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For those who want to explore locally in Germany, be awed by just how many tiny villages still await discovery by curious day-trippers. This particular tour is an easy outing for folks in the Kaiserslautern area, as well as those based in Wiesbaden.
Today we’re setting our sights on the village of Flörsheim-Dalsheim, nestled in Rheinland-Pfalz’s wine country just to the west of Worms. This neat-as-a-pin wine town maintains its centuries-old assets to stunning effect.
Flörsheim-Dalsheim | Photo by Karen Bradbury.
The landmarks in this town of 3,000 souls will leave visitors charmed, yet not overwhelmed. Award-winning wineries and panoramic drives a stone’s throw away make a stroll through town just one of several activities ideal for whiling away a lazy afternoon. Park in the Dalsheim area of this town—made up of two villages fused together—and follow the markers indicating the circular walking route.
Before setting off on a self-guided tour, a spot of history is in order. The discovery of a Bronze Age (1300–1200 BC) grave and its cache of jewelry confirms early settlement in the area. The Romans referred to the region as “Civitas Vangionum,” a term that gradually morphed into the word Wonnegau, which is still in use today. The two districts of Dalsheim and Flörsheim were founded sometime around the sixth century, following the defeat of the Alemanni by the Franks. The first written mention of the two hamlets appeared in the Lorsch Codex in 766. The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) and subsequent conflicts left devastation in their wake and wiped out most traces of life prior to 1600. The industrial revolution, agricultural reforms and viticulture brought prosperity back to town.
Flörsheim-Dalsheim | Photo by Karen Bradbury.
This village of shade-dappled, cobblestoned alleys and handsome stone houses is graced by three churches, with the Romanesque spire of the Catholic St. Peter and Paul’s Church towering high above the others. If the door’s open, step inside and check out the 18th-century Stumm organ and ceiling paintings.
A walk along the street named Am Pfarrgarten, flanking the north of town, leads to an old Jewish cemetery. Approximately 150 gravestones, some engraved in both Hebrew and German, attest to the presence of Jewish communities in the surrounding villages.
Continue to the end of the street, where off to the left, the town’s main sight comes into view: the remarkably intact high stone wall known as the Fleckenmauer. Not only can one walk alongside its impressive length; it’s also possible to ascend the tower on Am Obertor and walk along its ramparts. Should the door be locked, inquire next door at the Weingut Strubel and request to borrow the key.
Flörsheim-Dalsheim | Photo by Karen Bradbury.
Once the sights of the town have been taken in, it’s time to explore the surrounding area. A short hike through rolling vineyards leads to the Trullo am Nussbaum, a circular, whitewashed stone house built in a style common to southern Italy. Most of the Rheinhessen wine sold in abundance here will tickle the palate; true wine aficionados will appreciate the high-quality wares sold by Weingut Keller and Raumland, makers of award-winning Sekts.
A drive along the Zellertal, or Zell valley, and through the wine villages of Mölsheim, Zell and Einselthum rewards with bird’s-eye views before leading back to the A63 autobahn. At this junction, it’s a half-hour drive to Kaiserslautern or 45 minutes back to Wiesbaden.
