Discover Bechenheim’s history and trails

Bechenheim combines a long local history with opportunities for hiking and cycling. The Hiwweltour Vorholz opened in 2026; historical finds, the church building and an earlier hiking event also offer different points of historical interest in the village.

Local History and the Church Building

The earliest known written mention of Bechenheim dates to 824 and is connected with a donation to Fulda Abbey. A royal estate with a farm in Bechenheim is documented for 855. Archaeological traces go back even further: finds from the village include items from the Neolithic Hinkelstein period. A Frankish cemetery is interpreted as evidence of a Frankish settlement around 500 AD.

Roman archaeological sites are also part of the village’s history. One site yielded weapons, tools, pottery and coins. In 1928, a Roman settlement was discovered near Bechenheim at a cremation burial. Also in 1928, a pre-Roman dwelling was uncovered during a search for water in the Vorholz; its precise date remained unknown. Two burial mounds in the Haager area of the Vorholz were opened in 1879. Vessels and stone tools were found; their remains can no longer be identified today.

The historic church building provides a well-dated point of reference: it dates from 1755 and has been shared by Protestant and Catholic congregations since 1822. The seven-metre-high roof turret was added in 1994. Its construction, shared use and later addition illustrate different periods in its history without requiring a lengthy explanation.

Hiking and Cycling Around the Vorholz

The Hiwweltour Vorholz opened on 16 May 2026. The hiking route is 11.9 kilometres long and passes through one of Rheinhessen’s largest woodland areas. Shady paths, historical traces and views over the hilly landscape shape the route. Its length and landscape provide practical information for planning a hike.

An earlier example of a hike is the tour held on 12 September 2021, which started in Bechenheim and passed through the Vorholz state forest. It was about eight kilometres long and rated moderately difficult; Kappelberg and Napoleonstein were stops along the route. These details refer to that event at the time. If you use it as a guide, check the current route and trail conditions beforehand.

For cycling, the Vorholz Loop, described as a suggested route, is about 18 kilometres long. It passes through Nack, Erbes-Büdesheim, Offenheim, Bechenheim and Nieder-Wiesen before returning to Nack. The route is considered challenging and runs over hills and through valleys alongside the Vorholz forest. The finest views on the loop are said to be at the forest edge. As this is a suggested route, check current trail conditions before setting off.

Kneipp Facilities

The Kneipp garden includes a barefoot spiral path, a pavilion and benches for resting and relaxing. At the start of the Hiwweltour Vorholz, beside the Vorholz forester’s lodge, a Kneipp foot bath is available from 7 January 2026 to 7 January 2030. It is intended for water treading after a hike. Check access information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Lonsheim, Biebelnheim, Flomborn, Kettenheim, Gau-Heppenheim, Flonheim, Nieder-Wiesen and Erbes-Büdesheim.

Back to the main travel overview: Alzey.