Freinsheim is in the Rhineland-Palatinate’s Bad Dürkheim District and is near Kaiserslautern. Due to its proximity to the German Wine Route, Freinsheim is such a fascinating place to visit! You can tour vineyards, sample wine, enjoy delectable food, have fun at festivals and much more.
History
Freinsheim was the birthplace of music composer Jacob Gottfried Weber (March 1, 1779 – September 21, 1839) as well as many people who emigrated to Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Who knows, perhaps one of your ancestors came from here.
You can still see the town’s fortifications which were completed in the 16th century when the äußeres Eisentor (“outer iron gate”) was finished. These encircle the old mediaeval town which is a pleasure to wander around.
Festivals and event in Freisheim
If you drive to Freisheim for one of the festivals in the Old Town, you should look for designated parking places, as this part of the town is closed to traffic on festival days.
The Blossom Festival
This Blossom Festival is held during the first week of April when there are flowers everywhere such as in the vineyards, in the town and its buildings. The festival starts on Sale Sunday when you can buy more or less whatever you want in the quaint shops in the Old Town. There’s wine-tasting and you may discover a new wine that is just the one you have been searching for.
The Old Town Festival
This festival is in June and starts on the first Sunday of the month. There’s music and dancing and excellent food to accompany the wine you will probably be tasting. It begins on the first Thursday of the month, after 4 pm and lasts until Sunday, when there is a sale from 1pm until 6pm.
Stadtmauerfest
This festival is held in mid-July with fairground rides for children and convenient food stalls, but of course, it is also another wine festival. You can stroll around the interesting streets and perhaps discover the perfect inn to eat and drink at.
Weinwanderung
If you enjoy walking and sampling good wine and food, this culinary festival is for you. You walk along the 6 kilometers and visit various vineyards en route, where you can eat and drink at the 20 vineyards you stop at. This festival is held on the last weekend of September. It starts on a Friday with a grand firework display at dusk.
Freinsheim Christmas Market
Of course, Freinsheim holds an annual Christmas market with its highlight being the ‘living nativity’ which is acted out at 5 p.m. outside the Old Town Hall every Saturday and Sunday. Have a glass of mulled wine to keep out the winter chill and sample the delicious crepes, waffles and other delights.
What to See and Do In and Around Freinsheim
The Old Town
The old medieval town is well worth a visit with its impressive fortifications. You can stroll through the narrow streets and browse in the shops, and follow the walls around this part of town.
The Toy Museum
The exhibits in the Toy Museum (located at An der Bach 9) is very interesting as it gives you a glimpse of what children played with in the past, those unsophisticated tin soldiers, doll and teddy bears which are a far-cry from the technological toys children have today.
Burgruine Hardenburg
This castle at Schlossberg in Bad Durkheim is in ruins, but that doesn’t detract from its charm. This Hardenburg castle, which is more than a thousand year old is a little tricky to find, but it really is worth the effort. There are some stairs to climb, so it isn’t for everyone, but if you visit it, you will always remember it.
Places to eat and drink in Freinsheim
Naturally there are many vineyards in the Freinsheim area where you can eat and drink, but where can you eat in the town itself?
Zum Weingockel
The Zum Weinglockel is in Herrenstrasse (number 11) and is an excellent place to eat and drink. If the weather is good, you can sit at tables outside. The food is German but with Mediterranean influences, so it isn’t simply standard German fare. The food, wine and service are all excellent. The food is made with fresh local products and the desserts are made at the restaurant.
Weinstube Weinreich
This restaurant is run by a husband and wife team. He cooks and she waits on tables. The food is fresh, locally produced on the whole and seasonal; This is German food with other European influences. You will find this restaurant at Hauptstrasse 25.
St Martin
The St Martin can be found at Martinstrasse 23 and it has German/Italian food. Both the food and wines are excellent and you will enjoy your meal at this great restaurant.
Of course, you can drink the locally produced wine in any of Freinsheim’s bars and restaurants as well as at the vineyards located outside the town.
How to Get There
By car Freinsheim is approximately 40 minutes east of Kaiserslautern, 1 hour and 10 minutes south of Wiesbaden and 1 hour and 40 minutes northwest of Stuttgart. Click on DB Bahn for train details.