Sandhausen – Dunes and Local History

Sandhausen between dunes and local history

Sandhausen brings together natural and local history in two distinct areas of interest. The Pferdstriebdüne lies on the southern edge of town; the local history museum and former synagogue offer further insight into the town’s past. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can then decide whether landscape, museum collections or cultural history will shape your trip.

Dune landscape and nature watching

The Sandhausen dunes lie west and south of the town; just under 74 hectares are protected. The Pferdstriebdüne is an elongated inland dune running north to south. Its southern continuation, the Brühlwegdüne, was designated a nature reserve in 2020.

In the southern part of the Pferdstriebdüne, a path leads to the crest, which is about eight metres high. From there, you can observe the dune’s plants and animals. Check local access conditions before your visit if you plan to go to the observation point.

Two excursions to the sand habitat near Sandhausen take place each year. If this guided form of nature watching suits your plans, check the current dates with the organiser.

Local history museum and everyday life

The Sandhausen Local History Museum is housed in a former town hall built in 1742 and displays its collection on local history in seven rooms. The small archaeological section features pottery finds from various periods. Other exhibits include agricultural tools and objects from rural household life.

The museum also includes an old living room and a kitchen. Visitors can also learn about traditional crafts and tobacco and hop cultivation. The collection therefore brings together objects related to work and household life with archaeological finds, offering several tangible ways to explore local history rather than focusing on a single period.

The Local History Museum is listed as open on the last Sunday of each month from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Check the opening hours before visiting.

Former synagogue and cultural history

After extensive renovation, the former synagogue in Sandhausen reopened as a cultural centre in 1962. Since restoration work in 2015, it has hosted concerts, exhibitions and events. A memorial stone at the former synagogue commemorates Jewish residents who lost their lives during the Nazi era. If you would like to attend a particular concert or exhibition, check the dates in advance.

More places to explore in the Rhine-Neckar District

The wider Rhine-Neckar District offers other cultural and scenic highlights. Schwetzingen Palace, once a residence of the Prince Electors, has a Rococo theatre and a world-famous park. In Ladenburg’s historic town centre, much of the townscape still reflects the Middle Ages and, in some places, the Roman era. Eberbach has 150 kilometres of marked hiking trails. At Lake Waidsee in Weinheim, there are areas for paddlers, sailors and windsurfers. These examples offer a different focus from Sandhausen’s dunes and local history.

Discover more destinations: Leimen, Hilsbach, Sinsheim, Zuzenhausen, Schönau, Brühl, Schwetzingen, Ketsch

See the broader travel guide: Rhine-Neckar District.