In the underground through the cellar labyrinth
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In the underground through the cellar labyrinth
While Rheinhessen is known in many places for its far-reaching views, lookout towers and panoramic vistas, in Oppenheim you can experience a perspective that is unique in the entire region! Hidden beneath the historic centre of this picturesque little town on the Rhine is an extensive, confusing system of cellars, which are connected to each other by countless corridors and even over different floors.
Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, these rooms were not only used as wine cellars, but also for the storage of numerous other goods. Today, a unique cultural monument has been created here, where guests can experience a very special atmosphere during one of the many guided tours.
After such an excursion into the depths of Rheinhessen, the wine and Rhine panorama, which you can marvel at afterwards from the imposing St Catherine's Church, can be enjoyed even more.
In the 1,250-year-old town of Oppenheim am Rhein, you can spend just one day looking out over the Rhine-Hessian landscape from the tower of St Catherine's Church, discover hidden vaults in the underground cellar labyrinth and enjoy excellent wines from local winegrowers on a hike or cycle tour in the surrounding vineyards. So whether you are a culture enthusiast or an active sportsman, Oppenheim has something for everyone.
Hidden beneath the old town of Oppenheim is a system of cellars, corridors and staircases that is around 40 kilometres long and connects up to five storeys high. This impressive cellar system was built because Oppenheim was located on the Rhine trade route and therefore had the right to stack goods, which obliged passing merchants to stack their wares and offer them for sale. The limited space due to the geographical conditions of the region meant that underground cellars were built to store the goods safely. The Oppenheim underground lost its special significance in the middle of the 17th century and was almost completely forgotten...
After the underground cellar system had been forgotten for almost three centuries and parts of the rooms had been increasingly filled in with rubbish and debris, sudden collapses in the 1980s/90s led to the rediscovery, renovation and finally the opening of parts of the complex to the public.
Further information on guided tours and events in the cellar labyrinth as well as tickets can be found at: www.stadt-oppenheim.de/buchen
In addition to the underground cellar labyrinth, Oppenheim has a whole host of other sights and attractions to offer that are well worth a visit. Whether you set off on a hike or bike tour in the surrounding vineyards or along the Rhine or end the day with a cosy glass of wine in Oppenheim, you will find the right inspiration here!
Whether it's the charming, winding old town, the impressive St. Catherine's Church with its famous stained glass windows, the mysterious cellar labyrinth, or the excellent wines from local winemakers and varied vistas on extensive cycling and hiking tours - Oppenheim has something to offer for every taste. You can find many more tips and inspirations for your perfect active weekend in Oppenheim here!