Oberhausen: Vineyards, Erlenbach and Local History

Oberhausen lies on the south side of the Erlenbach, surrounded by vineyards. The meadows on the north bank are ideal for leisurely walks. Historic buildings and a cycling route through the village offer further clues to Oberhausen’s character.

Landscape and Nature in Oberhausen

A winter lime tree is designated a natural monument; the sand pit is a protected landscape feature. Access restrictions may apply to the sand pit. Bear this possible restriction in mind when planning a visit.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The nearest train station is in Barbelroth, about one kilometre from Oberhausen. A bus connection and a cycle path link Oberhausen with Bad Bergzabern, around five kilometres away. Federal highway B 427 runs through the village. If you plan to travel by bus or train, check the latest connections before setting off.

Architectural History and Village Character

The Friedhofstraße Bridge is a late Baroque arched structure dating from 1788. The town hall, with its crenellated clock tower, is a Neoclassical-Gothic rendered building; its tower dates from 1875. A Baroque half-timbered house at Untere Hauptstraße 24 dates from 1703. Historic half-timbered houses are among Oberhausen’s defining features.

West of the village, the former oil mill at Oberdorfstraße 36 has a core that probably dates from the 18th century. Together, these buildings illustrate different styles and periods: from the half-timbered house to the arched structure and the town hall. The date given for the oil mill is explicitly a probable assessment of the building’s core.

Cycling Route, Wine Tastings and Kerwe Festival

The “From Riesling to Zander” cycling route passes through Oberhausen. Wine tastings are a leisure activity in the village. The Kerwe festival takes place on the last weekend in August. Check that year’s programme before travelling so you can plan your visit for the right date.

More to Explore in the Wider Southern Wine Route Destination

The wider Southern Wine Route destination also provides a regional context for cultural and nature-related attractions. The Southern Wine Route borders the Palatinate Forest Nature Park Biosphere Reserve. At Landeck Castle, a 25-metre-high platform offers views across the Vorderpfalz towards the Odenwald and Black Forest; visibility depends on the weather. Replicas of the Imperial Regalia are on display at Trifels Imperial Castle. Madenburg Castle has a permanent exhibition on its history. The Museum unterm Trifels in Annweiler am Trifels covers the history of the town, Trifels Castle and the Hohenstaufen dynasty, as well as the development of the landscape in the Palatinate Forest.

The trails also offer different experiences: the TrifelsErlebnisWeg is an easy 3.6-kilometre route with 18 play and learning stations. The Keschde-Erlebnisweg is a 6.1-kilometre circular route around Föhrlenberg that is suitable for pushchairs and focuses on the Palatinate sweet chestnut. Seasonal conditions may affect access. At the Paper Museum in Gleisweiler, visitors can make their own paper on opening days or by arrangement; check the current arrangements in advance.

View the wider travel overview: Bad Bergzabern.