Immerse yourself in the history of the graduation tower, spa, and thermal baths

Bad Dürkheim has been a mineral healing spa for over 100 years and a salt bath for even longer, thanks to the brine springs that have been used for a long time. The "White Gold" of Bad Dürkheim attracted the Celts 2,500 years ago. For centuries, salt was produced in the saltworks, consuming huge amounts of wood. Until the 18th century, when the monumental graduation towers brought about a revolution in salt production: Buildings up to 750 m long graduated the brine. It wasn't long before these treasures spread the word, and Bad Dürkheim welcomed guests from all over the world who strolled through the newly designed spa park. Today, the spa park, with its eleven bridges and water features, is more beautiful than ever and the ideal place to dive into the glamorous old times with the tour guide. During the visit to the Dürkheim graduation tower, you will learn about its tumultuous and dramatic history, from an industrial building to one of the largest outdoor inhalatoriums in Germany, overshadowed by two fire disasters.

Duration: approx. 1 hour
Meeting point: in front of the Tourist Information
Stop: Wurstmarktplatz (city bus or Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")
(for individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people)

During this tour of the largest barrel in the world, you will learn the history and anecdotes surrounding this unique building and go to places where few have access*: into the inner, spectacular part of the barrel, where the walls are round and you truly feel like you are inside a gigantic barrel.
• Who came up with this crazy idea and when?
• Where did all the wood come from?
• How did the wine get in and out?
• What is the last secret of the barrel that the builder took to the grave?
All these questions will be answered – and in the end, you will be one of the initiates of the famous Dürkheimer Riesenfass and toast to it – with a glass of sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic drink.

*The regular restaurant operation largely takes place in the "Bütt," the added part of the barrel. Access to the upper, representative, actual area of the barrel is reserved for guests of larger banquets or participants of this barrel tour.

Duration: approx. 45 minutes
Meeting point: in front of the Tourist Information
Stop: Wurstmarktplatz (city bus or Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")
For individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people.

We (will) guide you through the centuries of Dürkheim's city history. Celts and Romans, Salier and Leininger, revolutionaries and spa guests. They have left traces thousands of years old and thus come alive on this city tour. Hear about Dürkheim's white gold, a Roman quarry, one of the oldest foundations in Germany, churches and their secrets, a giant barrel, Mediterranean plants, one of the longest graduation towers in Germany, and much more.
The route leads through the spa park and city center with its squares, past fountains, monuments, and buildings, ending at the cultural center Haus Catoir with the city museum.
Conclusion with a glass of sparkling wine or grape juice at the city museum.

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Meeting point: Tourist Information
Bus stop: Wurstmarktplatz (city bus or Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")
Additional costs apply for a subsequent visit to the city museum (entrance fee city museum)
(for individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people)

Additional costs apply for a subsequent visit to the city museum (entrance fee city museum)

Wine lovers and wine explorers, pay attention! Every Tuesday at 4:00 PM (excluding public holidays), we welcome you to the Weingut Mesel for a joint wine tasting in a casual, family atmosphere at our winery at Neuberg. From our over 30 wines of various grape varieties and flavors, you will receive 6 samples along with entertaining and informative commentary, including a short tour of the winery. To conclude, we will also gladly offer you a specialty from our distillery for tasting. We look forward to your visit!

Duration: approx. 1 hour
Meeting point: Weingut Mesel, Am Neuberg 8, 67098 Bad Dürkheim
Note: this tour is not barrier-free.
For individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people.

Discover the winery with the unicorn.

In a historically significant location, the Pfeffingen winery combines tradition with modern winemaking artistry. The extraordinary origin shapes wines with character and depth – repeatedly internationally awarded. A special specialty of the house is the Scheurebe, which is interpreted here in a multifaceted and expressive way – a hallmark of the distinctive style. The unicorn, the heraldic animal of the house, stands for conviction and the courage to forge one's own path. This attitude is particularly evident in the comprehensive commitment to sustainability: resource-saving management of the vineyards, promotion of biodiversity, future-oriented cultivation methods, and responsible handling of energy and nature are firmly embedded in the winery's philosophy. Experience a wine tasting that unites history, excellence, and responsible enjoyment.

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Number of participants: min. 4 to max. 15 people
Meeting point: Weingut Pfeffingen, Pfeffingen 2, 67098 Bad Dürkheim
Registration deadline the day before the event
(for individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people)

This monument of Christian Western civilization is surrounded by numerous myths:
It all began with a powerful Celtic princess… the builders were the most powerful noble family of their time… a myth connects Limburg and the Speyer Cathedral… a world-famous treasure is said to have been kept here… and even rules for Christmas were established here… Rumors upon rumors… Uncover all the secrets during this
guided tour at the Klosterruine Limburg, one of the most significant European monastery buildings of the Salian dynasty.

From January to December 2026, construction work will take place at the Klosterruine Limburg. There may be restrictions in certain areas during tours.

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Meeting point: at the fountain in front of Limburg
Bus stop: Rudolf-Bart-Siedlung (city bus) or Klosterruine Limburg (Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")
(for individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people)

In 2026, construction work will take place at the Klosterruine Limburg. There may be restrictions in certain areas during tours.

You have always wanted to take a look behind the scenes of our winery?
Then you will soon have the opportunity! Enjoy a guided 5-part wine tasting including a tour of the facility.
Follow the journey of the grape together with one of our winemakers. From the vineyard to our pressing house, into the wine cellar, and finally to our bottle storage. Appropriately at each stop, we will taste a selection of our wines as sample sips during our tour.

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Route: approx. 1 km (including tour)
Meeting point: at the wine shop of Hauer's winery
Registration deadline the day before the event
(for individual guests and small groups of up to a maximum of 6 people)

Der rote Max

A play for all cat and bird lovers aged 3 and up presented by

Figurentheater-FEX.

When a tomcat hatches an egg and raises the newly hatched bird, it does not happen out of affection, but pure appetite. Or perhaps not?

The bird hatches and Max naturally wants to eat him. His owner, the artist-architect Arthur, prevents this and explains to him: "If you feed the bird and take care of him, he will grow even bigger." Max is clever and thinks: "The better! An even larger meal!"

But one day Max finally wants to eat the bird. Pipo, that is the name of the bird, is now big and can defend himself. The two argue with each other. Pipo flies away and puts himself in safety.

Will the two of them become friends after all?

A delightful little play about friendship in general and about friendship between two that could not be more different. Figurentheater-FEX performs this story with wit, zest, and much charm.

Based on the picture book of the same name by Eric Battut. It received the Youth Book Award in France and the Grand Prix at the Biennale of Illustration in Bratislava.

Admission starts 15 minutes before the show begins.

This event is sold out.

This event takes place as part of our city festival and is free for you.

A play for all cat and bird lovers aged 3 and up presented by the Puppet Theater-FEX.
When a tomcat hatches an egg and raises the bird that hatches, it's not out of affection, but pure appetite. Or is it not?
The bird hatches and Max naturally wants to eat him. His owner, the artist-architect Arthur, prevents this and explains to him: "If you feed and care for the bird, he will grow even bigger." Max is clever and thinks: "The better! An even bigger meal!"
But one day Max finally wants to eat the bird. Pipo, as the bird is called, is now big and can defend himself. The two argue with each other. Pipo flies away and takes refuge.
Will the two of them become friends after all?
A small, fine play about friendship in itself and about friendship between two who couldn't be more different. The Puppet Theater-FEX plays this story with humor, zest, and lots of charm.
Based on the picture book of the same name by Eric Battut. It received the Youth Book Prize in France and the Grand Prix of the Biennale of Illustration in Bratislava.

Admission starts 15 minutes before the performance

This event is sold out.

This event is part of the Dürkheimer City Festival and is therefore free of charge. In order to enable as many families as possible to participate, we ask you to only book tickets for one event per day.

Die wilden Schwäne
A fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Far from here, where the swallows fly when we have winter, there once lived a king who had six sons and a daughter named Elisa. Oh, the children were very well off; but it would not always remain so. Their father married an evil sorceress queen. She takes Elisa to the countryside and transforms the six princes into wild swans. When Elisa turns 15, the king wants to see his daughter. The jealous queen fails to enchant Elisa. So she rubs her face with stinking walnut juice and tangles her beautiful hair so that her father does not recognize her.
Sad, Elisa leaves the castle and sets out in search of her brothers, who she finds by the seaside, guided by her dreams. The six brothers must fly as swans in the sky during the day, but after sunset, they regain their human form. Just like Nils Holgersen with the wild geese, Elisa flies over the sea with her brothers. They survive a storm and fly past the cloud castle of the fata morgana.
Beyond the great sea, Elisa dreams of the salvation of her brothers: she must weave shirts from nettles for her brothers with her bare hands. And she must remain silent, for the first word she speaks during her work would strike as a deadly dagger into the hearts of her brothers.
Bravely, Elisa begins her work. Yet, when the first nettle shirt is finished, the young king of the land discovers the girl during a hunt. He falls in love with Elisa and takes her with him to his royal court...

Admission starts 15 minutes before the start.

This event is part of the Dürkheimer City Festival and is therefore free of charge. In order to enable as many families as possible to participate, we ask you to only book tickets for one event per day.

Die wilden Schwäne
A fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Far from here, where the swallows fly when we have winter, there once lived a king who had six sons and a daughter named Elisa. Oh, the children were very well off; but it would not always remain so. Their father married an evil sorceress queen. She takes Elisa to the countryside and transforms the six princes into wild swans. When Elisa turns 15, the king wants to see his daughter. The jealous queen fails to enchant Elisa. So she rubs her face with stinking walnut juice and tangles her beautiful hair so that her father does not recognize her.
Sad, Elisa leaves the castle and sets out in search of her brothers, who she finds by the seaside, guided by her dreams. The six brothers must fly as swans in the sky during the day, but after sunset, they regain their human form. Just like Nils Holgersen with the wild geese, Elisa flies over the sea with her brothers. They survive a storm and fly past the cloud castle of the fata morgana.
Beyond the great sea, Elisa dreams of the salvation of her brothers: she must weave shirts from nettles for her brothers with her bare hands. And she must remain silent, for the first word she speaks during her work would strike as a deadly dagger into the hearts of her brothers.
Bravely, Elisa begins her work. Yet, when the first nettle shirt is finished, the young king of the land discovers the girl during a hunt. He falls in love with Elisa and takes her with him to his royal court...

Admission starts 15 minutes before the start.

Experience a varied wine walk over the Spielberg, one of the most enchanting wine landscapes of the Mittelhaardt. During our tour, we enjoy the breathtaking nature and dive into the fascinating world of viticulture. I will share interesting and curious stories about the region and winemaking.

Along the way, we will taste five different wines from Dürkheim winemakers. Each wine tells its own story and reflects the individual personality and philosophy. Additionally, you can look forward to homemade olive bread that pairs perfectly with the wines and numerous things to see and touch. Anticipate an unforgettable afternoon full of enjoyment, education, and nature experience!
Dogs are allowed on a leash (leash required!).

Duration: approx. 3 hours
Route: approx. 4 km
Sunday dates in September and October: Minimum participants 6 to max. 25 people (for individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people)
Date may be canceled due to lack of participants
Meeting point: Wurstmarktplatz, in front of the Dürkheimer Riesenfass
Registration required
Note: Tour is not accessible for people with disabilities

The castle built in the 13th century was a magnificent residence of the Counts of Leiningen and is one of the largest castle and fortress ruins in the country. With its many towers, stairs, and corridors, it invites young and old alike to explore, experience, and conquer. The modern visitor center offers versatile informational possibilities.

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Meeting point: In front of the visitor center of Hardenburg (tickets also available at the visitor center)
Bus stop: Waldschlössel (city buses), Oberes Gaistal (Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")
(for individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people)

We (will) guide you through the centuries of Dürkheim’s city history. Celts and Romans, Salian and Leininger, revolutionaries and spa guests. They have left traces that are thousands of years old and will come alive during this city tour. Hear about Dürkheim’s white gold, a Roman quarry, one of the oldest foundations in Germany, churches and their secrets, a giant barrel, southern plants, one of the longest gradation works in Germany, and much more.
The route leads through the spa park and city center with its squares, past fountains, monuments, and buildings, and ends at the cultural center Haus Catoir with the city museum.
Conclusion with a glass of sparkling wine or grape juice at the city museum.

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Meeting point: Tourist Information
Stop: Wurstmarktplatz (city bus or Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")...
Note:
- also accessible
- Additional costs may apply for a subsequent visit to the city museum (entrance fee city museum)
For individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people.

Additional costs may apply for a subsequent visit to the city museum (entrance fee city museum)

Immerse yourself in the history of the graduation tower, spa, and thermal baths

Bad Dürkheim has been a mineral healing spa for over 100 years and a salt bath for even longer, thanks to the brine springs that have been used for a long time. The "White Gold" of Bad Dürkheim attracted the Celts 2,500 years ago. For centuries, salt was produced in the saltworks, consuming huge amounts of wood. Until the 18th century, when the monumental graduation towers brought about a revolution in salt production: Buildings up to 750 m long graduated the brine. It wasn't long before these treasures spread the word, and Bad Dürkheim welcomed guests from all over the world who strolled through the newly designed spa park. Today, the spa park, with its eleven bridges and water features, is more beautiful than ever and the ideal place to dive into the glamorous old times with the tour guide. During the visit to the Dürkheim graduation tower, you will learn about its tumultuous and dramatic history, from an industrial building to one of the largest outdoor inhalatoriums in Germany, overshadowed by two fire disasters.

Duration: approx. 1 hour
Meeting point: in front of the Tourist Information
Stop: Wurstmarktplatz (city bus or Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")
(for individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people)

During this tour of the largest barrel in the world, you will learn the history and anecdotes surrounding this unique building and go to places where few have access*: into the inner, spectacular part of the barrel, where the walls are round and you truly feel like you are inside a gigantic barrel.
• Who came up with this crazy idea and when?
• Where did all the wood come from?
• How did the wine get in and out?
• What is the last secret of the barrel that the builder took to the grave?
All these questions will be answered – and in the end, you will be one of the initiates of the famous Dürkheimer Riesenfass and toast to it – with a glass of sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic drink.

*The regular restaurant operation largely takes place in the "Bütt," the added part of the barrel. Access to the upper, representative, actual area of the barrel is reserved for guests of larger banquets or participants of this barrel tour.

Duration: approx. 45 minutes
Meeting point: in front of the Tourist Information
Stop: Wurstmarktplatz (city bus or Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")
For individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people.

We (will) guide you through the centuries of Dürkheim's city history. Celts and Romans, Salier and Leininger, revolutionaries and spa guests. They have left traces thousands of years old and thus come alive on this city tour. Hear about Dürkheim's white gold, a Roman quarry, one of the oldest foundations in Germany, churches and their secrets, a giant barrel, Mediterranean plants, one of the longest graduation towers in Germany, and much more.
The route leads through the spa park and city center with its squares, past fountains, monuments, and buildings, ending at the cultural center Haus Catoir with the city museum.
Conclusion with a glass of sparkling wine or grape juice at the city museum.

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Meeting point: Tourist Information
Bus stop: Wurstmarktplatz (city bus or Mobility-on-Demand "MoD")
Additional costs apply for a subsequent visit to the city museum (entrance fee city museum)
(for individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people)

Additional costs apply for a subsequent visit to the city museum (entrance fee city museum)

Wine lovers and wine explorers, pay attention! Every Tuesday at 4:00 PM (excluding public holidays), we welcome you to the Weingut Mesel for a joint wine tasting in a casual, family atmosphere at our winery at Neuberg. From our over 30 wines of various grape varieties and flavors, you will receive 6 samples along with entertaining and informative commentary, including a short tour of the winery. To conclude, we will also gladly offer you a specialty from our distillery for tasting. We look forward to your visit!

Duration: approx. 1 hour
Meeting point: Weingut Mesel, Am Neuberg 8, 67098 Bad Dürkheim
Note: this tour is not barrier-free.
For individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people.

How is good organic wine made? What role do locations and soils play in this? What happens in the wine cellar? What does "Fair and Green" and "CO2 reduced" mean? We have the answers to these questions! Learn everything you want to know right on site: We welcome you in our wine shop with a glass of sparkling wine and take you on a journey through the winery: Taste three of our regionally typical organic wines in the pressing house, wine cellar, and treasure chamber. Even wine connoisseurs will find something to enjoy and can learn something new.

Duration: approx. 1 hour
Meeting point: Winery Egon Schmitt
Number of participants: minimum 2 to maximum 15 people (for individual guests and small groups up to a maximum of 6 people)
Registration required by one day before the date
The appointment may be canceled due to lack of participants