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Walking and discovering
Dear Guests,
we would like to invite you to discover the charms and attractions of the secret wine capital of Germany – Neustadt an der Weinstraße. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, experience the almost Mediterranean atmosphere whilst enjoying a cappuccino or a glass of Palatinate wine in one of the taverns on the market place.
Not to miss is the legendary Elwedritsche-Brunnen, the imposing Stiftskirche – Neustadt’s most famous landmark, the House of Wine (Haus des Weines), carvings and sculptures created by well-known artists, but enough introduction, discover the charm of Neustadt an der Weinstraße for yourself ...
Your Tourist-Office Neustadt an der Weinstraße
More information of the nine wine villages of Neustadt an der Weinstraße you can find here!
A few facts and figures:
The last census of Neustadt an der Weinstraße and its nine neighbouring wine villages recorded 56,000 inhabitants of whom 28,500 live in the centre of the city itself.
Situated on the edge of the Palatinate Forest, a UNESCO protected region, looking over the fertile valley of the Rhine from an elevation of 100 – 200 metres above sea level, Neustadt is surrounded by a carpet of vines, over 5,000 acres in total. Or put another way, what will eventually produce 20 million bottles of wine, a glass for every inhabitant of Germany or a bottle for each citizen of Neustadt – every day!
And a little bit of history:
The oldest town records date back to 1245, the town rights were endowed by Rudolf I von Habsburg in 1275 and the foundation stone for the Stiftskirche was laid in 1368. The Peasant’s Revolt reached the town in 1525 followed by the French troops during the War of Succession in 1688. Fortunately, in contrast to surrounding towns and villages, Neustadt was not destroyed. The most significant date however is the 27th of May 1832 when the first-ever demonstration demanding human rights and democracy took place at Hambach Castle.
1. The Saalbau - Neustadt’s Convention Centre
Built during the years 1871 to 1873, gutted by fire in 1980, the Saalbau remains the focal point of Neustadt’s social life. Its multifunctional interior allows it to be a congress centre, theatre, concert hall, ball room and the scene of the annual coronation of the German Wine Queen.
2. The Stork’s Tower - a reminder of less safer times
Although migrant storks have returned to Neustadt they have not yet chosen the old fortified tower as their preferred accommodation. The view from the children’s playground is considered to be the best vantage point.
3. The Friedrichstraße, Kellereistraße and Hauptstraße - the place to see and to be seen
Whether it is just a souvenir for those back home, an example of the latest fashions or a typical Palatinate speciality or bottle of wine, the pedestrian area in the centre of Neustadt is the place to be. And if shopping is not for you, restaurants, cafés, bistros and ice-cream parlours tempt you at every step you take, admiring the carefully restored half-timbered buildings situated in the hub of Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
4. The Elwedritsche-Brunnen - a fable’s story
These creatures are only to be found in the Palatinate, half bird, half animal but with such human expressions on their faces! Take your time in discovering the uniqueness of each one, magically ”brought back to life” by Professor Gernot Rumpf.
5. The Mittelgasse and Hintergasse - romantic scenes
Lovingly restored half-timbered buildings, idyllic courtyards, Mediterranean vegetation, the oldest wine tavern in the town, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries – and all in the heart of Neustadt.
6. The Kartoffelmarkt and Paradiesbrunnen - potatoes and more
In the ”good old days“ this is where the potato market was held. The Paradiesbrunnen is supposed to remind us of the expulsion from Paradise. In front of the custodian’s house, clinging to the wall of the Stiftskirche like a swallow’s nest, the thirsty visitor finds refreshment in the form of fresh water.
7. The Adler-Apotheke - of herbal and other cures
It is not only herbs and medicine that the Götz family display in the windows of their ”apothecary”, In the 14th and 15th centuries it was the site of the regional mint where florins were made of gold and pfennigs of silver.
8. The Michel’sche Hof - beauty, not at first sight
The ”Woisträßler e.V.”, an association dedicated to the preservation of Palatinate customs and traditions, are to be thanked for this unique courtyard at number 75a, the High Street. Not just a well-maintained reminder of the past but in constant use for those somewhat special occasions.
9. Around the Marktplatz - Neustadt’s historic centre
The market place with its gothic Stiftskirche, Rathaus and Scheffelhaus – just to name a few of the sights – is without doubt the heart of Neustadt. Tuesdays, Thursdays (during the summer) and Saturdays it is market day where not only fresh Palatinate produce can be bought but where one can listen to the finer points of the Palatinate dialect when «pälzisch gebabbelt wird» During the summer, the main attractions are the sunshades of the innumerable wine taverns and bistros and during the winter the romantic Christmas market.
The Scheffelhaus - Market place No. 4
“The gabled house that everyone knows…”, once sang Victor von Scheffel. Built in 1580 in Renaissance style it has been extensively restored and is considered to be possibly the most beautiful house in Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
The Vizedomei - Market place No. 8
The vicedominus (lat. Representative of the Lord) was the most important representative of the Elector Princes in Neustadt. He resided in this baroque building, dating back to 1737, with its magnificent interior courtyard.
The Ordenshaus der Weinbruderschaft - Market place No. 11
A house with a very mixed history. Originally a tavern «Zum zwarzten Lewen» then, following rebuilding in 1600, the local courthouse and then later, until the present day, a tavern again. Entering the courtyard with its impressive half-timbered walls and spiral staircase, one reaches the chapterhouse of the Order of Wine Brothers. «In vite vita» (in the vine is life) is the motto of this fraternity who have devoted themselves to Palatinate wine culture.
The Rathaus (town hall) - Market place No. 1
Built in 1729, in baroque style, as a Jesuit College, it was used as such until 1773. From 1838 onwards it has been the Town Hall. A watchful bronze lion (by Prof. Gernot Rumpf), Neustadt’s heraldic figure guards the entrance ... but also look out for the little mouse at its side!
10. The Stiftskirche - Neustadt’s main landmark
For more than 500 years, the two unequal sandstone steeples have towered over the town. Following the market concerts (in May/ June and August/September at 11:30 on saturday mornings), those visitors who do not suffer from heights can climb the 57 m of the South Tower. The unique view over the Old Town is well worth the effort! Until 1970 this tower was the home of the last “Türmer” in Neustadt, whose job, traditionally, was to watch out for fires in the town. The North Tower (864m high) is still home to the “Kaiserglocke”, the largest cast-iron church bell in the world.
Facts and figures:
1368 foundation stone laid; 1383 chancel consecrated;1489 twin towers completed; 1707 church divided into a Protestant and Catholic section; burial place of the two electors Rudolf II (1353) and Ruprecht I (1390)
11. The house of wine - house full of wine
Under the stepped gables of a restored gothic (1276) building, one can sample the delights of Neustadt’s wine world. Nowhere else is there a better opportunity of tasting, comparing and buying. Take a look into the extensively-restored courtyard to discover the romantic setting of, what else but Neustadt’s registry office!
12. The Casimirianum - the Elector’s University
“Casi” is the name affectionately given to this architectural gem combining the best of both Gothic and Renaissance styles and founded by Elector Johann Casimir in 1578 as a Calvinistic retreat from the, then, Lutheran University of Heidelberg.
13. The Juliusplatz and St. Mary’s Church - Neustadt’s picturesque corner
The neo-Gothic steeple of the Parish Church towers above one of the most romantic corners of Neustadt, the Juliusplatz. The nearby Casimirianum, Rathaus and renovated half-timbered buildings give this spot a particular appeal.
By the way, St Mary’s Church was built and financed by the businessmen of the town together with the Bavarian King Ludwig I in 1862
14. The Metzgergasse and Kunigundenstrasse - a maze of alleyways
Yet two more of these medieval alleys leading out from the market place into the oldest part of the town and then out again into the busy shopping areas. Numerous archways stand silent witness to the «Butchers Street» of old, indeed house number 3 is considered to be the oldest half-timbered house in the Palatinate.
Legend has it that Kunigund Kirchner, the daughter of a well-respected citizen of Neustadt, in 1689 saved the town from certain destruction by French troops by virtue of her love to a French general. Two sculptures remind us today of this legend.
15. The Town Museum « Villa Böhm » - interactive history
Both documentation and historical exhibits offer you an exciting glimpse of 800 years of Neustadt’s history in one of the town’s most magnificent buildings. Extensive wall and ceiling paintings and decorations are a fitting surrounding for a walk through by gone ages. A programme of topical exhibitions as well as an open-air theatre in the summer make the Villa Böhm an absolute “must” on your tour of Neustadt
Opening times:
Wednesdays and Fridays 16:00 – 18:00
Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 18:00
16. The Otto-Dill Museum - an art of expression
Otto Dill is, along with Max Slevogt, undoubtedly the most widely-known Palatinate artist. His expressive animal paintings, dramatic bullfights but also his landscape scenes vibrate with dynamic power and character. The Otto-Dill Museum, sponsored by the Manfred Vetter Foundation, shows the artistic development of Neustadt’s most famous artist.
Opening times:
Wednesdays and Fridays: 14:00 – 17:00
Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 – 17:00
17. The Eisenbahnmuseum: - the nostalgia of steam trains
This collection of historic steam trains is an absolute must for every trainspotter who, on the second Sunday of the month, has the opportunity of smelling and feeling an age gone by when the «.
Cuckoo Train» puffs its way from Neustadt an der Weinstraße through the Valley of Elmstein.
Built during the years 1871 to 1873, gutted by fire in 1980, the Saalbau remains the focal point of Neustadt’s social life. Its multifunctional interior allows it to be a congress centre, theatre, concert hall, ball room and the scene of the annual coronation of the German Wine Queen.
2. The Stork’s Tower - a reminder of less safer times
Although migrant storks have returned to Neustadt they have not yet chosen the old fortified tower as their preferred accommodation. The view from the children’s playground is considered to be the best vantage point.
3. The Friedrichstraße, Kellereistraße and Hauptstraße - the place to see and to be seen
Whether it is just a souvenir for those back home, an example of the latest fashions or a typical Palatinate speciality or bottle of wine, the pedestrian area in the centre of Neustadt is the place to be. And if shopping is not for you, restaurants, cafés, bistros and ice-cream parlours tempt you at every step you take, admiring the carefully restored half-timbered buildings situated in the hub of Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
4. The Elwedritsche-Brunnen - a fable’s story
These creatures are only to be found in the Palatinate, half bird, half animal but with such human expressions on their faces! Take your time in discovering the uniqueness of each one, magically ”brought back to life” by Professor Gernot Rumpf.
5. The Mittelgasse and Hintergasse - romantic scenes
Lovingly restored half-timbered buildings, idyllic courtyards, Mediterranean vegetation, the oldest wine tavern in the town, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries – and all in the heart of Neustadt.
6. The Kartoffelmarkt and Paradiesbrunnen - potatoes and more
In the ”good old days“ this is where the potato market was held. The Paradiesbrunnen is supposed to remind us of the expulsion from Paradise. In front of the custodian’s house, clinging to the wall of the Stiftskirche like a swallow’s nest, the thirsty visitor finds refreshment in the form of fresh water.
7. The Adler-Apotheke - of herbal and other cures
It is not only herbs and medicine that the Götz family display in the windows of their ”apothecary”, In the 14th and 15th centuries it was the site of the regional mint where florins were made of gold and pfennigs of silver.
8. The Michel’sche Hof - beauty, not at first sight
The ”Woisträßler e.V.”, an association dedicated to the preservation of Palatinate customs and traditions, are to be thanked for this unique courtyard at number 75a, the High Street. Not just a well-maintained reminder of the past but in constant use for those somewhat special occasions.
9. Around the Marktplatz - Neustadt’s historic centre
The market place with its gothic Stiftskirche, Rathaus and Scheffelhaus – just to name a few of the sights – is without doubt the heart of Neustadt. Tuesdays, Thursdays (during the summer) and Saturdays it is market day where not only fresh Palatinate produce can be bought but where one can listen to the finer points of the Palatinate dialect when «pälzisch gebabbelt wird» During the summer, the main attractions are the sunshades of the innumerable wine taverns and bistros and during the winter the romantic Christmas market.
The Scheffelhaus - Market place No. 4
“The gabled house that everyone knows…”, once sang Victor von Scheffel. Built in 1580 in Renaissance style it has been extensively restored and is considered to be possibly the most beautiful house in Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
The Vizedomei - Market place No. 8
The vicedominus (lat. Representative of the Lord) was the most important representative of the Elector Princes in Neustadt. He resided in this baroque building, dating back to 1737, with its magnificent interior courtyard.
The Ordenshaus der Weinbruderschaft - Market place No. 11
A house with a very mixed history. Originally a tavern «Zum zwarzten Lewen» then, following rebuilding in 1600, the local courthouse and then later, until the present day, a tavern again. Entering the courtyard with its impressive half-timbered walls and spiral staircase, one reaches the chapterhouse of the Order of Wine Brothers. «In vite vita» (in the vine is life) is the motto of this fraternity who have devoted themselves to Palatinate wine culture.
The Rathaus (town hall) - Market place No. 1
Built in 1729, in baroque style, as a Jesuit College, it was used as such until 1773. From 1838 onwards it has been the Town Hall. A watchful bronze lion (by Prof. Gernot Rumpf), Neustadt’s heraldic figure guards the entrance ... but also look out for the little mouse at its side!
10. The Stiftskirche - Neustadt’s main landmark
For more than 500 years, the two unequal sandstone steeples have towered over the town. Following the market concerts (in May/ June and August/September at 11:30 on saturday mornings), those visitors who do not suffer from heights can climb the 57 m of the South Tower. The unique view over the Old Town is well worth the effort! Until 1970 this tower was the home of the last “Türmer” in Neustadt, whose job, traditionally, was to watch out for fires in the town. The North Tower (864m high) is still home to the “Kaiserglocke”, the largest cast-iron church bell in the world.
Facts and figures:
1368 foundation stone laid; 1383 chancel consecrated;1489 twin towers completed; 1707 church divided into a Protestant and Catholic section; burial place of the two electors Rudolf II (1353) and Ruprecht I (1390)
11. The house of wine - house full of wine
Under the stepped gables of a restored gothic (1276) building, one can sample the delights of Neustadt’s wine world. Nowhere else is there a better opportunity of tasting, comparing and buying. Take a look into the extensively-restored courtyard to discover the romantic setting of, what else but Neustadt’s registry office!
12. The Casimirianum - the Elector’s University
“Casi” is the name affectionately given to this architectural gem combining the best of both Gothic and Renaissance styles and founded by Elector Johann Casimir in 1578 as a Calvinistic retreat from the, then, Lutheran University of Heidelberg.
13. The Juliusplatz and St. Mary’s Church - Neustadt’s picturesque corner
The neo-Gothic steeple of the Parish Church towers above one of the most romantic corners of Neustadt, the Juliusplatz. The nearby Casimirianum, Rathaus and renovated half-timbered buildings give this spot a particular appeal.
By the way, St Mary’s Church was built and financed by the businessmen of the town together with the Bavarian King Ludwig I in 1862
14. The Metzgergasse and Kunigundenstrasse - a maze of alleyways
Yet two more of these medieval alleys leading out from the market place into the oldest part of the town and then out again into the busy shopping areas. Numerous archways stand silent witness to the «Butchers Street» of old, indeed house number 3 is considered to be the oldest half-timbered house in the Palatinate.
Legend has it that Kunigund Kirchner, the daughter of a well-respected citizen of Neustadt, in 1689 saved the town from certain destruction by French troops by virtue of her love to a French general. Two sculptures remind us today of this legend.
15. The Town Museum « Villa Böhm » - interactive history
Both documentation and historical exhibits offer you an exciting glimpse of 800 years of Neustadt’s history in one of the town’s most magnificent buildings. Extensive wall and ceiling paintings and decorations are a fitting surrounding for a walk through by gone ages. A programme of topical exhibitions as well as an open-air theatre in the summer make the Villa Böhm an absolute “must” on your tour of Neustadt
Opening times:
Wednesdays and Fridays 16:00 – 18:00
Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 18:00
16. The Otto-Dill Museum - an art of expression
Otto Dill is, along with Max Slevogt, undoubtedly the most widely-known Palatinate artist. His expressive animal paintings, dramatic bullfights but also his landscape scenes vibrate with dynamic power and character. The Otto-Dill Museum, sponsored by the Manfred Vetter Foundation, shows the artistic development of Neustadt’s most famous artist.
Opening times:
Wednesdays and Fridays: 14:00 – 17:00
Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 – 17:00
17. The Eisenbahnmuseum: - the nostalgia of steam trains
This collection of historic steam trains is an absolute must for every trainspotter who, on the second Sunday of the month, has the opportunity of smelling and feeling an age gone by when the «.
Cuckoo Train» puffs its way from Neustadt an der Weinstraße through the Valley of Elmstein.
Works of art in the town centre:
a) «Leo» (Prof. G. Rumpf) at the entrance to the Town Hall
b) «Hammer thrower» (F.W. Müller-Steinfurth) in the courtyard of the Town Hall
c) «The Mastermind» (E. Linke) in the Laustergasse
d) «Man in Conflict» (E. Linke) in the Untere Hauptstrasse
e) «Warrior» (B. Mathäss) in the Obere Hauptstrasse
f ) «Reflection» (N. Mayer) at the Wernigeröder Platz
g) «The Reader» (F.W. Müller-Steinfurth) at the Juliusplatz
h) «Birds» (F.W. Müller-Steinfurth) at the Juliusplatz
i) «Time Spiral» (G. Pavell) at the Hetzelplatz
j) «Kunigunde and de Werth» (B. Mathäss) in the Kunigundenstrasse
k) «Elephant» (Michael Leopold) at the Sparkasse Mittelhaardt – Deutsche Weinstrasse
l) «I have an Idea» (Paul Pantle) in the Hintergasse 1
b) «Hammer thrower» (F.W. Müller-Steinfurth) in the courtyard of the Town Hall
c) «The Mastermind» (E. Linke) in the Laustergasse
d) «Man in Conflict» (E. Linke) in the Untere Hauptstrasse
e) «Warrior» (B. Mathäss) in the Obere Hauptstrasse
f ) «Reflection» (N. Mayer) at the Wernigeröder Platz
g) «The Reader» (F.W. Müller-Steinfurth) at the Juliusplatz
h) «Birds» (F.W. Müller-Steinfurth) at the Juliusplatz
i) «Time Spiral» (G. Pavell) at the Hetzelplatz
j) «Kunigunde and de Werth» (B. Mathäss) in the Kunigundenstrasse
k) «Elephant» (Michael Leopold) at the Sparkasse Mittelhaardt – Deutsche Weinstrasse
l) «I have an Idea» (Paul Pantle) in the Hintergasse 1
Further information:
Two starting points for walks in and around Neustadt are the Zwockelsbrücke (A) to the west of the railway station and the Strohmarkt (B) at the other end of the Hauptstraße.
From here, one can walk to Hambacher Schloss where, on May 27th 1832, the first demonstration for unity, freedom and democracy in Germany took place. For those with limited time available, a bus leaves from the railway station, on the hour, from March to October.
And for the children:
Neustadt is a fun place for the kids, too. There is a playground near the Elwedritsche-Brunnen, an adventure playground on the corner of the Wallgasse, bounce boards in the Kellereistraße, slippery climbs and tubes in the Laustergasse, outdoor table-tennis in the Badstubengasse, elephants to climb on in the Marstall, megaphones to talk through in the Friedrichstraße, prisms to look through in the Hauptstraße, outdoor toys in the Kartoffelmarkt, a place to play boules in the Hetzelanlage.... as well as innumerable ice-cream parlours.
Guided tours take place from April to the middle of November each Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30, starting from the Tourist Information Centre on the Hetzelplatz.
Further information is available in our brochure «Guided Tours and more».
For comprehensive details regarding accommodation, concerts, seasonal attractions etc please contact our friendly guides at
Tourist-Office Neustadt an der Weinstraße
Hetzelplatz 1, D - 67433 Neustadt an der Weinstraße
Tel.: 00 49 (0) 63 21 – 92 68 92
Fax: 00 49 (0) 63 21 92 68 91
e-mail: touristinfo@neustadt.pfalz.com
Opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 9:30 – 18:00 (winter 17:00)
Additionally from May to October,
Saturdays and bank holidays: 10:00 – 12:00 and
September/October, Sundays:10:00 – 12:0
For groups and convention visitors, we offer special arrangements and tours, made to fit your timetable, including outdoor activities and venues.
Apply for further information from:
Tourist-Office Gruppen- und Veranstaltungsservice
Tel.: 00 49 (0) 63 21 92 68 – 60/61/63
Fax: 00 49 (0) 63 21 92 68 – 62
www.gruppenreisen.pfalz.com
From here, one can walk to Hambacher Schloss where, on May 27th 1832, the first demonstration for unity, freedom and democracy in Germany took place. For those with limited time available, a bus leaves from the railway station, on the hour, from March to October.
And for the children:
Neustadt is a fun place for the kids, too. There is a playground near the Elwedritsche-Brunnen, an adventure playground on the corner of the Wallgasse, bounce boards in the Kellereistraße, slippery climbs and tubes in the Laustergasse, outdoor table-tennis in the Badstubengasse, elephants to climb on in the Marstall, megaphones to talk through in the Friedrichstraße, prisms to look through in the Hauptstraße, outdoor toys in the Kartoffelmarkt, a place to play boules in the Hetzelanlage.... as well as innumerable ice-cream parlours.
Guided tours take place from April to the middle of November each Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30, starting from the Tourist Information Centre on the Hetzelplatz.
Further information is available in our brochure «Guided Tours and more».
For comprehensive details regarding accommodation, concerts, seasonal attractions etc please contact our friendly guides at
Tourist-Office Neustadt an der Weinstraße
Hetzelplatz 1, D - 67433 Neustadt an der Weinstraße
Tel.: 00 49 (0) 63 21 – 92 68 92
Fax: 00 49 (0) 63 21 92 68 91
e-mail: touristinfo@neustadt.pfalz.com
Opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 9:30 – 18:00 (winter 17:00)
Additionally from May to October,
Saturdays and bank holidays: 10:00 – 12:00 and
September/October, Sundays:10:00 – 12:0
For groups and convention visitors, we offer special arrangements and tours, made to fit your timetable, including outdoor activities and venues.
Apply for further information from:
Tourist-Office Gruppen- und Veranstaltungsservice
Tel.: 00 49 (0) 63 21 92 68 – 60/61/63
Fax: 00 49 (0) 63 21 92 68 – 62
www.gruppenreisen.pfalz.com
