Parks and green spaces
Pure nature in and around kirchheimbolanden
As a state-recognized recreation area, Kirchheimbolanden has many small and large green oases where you can take a break from everyday life. There are a total of four natural monuments within the town’s boundaries. There is also the Steinbühl-Schäfergraben nature reserve in the north of the town and the Albertskreuz and Drosselfels-Schwarzfels nature reserves in the west.
Castle garden
The castle garden characterizes the townscape of the small residence of Kirchheimbolanden and represents a unique enrichment for the Donnersberg district due to its historical, dendrological and architectural features. Its valuable collection of rare, sometimes exotic trees and shrubs makes it one of the most important landscape gardens in south-west Germany. The historic castle garden, which still characterizes the appearance of Kirchheimbolanden today, is a garden monument, a place of recreation and a venue for historical events, making it a destination for visitors from near and far.
As a location for horticultural and architectural installations, the garden represents a living and sensitive system that is maintained through regular observation and care. Through the harmonious interplay of the elements of earth, stone, water and air, the park is a habitat for a diverse plant and animal world.
The valuable stock of rare and exotic trees makes it an attraction of supra-regional importance.
The first mention of a castle garden dates back to 1602, when the area belonging to the Nassau counts’ castle complex was known as the “Pfaugarten”.
Baroque terraced garden
The terraced garden presents itself as a perfectly formed landscape garden with a small meandering stream running through it. Stylistic elements such as grottos, temples and bridges are depicted here in views and create the garden’s main attractions for the development of the visual axes. Even the section of the terraced garden between the palace and the Ballhaus is subject to the landscape design ideal, with the exception of the rectangular water basin lined with rows of trees. One of the three terraces is further enhanced by a small greenhouse with a temple in the background, artfully built into the slope with side staircases.
The town of Kirchheimbolanden has embarked on an ambitious project to reactivate the baroque terraced garden that was laid out 250 years ago. This has been the subject of archaeological research for several years and is being gradually revitalized in parallel.
In June 2019, the “Lindenallee” was inaugurated with 20 Crimean lime trees. “In the avenue of princesses”, each lime tree bears a white enamel medallion with the silhouette and name of a princess from the Weilburg-Nassau family.
Enjoy the view of this extraordinary setting between the lime trees and the terrace garden with a view of the Ballhaus.
Ziegelwoog
The Ziegelwoog, on the edge of Kirchheimboland’s old town, was already used for various purposes in the Middle Ages. As a reservoir for supplying water to citizens and animals. Its water led to several fountains in the old town. In princely times, it supplied the extensive park and kitchen gardens of the castle, the castle garden with water features, as well as the bathing area and also served as a fire-fighting pond. It is fed by the natural waters of the Leiselsbach stream and three historic spring catchments, the “Kupferstollenwasserleitung” and the “Alte” and “Neue” “Hetzelsborner Wasserleitung”.
Old Kerchemers learned to swim here. Until an open-air swimming pool (Thielwoog ca. 1926-2011) was built in the area adjacent to the Ziegelwoog in the direction of Judental, the Woog was transformed into a natural pond with a green area in 2011 in the course of renovation measures by the city and the nature conservation organization Pollichia, and a relaxation area with benches and a view of the water was created in the front area. Visitors to this enchanted, unique body of water are sure to enjoy observing the rare animal species. The moorhen, for example, has its most significant occurrence here in the Donnersberg district.
The Woog is home to a number of protected species. We therefore ask for your understanding that part of the site is fenced off and not accessible.
We ask you to stay on the designated path. Dogs are not allowed on the Woog and must be tied up outside the grounds during your stay.
Schiller Grove
The Schillerhain, a park-like area in the west of the city on the so-called Wartberg. It is a popular excursion destination for tourists, locals and guests and offers a magnificent view over the city and region from the Schneckentürmchen or the Wartturm (built in 1431).
To get a better view of the medieval town, it is worth taking a short walk downhill to the war memorial, which
commemorates the soldiers who died in the two world wars.
Take advantage of the many signposted hiking trails that lead from here around the Donnersberg. The Schillerhain circular trail (circular trail no. 5), for example, takes you through a wooded area with paved paths and offers a wonderful view of the Donnersberg. Have a small “Weck, Worscht un Woi” snack at the Schreiber hut and then hike to the Kanzel vantage point.
The Schillerhain is freely accessible. Parking is available in the immediate vicinity.
Steinbühl nature reserve
New wilderness with aurochs and wild horses in the Steinbühl nature reserve. Animal lovers and those seeking relaxation are very welcome!
The former quarry site is unique in its diversity. Woodland, quarry edges, scree slopes, spring streams and waterholes alternate with bare open spaces.
A 3.6 km long visitor trail offers views of a semi-open pasture landscape with aurochs and Konik wild horses that graze here all year round.
Five information boards provide lots of interesting facts about aurochs, wild horses and the Steinbühl grazing project. You need a bit of luck and patience to observe them undisturbed from one of the 3 observation stands.
Special thanks go to the people who help every day to look after the animals and maintain and preserve this little paradise. NABU.