the church consecration festival 600,000 visitors now head to the Brühlwiese to celebrate the Wurstmarkt one of the largest wine festivals in the world There is also a big funfair and plenty of opportunities to taste various rieslings from the Palatinate region and other products from local winemakers Every year, the season begins with the almond blossom festival in Gimmeldingen, a district of Neustadt an der Weinstraße.  As of March, the pink blossom of the almond trees can be seen all over the Palatinate region, giving the landscape a colourful new face and marking the end of the cold winter months. In Gimmeldingen, this is celebrated with the crowning of an almond blossom queen and a glass of wine, the first of the year enjoyed in the open air. Blooming almond trees at Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Palatinate Find out everything you need to know on events, attractions and other destinations in the Palatinate at the Pfalz.Touristik. The wine festivals in Romantic Germany are a pure pleasure, as diverse as the grapes that are grown and pressed here. Enjoy an "all-inclusive" holiday with the Palatinate Card: You can use the local public transport and enjoy more than 100 attractions throughout the region free of charge for your entire stay. Imperial city in the Palatinate with Mediterranean flair: The impressive romanesque architecture of the Speyer Cathedral dominates the city skyline. If you hike in the Palatinate, you can expect a hearty feast at the end of the day. Discover short, relatively flat routes for relaxed or more demanding days out. Explore the Palatinate on its most beautiful cycle routes. Relaxed cycling through the river valleys in the Palatinate uplands, sporty tours in the Palatinate Forest or leisurely cycling along the… One of the best ways to explore the region is to follow the 85-kilometre-long Wine Route between the villages of Schweigen-Rechtenbach and Bockenheim you will get a chance to stop at some of Germany’s best vineyards Here are the top ten things to do and see along the way the German Wine Gate marks the southern end of the Wine Route in Schweigen-Rechtenbach When wine prices plummeted after an above-average vintage in 1934 the Wine Route and the gate with it were created it in an attempt to promote the wine region and spur the economy and the on-site restaurant is the perfect spot for your first glass of wine en-route Deutsches Weintor Restaurant, Weinstraße 4, Schweigen-Rechtenbach, Germany Neustadt might be the dreamiest town along the Wine Route – cobblestoned streets, timber-framed houses and vineyards all around exude a nostalgic atmosphere. The town offers Michelin-starred restaurants hidden in cosy vaulted cellar rooms and, of course, a number of wine bars that serve award-winning Rieslings by the glass Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Germany | © erge / Pixabay Schloss Villa Ludwigshöhe Once a summer residence of Ludwig I of Bavaria this beautiful villa near Edenkoben is one of the not-to-miss sights along the route Ludwig I specifically asked for his new country house to be built in an Italian style Backed by the Palatinate forest and surrounded by vineyards the four-wing mansion along with the twin-storey loggia does spread a hint of a Tuscan flair Guided tours of the estate are available if you’re interested in learning more you can go off and explore the villa on your own Schloss Villa Ludwigshöhe, Villastraße 64, Edenkoben, Germany Landeck Castle Just south of Landau you find the ruins of a former knight’s castle The tumbling walls trace back to the early 1200s and today provide the backdrop for medieval markets and other cultural events A small restaurant provides food and drinks year-round to those who come here for the panoramic views from the tower and the small archaeological exhibition Landeck Castle, Klingenmünster, Germany | © Rolohauck / WikiCommons Villa Rustica Weilberg Winemaking was introduced to the region by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago A relic of that time is the Roman vineyard in Bad Dürkheim that was unearthed by archaeologists in 1981 The site encompasses the remains of a large manor house Villa Rustica Weilberg, Bad Dürkheim, Germany Perched on a hill near Neustadt an der Weinstraße sits Hambach Castle – a definite must-see when you’re in the region The 11th-century castle is one the most important symbols of German democracy This association goes back to the 1832 Hambach Festival when members of the public marched on the castle demanding unity and freedom – a milestone event in the country’s democratic history the castle houses a fascinating museum about the event and its consequences Hambacher Schloss, Schlossstraße, Neustadt, Germany | © tomkevicius / Pixabay Villa Rustica Wachenheim The ruins of the Roman Villa Rustica in Wachenheim were discovered by pure chance in 1980 Archaeological findings date the origin of the country estate back to 20 AD and have shown that the complex continuously grew over the following centuries the estate was composed of a large main building two bathhouses equipped with the Roman predecessor model of an underfloor heating system Villa Rustica Wachenheim, Wachenheim, Germany Bad Dürkheim, Germany | © goellner880 / Pixabay Haus der Deutschen Weinstraße, Weinstraße 91b, Bockenheim an der Weinstraße, Germany The historic city centre is dotted with romantic taverns Landau in der Pfalz, Germany | © hpgruesen / Pixabay Read Next See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd A convivial wine tasting with close friends or family is a great opportunity to get to know the best wines produced by individual vintners But if you really want to delve deep into the culture and the flavours of a whole wine-growing region then there is no better place to start than the wine festivals in the villages and towns of Rhineland‑Palatinate Although even the smallest of places take to the streets squares and alleyways every year to celebrate the grape harvest there are a few communities who prefer to think a little bigger put on magnificent processions and hire local music groups and sometimes there are even fairground rides and fireworks to showcase the local wine and We are happy to show you the best places to enjoy these Rhineland‑Palatinate event highlights between August and October We start with what is probably the largest wine festival in the world, the confusingly named Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt in the Palatinate For nine days and nights from early to mid-September the otherwise sleepy spa town on the German Wine Route puts on an impressive programme with groups in traditional costume parading through the streets alongside marching brass bands while the town’s dignitaries and regional wine royalty teem around the festival square near the graduation tower the melodious live music from the bands starts to merge with the friendly chatter and the thousands of bright lights from the market stalls there are stalls plying regional Palatinate specialities not to mention some 300 still and sparkling wines from the whole region There is bound to be a tipple or two for you to enjoy as you admire the evening’s spectacular of music and fireworks Toast with the traditional "Dubbeglas" at the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim German Weinlesefest in Neustadt an der Weinstraße The festival in Bad Dürkheim is barely packing up before the next big event dedicated to the liquid gold of the Palatinate opens its doors in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse. From the end of September to the middle of October, it is time for the German Weinlesefest the w.i.n.e.FESTival and even the traditional coronation of the German Wine Queen from among the 13 candidates vying for the crown from all the wine-growing regions in Germany countless traditional and minstrel groups accompany spectacular floats and carriages through the town in the largest wine festival procession anywhere in Germany Our tip: As most of the programme takes place near the railway station Wine enjoyment at the w.i.n.e.FESTival as part of the German Weinlesefest in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse In mid-September, between the two big events in Bad Dürkheim and Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, there is time to head to the Landauer Herbstmarkt in a traditional winemaking village in the south of the Palatinate this fair is really all about the famous Palatinate hospitality All the Palatinate festivals are completely accessible so everyone can join in with the fun The roads taken up by the fair are jokingly known as ‘Fressgasse’ or ‘scoffing street’ offering original and modern interpretations of hearty Palatinate cuisine while the region’s winemakers are only too happy to ply the exquisite results of their hard labour The Südliche Weinstrasse boasts a whole host of different varieties Müller-Thurgau and Rivaner among the 71 white and 52 red grape varieties cultivated here – just the right level of diversity for a discerning palate View over the Herbstmarkt in Landau with wine village which is one of the "Palatinate festivals for everyone" Weinfest der Mittelmosel in Bernkastel-Kues It is not just in the Palatinate that they know how to celebrate grapes Wine festivals are a constant feature of the late summer on the Moselle too One example is the Weinfest der Mittelmosel in the charming wine-growing town of Bernkastel-Kues famous for its picture-postcard market square and its ancient half-timbered houses The five-day festival includes a procession It is definitely worth taking a diversion along the 300-metre wine road where winemakers from more than 20 different areas offer their Riesling wines for tasting You can soak it up with all sorts of different refined and rustic dishes while the bands and music clubs add their traditional or modern sounds to round off the mood Traditional high-altitude fireworks over Bernkastel-Kues for the Weinfest der Mittelmosel The Moselle Festival in Winningen is said to be the oldest wine-making festival in Germany and is an absolute must for wine lovers It takes place on the Moselle from the last week of August to the first week of September This pretty village full of tradition and local colour is surrounded by terraced vineyards and is the ideal spot to experience the history of the region close-up the narrow streets and open squares are flooded with visitors from all over the world enjoying a morning tipple by or even on the water listening to tales from the locals in the afternoon and partying into the night with the concerts and live music the river is lit up by magical lights as the fireworks shoot up from the hills above the water towards the skies The wine majesties of Winningen with traditional costume group at the Moselle Festival in Winningen While you can enjoy the historic ambience of the half-timbered villages along the Moselle Rhine-Hesse invites you to the Weinmarkt im Stadtpark in the lush green park at the heart of Mainz tents and stalls that are full of regional winemakers and exhibitors showcasing their wares The craft market in the charming atmosphere of the rose garden boasts handmade jewellery The walkabout wine tasting is a popular option for new arrivals at the wine market You can stroll around the park at your leisure and sample nine selected wines from winemakers at different stands There is a short programme of events including a classic car rally ensuring your time in the green of the Mainz Stadtpark is both interesting and relaxing Cozy atmosphere at the Weinmarkt im Stadtpark at Mainz Not far from the regional capital is the little town of Ingelheim, whose Rotweinfest AUSGEZEICHNET set against the historic backdrop of the floodlit mountain church is one of the loveliest wine festivals in Rhine-Hesse and perhaps even in the whole state Over nine days towards the end of September the winemakers of Ingelheim showcase the year’s best wines inside the walls of the medieval castle complex featuring varied but always catchy live music heart-stopping rides and a range of different stands allowing you to sample the local food and wines the highlight of the festival is the Lord Mayor’s Pinot wine tasting where 15 selected Pinot wines are perfectly paired with wonderful dishes and served in the festival marquee At the castle church in Ingelheim traditionally the Rotweinfest AUSGEZEICHNET The Binger Winzerfest at the intersection of the Rhine and the Nahe is another Rheinhessen-AUSGEZEICHNET event the people of Bingen celebrate the skills of their winemakers and showcase the best of the local wine estates for a whole 11 days making it the longest wine festival on the Rhine But there is an extensive programme of events to ensure time just flies by with lots of firework displays lighting up both Klopp Castle and the banks of the Nahe and a traditional procession rolling gently and elegantly through the town centre There is even a funfair promising entertainment and adventure near the Hindenburg-Anlage stalls serving Rhine-Hesse specialities on the market square and the festival wine tasting You could almost forget that it is all about the liquid gold from the grapes but the winemakers of Bingen have thought about that too and put on one of the largest open-air wine tastings in Rhine-Hesse giving you ample opportunity to discover your new favourite wine Socializing and enjoying wine at the Winzerfest in Bingen the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site the next step is to Oberwesel in the heart of the romantic river valley steep slopes and awe-inspiring rock formations At the traditional Oberweseler Weinmarkt you can stand amid the vine leaves around the historic market square with more than 150 different wines sparkling wines and spirits to choose from plus a wide range of local delicacies to enjoy But early September is not just the time for wine in Oberwesel While enjoying the treats for the taste buds on the market square you can also admire the famous Rhine in Flames over the waters of the Rhine with inspirational music seeming to ring out through the whole valley and an extravagant top-notch firework display from the hilltops above the Middle Rhine Valley rows of trees and vines are bathed in almost mystical light and this spectacular view becomes even more unforgettable with a glass of wine in your hand the Rhine in Flames event with fantastic fireworks takes place in Oberwesel Ahrweiler Weinwochen in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler A little less famous but no less popular are the Ahrweiler Weinwochen in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler which take place in the town centre in the first two weeks of September The elegant marketplace in the shadow of the imposing parish church becomes a pure paradise for the taste buds especially for those who enjoy a drop of red as the Ahr valley is the largest contiguous red wine-growing region in Germany and Ahrweiler is considered the red wine capital of the region even the wine queen here is called Burgundia in a nod to the valley’s favourite varietal You can enjoy not only the outstanding wines but also the fabulous winemakers’ procession snaking through the streets of the town centre past cafés some of them in wonderfully preserved half-timbered houses It is a lovely way to enjoy what Rhineland‑Palatinate has to offer Delicious wine tasting at the Ahrweiler Weinwochen in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler The wine festivals in Romantic Germany are a pure pleasure as diverse as the grapes that are grown and pressed here Find out here in which 'Tourism for All' certified wineries and vinotheques you can taste excellent wines even with a walker