Hördt: Rhine floodplains, hiking trails and monastic heritage

Hördt lies amid the Hördt Rhine floodplains, tobacco fields and asparagus fields. Hiking, cycling routes and traces of history offer different ways to shape a stay here. You can focus on floodplain and woodland landscapes, a route on foot or by bike, or the history of the former monastery.

Landscape and trails around Hördt

Hördt is a starting point for hikes through the Hördt Rhine floodplains. The Klingbach Cycle Route also reaches the town and continues into the Hördt Rhine floodplains. This makes the route a practical reference for planning a bike ride; its connection to Hördt and the Rhine floodplains is the key point.

Hiking options include the Eichtalweg and the Treidlerweg. The Eichtalweg passes through woodland and meadows and is rated easy. It takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. A 2 km forest and bird nature trail is part of the route and offers insights into local birdlife. Parking areas are designated for the Eichtalweg; local parking regulations may change.

The Treidlerweg is an easy premium circular hiking trail covering 12.6 km. It follows the Michelsbach through an internationally protected, ecologically intact floodplain landscape. Its landscape features include fields of yellow irises, grasslands and reed beds. Pond lilies and water lilies grow by the fishponds and water-filled pits along the route. The trail also passes historical traces of river towing: in the past, people or draft animals pulled ships upstream on the Rhine.

The two routes offer different points of reference for planning your time: the Eichtalweg takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, while the Treidlerweg is 12.6 km long and is a circular route.

Getting there and conditions for the Treidlerweg

The Treidlerweg starts at the hiking car park in Hördt, near an information board; local parking regulations may change. Take the train to Rülzheim station; from there, you can reach Hördt by bus route 589 or on foot via the Palatinate Way of St. James. Check current timetables before travelling. The Palatinate Way of St. James is marked through Rülzheim and Hördt with a white scallop shell on a blue background; the signage can be confirmed on site.

The Treidlerweg is impassable during high water. Check water levels before setting out. This restriction is part of planning the tour and is especially important if you plan to combine your hike with a stay in Hördt.

Monastery history and St. George

From the early 12th century to the mid-16th century, Hördt Monastery was the wealthiest knightly monastery in the former Electoral Palatinate and a religious centre for the surrounding area. A section of the monastery wall has survived; Hördt is also home to a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. These traces point to the former monastery without suggesting that it operates as a monastery today.

Another historical landmark is the Catholic parish church of St. George, which is listed as a historic monument. The core of its nave dates from 1750. Along with the surviving section of wall, the church offers another perspective on local history: a 18th-century building on one hand, and traces of the former monastic period on the other.

Guided tours of the exhibitions at the Old Forester’s Lodge are generally offered free of charge by Hördt volunteers. Ask about current availability before visiting.

Asparagus and local character

Hördt is known beyond the region for asparagus, which is served in many forms each year. The asparagus fields are also part of the landscape surrounding the town, between the Hördt Rhine floodplains and the tobacco fields. Nature and culture thus sit alongside a recurring culinary highlight.

If you are looking for a hotel in Hördt, the focus of your planned stay can help you decide: would you mainly like to hike, cycle or explore local history? The trails and historical landmarks mentioned here offer different ways to plan your stay, without any one theme having to define the entire trip.

Discover more destinations: Bellheim, Jockgrim, Kandel, Germersheim, Zeiskam, Neupotz, Rülzheim, Neuburg Am Rhein.

Back to the main travel overview: Germersheim.