Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim
10.2miLength
1,955ftElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route is stage 3 of the Burgensteig Bergstraße, a long-distance trail along the edge of the Odenwald. This specific section starts in Auerbach (Bensheim) and ends in Heppenheim. The path leads through lush vineyards and mixed forests, passing the Fürstenlager State Park and the Kirchberg heights, offering panoramic views across the Rhine plain to the Vosges mountains. Overnight stays are available at hotels and guesthouses in Auerbach or Heppenheim; wild camping is prohibited in the nature park. Potable water is accessible in the towns and castle taverns, but a supply should be carried for the sun-exposed vineyard sections. Both locations have train stations with direct connections to Darmstadt and Heidelberg; schedules are found at https://www.rmv.de.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Burgensteig Bergstraße
Top sights
Schwanenteich
Lake
Fürstenlager
Attraction
Eiskeller
Rock shelter
Bergfried
Viewpoint
Südwestturm
Viewpoint
Menhir von Bensheim
Archaeological site
Roter Turm
Ruins
Bismarckturm Bensheim
Viewpoint
Starkenburg
Castle
Entenweiher
Pond
Hemsberg
Peak
Schloßberg
Peak
Ludwigslinde
Picnic site
Gesundbrunnen
Attraction
Hambacher Turm
Tower
Sparerrast
Picnic site
Küchenturm
Tower
Kirschhäuser Turm
Tower
Helenenruhe
Weather shelter
Amphibientümpel an der Sparerrast
Pond
Hospizgarten
Garden
Schneckenturm
Tower
Top sights
Schwanenteich
Lake
Fürstenlager
Attraction
Eiskeller
Rock shelter
Bergfried
Viewpoint
Südwestturm
Viewpoint
Menhir von Bensheim
Archaeological site
Roter Turm
Ruins
Bismarckturm Bensheim
Viewpoint
Starkenburg
Castle
Entenweiher
Pond
Hemsberg
Peak
Schloßberg
Peak
Ludwigslinde
Picnic site
Gesundbrunnen
Attraction
Hambacher Turm
Tower
Sparerrast
Picnic site
Küchenturm
Tower
Kirschhäuser Turm
Tower
Helenenruhe
Weather shelter
Amphibientümpel an der Sparerrast
Pond
Hospizgarten
Garden
Schneckenturm
Tower
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 10.2-mile point-to-point trail near Bensheim, Hesse. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 59 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Expected weather for Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim for the next 5 days is:
- Thu, September 24 - 69 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 76 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 82 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 83 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 87 degrees/clear
Where is Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim located?
Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is a trail located in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
How hard is Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is considered a hard hike that covers 10.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,955 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is considered a hard hike that covers 10.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,955 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim a point to point trail?
Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is a point to point trail that covers 10.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,955 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is a point to point trail that covers 10.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,955 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Dogs may be allowed on Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim.
How busy is Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
According to trailgoers, Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is usually somewhat busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim.
Are there lakes at Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Yes, Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is near Schwanenteich.
Are there scenic views at Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Bergfried, Südwestturm, and Bismarckturm Bensheim.
Is backpacking allowed at Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Backpacking is allowed on Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is partially paved.
Are there forests at Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Yes, Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim is a forest trail in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
Are there wildflowers at Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Burgensteig Bergstraße Stage 3: Bensheim-Auerbach - Heppenheim, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 1:56 am GMT+0