Oberndorf: Simultaneous Church, Cycle Route and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Oberndorf
Oberndorf is located in the Alsenz Valley. From the heights around the village, the view stretches as far as the Rotenfels and the Donnersberg. For your planning, several points of interest come together here: St. Valentine’s Simultaneous Church, the Alsenz Valley Cycle Route, trails through the North Palatinate and a local connection to winegrowing.
Cycling and hiking trails around Oberndorf
The signposted Alsenz Valley Cycle Route passes through Oberndorf on its way from Rockenhausen to Alsenz. After the final climb, you’re rewarded with a view of the Alsenz Valley. The central village square, with its fountain, offers hikers and cyclists on the route a place to rest. There is also a Kneipp barefoot path along the cycle route; check its condition before visiting. A well-developed network of country lanes around Oberndorf is available for walks and leads through the North Palatinate landscape. The cycle route connects Oberndorf with Rockenhausen and Alsenz, while the country lanes offer routes through the landscape around the village.
St. Valentine’s Simultaneous Church
St. Valentine’s Simultaneous Church is visible from a distance along the Alsenz Valley Cycle Route. Its history is documented as far back as 1128, when it was first recorded as a fortified church. The building is late Gothic, has a single nave and faces east; its exterior walls are made of unplastered rubble stone. The tower features a pyramidal roof and sound arches dating from the 13th century. Inside is an elaborate cycle of late Gothic frescoes. The church is open during services. If you would like to visit, check access arrangements locally in advance.
Village character, carnival and winegrowing
Renovated townhouses contribute to the village’s character. The Oberndorfer Carneval Club has made Oberndorf regionally known for North Palatinate carnival. Events are seasonal; if carnival is a deciding factor for your trip, check the dates. Winegrowing is also part of the local character: Oberndorfer Aspenberg is a wine-growing area known for producing good-quality wines.
Getting here and a regional look at the Donnersberg District
Alsenz railway station is about 2 km away and provides access by train. Check current timetables before travelling.
In the wider Donnersberg District destination, the Donnersberg is a landscape attraction in its own right: at 687 metres, it is the highest elevation in the Palatinate. It covers about 2,400 hectares, is almost entirely forested and extends diagonally for up to 7.5 kilometres. Another tour option is the Wildenstein Castle Ruins circular hiking trail: it is 7.9 kilometres long and leads to the ruins of Wildenstein Castle. The Ludwigsturm circular hiking trail starts at Haus Linn in Dannenfels, is 6.7 kilometres long and leads to the Ludwigsturm tower. The tower is currently closed for renovation work.
See the wider travel guide: Donnersberg District.
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