Leisure tips - Victor's Residenz-Hotel Frankenthal

The hiking trail leads down south in several stages, along the edge of the Palatinate Forest all the way to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the French border. Characterised by a breathtakingly beautiful, varied landscape, this trail is a joyful experience for all the senses. Along the way, you will pass through the picturesque spa town of Bad Dürkheim, Hambach Castle, the cradle of the German democracy movement, and a number of historic fortresses. The proximity to bus and train stations allows for individual planning and great flexibility.

Located in the district of Bad Dürkheim, the medieval Wachtenburg ruins welcome visitors high up on the "Schloßberg" ("Castle hill") as the landmark of Wachenheim on the Wine Route. This historic complex dates back to the 12th century.

First mentioned in official records in the 12th century, this castle has been through a tremendous amount. It was badly damaged in the war in 1375, then rebuilt, until finally in 1689 even the castle keep was blown up by French troops. But today it is more peaceful here. There are fabulous views over the Rhine plain from the "Balcony of the Palatinate". And the Wachenheim Castle and Wine Festival takes place here in June.

With a diameter of 13,5 meters and a volume of nearly 1.700.000 liters, this gigantic barrel is the biggest wine barrel in the world – although that’s not what’s on the inside. The barrel houses a rustic restaurant. Above all, the spa town of Bad Dürkheim is well known for its Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, which literally means “sausage market”. The festival, which takes place annually on the second and third weekend in September, is in fact the world’s biggest wine festival.

Right at the heart of the Palatinate is the historic wine-making village of Freinsheim, a popular destination for its well-preserved old town and many interesting little sights.

The medieval town wall surrounds numerous charming buildings that have been carefully restored and refurbished, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll through the town.

Not far from the Deutsche Weinstraße, the German wine route, and embedded in the midst of wonderful vineyards, Freinsheim offers its residents and guests peace and comfort, but also everything that is associated with the traditional delight of celebrating such as the annual, widely-known town wall festival. History-lovers will enjoy the historic Museum of Toys and the Museum of Craftsmen.

GATE99 is one of the most state-of-the-art glow-in-the-dark 3D black light indoor miniature golf courses in the Rhein-Neckar region. Play an 18 hole-course stretched out on over 800 sqm, each obstacle awaits with a different theme world in the most amazingly brilliant colours. And if that wasn’t enough already, there’s even more action next door: The Lasertag is aglow on a blacklit surface of 1500 sqm. Endless fun for young and old alike!

The origins of Hambach Castle date back to the 11th century. In 1832, the site became the cradle of German democracy, when people demonstrated against the repression of the Bavarian administration. The castle houses an exciting exhibition about the Hambach Festival which spawned the German democracy movement.

A walk in the park: in a delightful location on the left bank of the Neckar, the Luisenpark welcomes its visitors with fabulously colourful flowers and vast lawn areas.

This beautiful park is without doubt one of the loveliest garden landscapes in Europe. Enjoy this picturesque little spot that was completely redesigned for the Federal Horticultural Show in 1975. You'll find thousands of colourful flowerbeds, various themed gardens including the large Chinese Garden with its own tea house, the "Kutzerweiher" lake and even a mountain stream.

The adventure path starts at the parking lot „Langer Kirschbaum“, but if you like, you can also start your hike in Heidelberg, at Heiligenberg, for example.

Inside the adventure forest, creatures carved of wood and stone await the visitors, as does lots and lots of fun and diversion. Children can playfully train their agility, sharpen their senses and learn about plant and animal life up close and personal on trails and tracks through pristine nature.

As part of the Neckertal-Odenwald nature park, the adventure forest is protected by a set of rules, which visitors need to adhere to when visiting, such as: So as to preserve the integrity and beauty of the nature park, please stay on the marked trails, keep noise to a minimum, and take all rubbish with you!

Do you have a head for heights? If so, this fun outdoor climbing paradise guarantees a great adrenalin kick as your bravery is put to the test.

The aerial adventure park features 12 different trails that lead higher and higher into the treetops. Even those new to climbing will realise how easy it is to get started! A special safety brief provided by an experienced trainer and a first-rate safety system mean that this fun activity is exceptionally safe. Adventure is calling!

Originally a fortress, Limburg Abbey was converted into a monastery in the early 11th century. The abbey ruins are among the largest and most important monuments of early Salian architecture.

Once among the most renowned monasteries of the Carolingian Empire, Lorsch Abbey, even in its ruined state, remains among the oldest and most important post-Roman monuments in Germany. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Steeped in history, Frankenthal Art House is a haven for art and culture fans, bringing together an elegant combination of the old and new. Originally built as a nursery for the children of a sugar factory's workforce, the house now exhibits the works of local and national artists. One particular highlight is the almost completely preserved Villeroy & Boch tiled floor.

Within walking distance of our hotel, this cultural institution celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2017. Home to a wide range of paintings, photography and sculptures, the Frankenthal Art House makes culture accessible to everyone. The diverse programme of events accompanying the exhibition includes readings, concerts and slide presentations, to name but a few.

Uschi Freymeyer's atelier 'art & more' is located in the attic. In addition to the exhibition of her works, the Frankenthal artist also hosts painting workshops and other creative courses for people of all ages.

Located at the heart of the Palatinate Forest, in the middle of nowhere, the Kurpfalz-Park is home to a large number of native species. Wutzel, the park’s mascot, explains to children – and grown-ups – how flora and fauna live together here as one.

Both educational and fun, the park also features free fall, tube and wave slides, as well as a summer toboggan run, that guarantee a great day out for the whole family!

Our suggestion: experience premium shopping on a surface of 30.000 sqm at the Rhein-Galerie shopping center

Shopping, exploring and enjoying: how about a detour to the university city of Mannheim, the “City of Squares”?

Welcome to the former residence of the Electoral Palatinate, in the middle of the border triangle of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse.  Mannheim, which is located between the Rhine and the Neckar, is laid out in a grid pattern. Apart from its interesting architectural monuments such as the Friedrichsplatz with its characteristic water tower and the Jesuit church, Mannheim offers many shopping opportunities. Art and culture are also significant in the city that the poet and thinker legend Friedrich Schiller once called home for two years: the Kunsthalle Mannheim, for instance, houses an extensive collection of German and French 19th century paintings.

The ultimate fairytale palace! Built by Prince-Elector Carl Philipp von der Pfalz, this palace on the outskirts of Mannheim is well worth a visit today.

Originally containing a total of 1,000 rooms and halls, the palace comprises a magnificent main wing, as well as an east and west wing, and an impressive façade – making it one of the largest palaces in Europe. Elector Carl Theodor von Pfalz-Sulzbach put the finishing touches to the palace and made it what it is today: a Baroque gem on the outside, while the inside is adorned with ornate Rococo features with hints of Classicism.

The first inhabitants of the palace can be traced back to Frederick IV, Elector Palatine of the Rhine. After being destroyed during the Nine Years’ War, the city of Mannheim was slowly rebuilt and construction of a fortress began. The foundation stone for today's palace was laid during the rule of Herwathel in 1720. The main building was finally completed in 1726 under the direction of Johann Clemens Froimon, to whom the palace owes its unique façade.

The construction of the palace can be broken down into three distinct periods that range from 1720 to 1760.

Mannheim had one of the first planetariums in the world. Today's large planetarium is equipped with state-of-the-art projection technology which guarantees exceptional results. The projection dome measures 20 metres in diameter and can accommodate an audience of 235.

Embark on an exciting journey through space, and explore the universe in the many different presentations. You'll see there's a whole range of astronomic findings waiting for you!

An insider tip for nature lovers and connoisseurs – discover the beautiful Palatinate during a trip in a traditional horse-drawn covered cart! As the draught horses calmly pull you along, you have all the time in the world to admire the surrounding vineyards, meadows and orchards.

What’s more, the trip not only allows you to enjoy the fresh air, but also takes you to visit Roman archaeological digs or allows you to discover fascinating flavours with a wine-tasting session on wheels.

Enjoy a two and a half hour ride on a prairie schooner through the gorgeous wine-growing region of Bad Dürkheim and a tasting of organically grown wines from the Zumstein Winery (available for groups of 10 persons or more).

The former Holiday Park opened its doors as Plopsaland Germany on June 28, 2025. This large family and leisure park in Haßloch, Palatinate, is just 30 kilometers from the Victor's Residenz-Hotel Frankenthal. Spanning approximately 40 hectares, you and kids of all ages can expect plenty of fun and thrills with more than 40 attractions, as well as exciting themed worlds, shows, and events – from the wild water ride and the 70-meter-high Free Fall Tower to the bigFM Expedition GeForce, a multi-award-winning roller coaster that thunders down the tracks at almost vertical drops and over 120 kilometers per hour. You'll even encounter well-known children's heroes like Maya the Bee, Tabaluga, and Vicky the Viking. There's also plenty to discover in the 5,000-square-meter indoor arena – and not just during rain breaks. Of course, thanks to numerous stalls, restaurants, and bars, there's plenty of culinary delights to enjoy.

One of the most spectacular and renowned sights of the state of Baden-Württemberg, the palace boasts an extraordinary garden, a masterpiece of rare beauty and rich variety.  

So close to the sky: Speyer Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in the world. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1981.

Originally commissioned by the Salian Emperor Conrad II, the cathedral was to be the longest church in the world. However, it was not completed until more than thirty years later by Emperor Henry IV. The total length of the episcopal cathedral church is 135 metres. One special feature of the master pieces is its two organs. The newer of the two was not completed until 2008. The large, main organ has 5,496 pipes. Visitors can also go into the crypt, the oldest part of the cathedral.

Set off on an exciting journey through fascinating underwater worlds, and discover our native species as well as others from far-off continents. At SEA LIFE Speyer, situated right beside the Rhine, you will find over 3000 animals from 100 species.

Observe moray eels, skates and cat sharks close up in the eight metre underwater tunnel. You can also visit Marty the sea turtle and have your fingers cleaned by the cleaner shrimp in the touch pool. In the theme world "Dinosaurs of the Oceans", newly opened in 2018, you can feed an extinct marine reptile known as plesiosaurus on a virtual experience wall. A visit to SEA LIFE Speyer is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for everyone – not just for children!

Just under 35 kilometres from our hotel, this museum is a haven for all technology fans!

From the world's largest organ to a gigantic Space Shuttle to numerous aircraft, steam locomotives and fire engines, this museum is a gathering of the most sensational technical achievements. Have you always wanted to stand in front of a Boeing 747 or to know what it's like inside a submarine? Then set off on a journey of discovery here. The museum is open 365 days a year.

After an energy-boosting breakfast in our restaurant, you will be ready to hop on your bike and pedal away. On request, we are happy to provide you with a yummy lunch box. The starting point for your bike tour is, of course, our lovely hotel. From there, you’ll be going in the direction of the Frankenthal train station and continue for 13 km until you’ll reach the town gate of Freinsheim.

Here, you’ll find a charming little café, perfect for a coffee break. Freinsheim has a lovely old town, which you’re welcome to explore before getting back in the saddle and pedalling on to the “Black Cross” wayside shrine. The panoramic view across the Rhine Valley is breathtaking.

After approximately 6 km, you‘ll reach Bad Dürkheim. The town’s landmark is the „Dürkheimer Riesenfass“, the world’s largest wine barrel. It houses a restaurant which serves authentic regional cuisine. After a hearty snack, you might enjoy visiting the beautiful spa gardens with the graduation tower and the salt evaporation pond.

Your next stop follows after 10 km, at the bridge across the Isenach, a tributary of the Rhine. Cycle on for another 9 km, and you will have arrived right back at the Frankenthal train station.

Original university town with charm. Heidelberg is a real tourism magnet. Is it the winding alleys of the picturesque old town, the numerous pubs or Heidelberg Castle that make it so special? Go and find out – it's only a half-hour drive away!

History comes alive in Heidelberg. Enjoy a gentle stroll through the pedestrian zone with its medieval cottages – there's plenty to see. Once you have explored the old town, you can enjoy the wonderful views over the town from Heidelberg Castle. Heidelberg's "mountain railway" will take you up to this popular sightseeing highlight in just a few minutes. We will be pleased to inform you about current events in the town.

The German Wine Route is considered one of the oldest tourist roads and represents the second largest wine-growing regions in Germany. The traditional Meinhardt vineyards are located in the picturesque wine-growing village of Gönnheim. These vineyards successfully combine the traditional art of wine-making with modern technology and a sustainable business model. Their wines are produced from Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, as well as Muscat, Dornfelder and Pinot Noir.

Visitors can enjoy a tour of the Meinhardt Vineyards and take a look behind the scenes of a traditional winery. Whether you fancy tasting some of their wines or simply taking some fine wines home with you as a gift, the Meinhardt family welcomes the opportunity to teach you about the art of wine-making in the Palatinate and let you sample their diverse range of wines.