Pinache: Waldensian history in the townscape

Pinache combines a distinctive Waldensian townscape with historic buildings and routes for walks and bike rides. The town was founded as a Waldensian settlement in June 1699. A characteristic feature of Waldensian villages in Württemberg is the way houses are built with their gables facing the street. This orientation shapes the view of the town and offers a tangible way to explore its settlement history. The church, small museum, Old Town Hall and bakehouse add buildings from different periods to the townscape.

Waldensian Church and Local History

The Waldensian Church in Pinache is Germany’s oldest and largest solidly built Waldensian church. It was completed in 1721 and is also the starting point of the Weinbergweg – Pinache trail. Guided tours are offered at the historic church. The Weinbergweg thus starts at a building that is significant both to the town’s history and as part of a hike.

Small Museum and Historic Buildings

The Waldensian small museum presents information panels, exhibits, original photographs and handwritten documents in three rooms. It is housed in Pinache’s listed Old Town Hall, built in 1812. The museum opened there in March 2013. Its different types of exhibits range from information panels to historic photographs and handwritten documents.

Another historic building is the bakehouse in Pinache. It was built in 1847 and is still used for celebrations today. The church, town hall and bakehouse thus represent different building and use histories in the town.

Town and Church Tours

The Pinache Historical Town Tour visits the most important historic sites in the Waldensian settlement. It starts and ends at the Waldensian Hall, where there is also a car park, and lasts about an hour. This estimated duration can help you fit the tour into your day’s plans. Tours of the historic Waldensian Church are offered separately. If you plan to join a tour, check the latest dates in advance.

Walking and Cycling Routes Around Pinache

The Weinbergweg – Pinache trail starts at the Waldensian Church, completed in 1721. Public transport stops, including the Pinache Kirche stop, are located near the trail. If you plan to travel by public transport, check the current timetable and whether the stops are in service.

There are also short and longer hiking tours in the Enzkreis district near Wiernsheim, Iptingen, Pinache and Serres. Examples mentioned include the Weinbergschneckenweg and the Bänklestour. For a bike ride, the “Tour um alle Ortsteile” follows mostly paved paths around Wiernsheim and its three districts: Iptingen, Serres and Pinache. As route details may change, check the current route before setting out.

Check Opening Hours Before Your Visit

Seasonal opening hours are listed for the Waldenserstüble: from March to November, on the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 5 p.m.; it has not been confirmed whether these hours are still current. Check before your visit whether these hours are currently in effect.

Discover more destinations: Serres, Iptingen.

Back to the main travel overview: Wiernsheim.