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| Rockenhausen | ||
| federal state | Rhineland-Palatinate | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 5.322 (2019) | |
| height | 199 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Rockenhausen is a city in the region Thunder Mountain.
background
For travelers from the east, Rockenhausen marks the entrance to the "old world". This is what the hilly and extremely sparsely populated region of the North Palatinate Uplands is called in the region. Rockenhausen was formerly the district town of the mountainous district of Rockenhausen, which stretched along the Alsenz valley up to Bad Münster am Stein and into the surrounding mountains and hills, and is still an important cultural center with numerous museums.
Tourists are still quite rare in Rockenhausen, which may also be due to the somewhat remote location. Mostly it is hikers who start their hikes from the train station.
Two other places belong to Rockenhausen today: Dörnbach is located southwest of the city center and is a typical Palatinate village, Marienthal is located far east at the foot of the Donnersberg and is important as a junction for numerous hiking and cycling trails. The range of inns and guest houses in Marienthal is particularly impressive given the size of the place (just 300 inhabitants).
getting there
By plane
The nearest airport is in Frankfurt am Main.
Nearby 1 Imsweiler-Donnersberg airfield is a special landing pad and can only be used by microlight aircraft and glider pilots with prior permission.
By train
The 2 Rockenhausen station is served hourly by regional trains on the Bingen-Kaiserslautern route. Since the timetable change in December 2016, there have also been direct trains every two hours from Koblenz Hbf to Rockenhausen.
By bus
Traveling by bus does not make sense. The only thing worth considering is a trip from Kirchheimbolanden with the local line 901, which also serves Marienthal on the way. If you come by train from the direction of Worms, the direct route via Kirchheimbolanden is usually no faster than the detour via Bingen Hbf, but you can experience more of nature along the way.
In the street
Rockenhausen is on the 
. The best way to get there is via the 
, you leave the motorway at the exit 
11 Kirchheimbolanden and follow the signs to Rockenhausen. The approach via the exit 13 Winnweiler cannot currently (as of June 2017) be recommended due to numerous construction sites with single-lane traffic and the associated long traffic jams.
By bicycle
The leads through Rockenhausen Alsenz cycle path. Marienthal is the starting point of the little one Appelbach cycle path.
mobility
The city of Wuppertal is commonly known as the city of stairs, but the title actually belongs to Rockenhausen. In hardly any other German city there are as many stairs in relation to the number of inhabitants as here. Similar to Wuppertal, the reason is the topography, because the narrow and deeply cut Alsenz valley offers hardly any space for extensions and so the residential areas had to be built on the mountain slopes.
Probably for this reason the comparatively small and rural town of Rockenhausen has its own city bus that drives up and down the mountains and also connects to nearby Katzenbach. However, since all the relevant sights are in the old town (or where the city bus does not go anyway) this bus is not necessary for the tourist. It's not even worth it to shorten meters in altitude, as you are usually faster on foot.
The train station in Rockenhausen is also the hub of regional bus transport. Most buses, however, are geared towards school traffic and are therefore not very attractive for tourists. An exception may apply to line 901 in the direction of Kirchheimbolanden, if you want to go to Marienthal.
Parking in the old town is generally limited to two hours. But you can park in the residential streets and walk from there to the old town.
One 1 Motorhome parking space is available near the outdoor swimming pool.
Tourist Attractions
The city of Rockenhausen offers in the summer months City tours on, on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 3:30 p.m. with the starting point at the market square. Participation costs 3 € per person, no prior registration is required. The tour is a bit cheesy and maybe not for everyone, but you experience a change from the usual city tours where the guests are only "dragged" from one sight to the next.
Churches
- 1 Protestant Church Rockenhausen, Marketplace 2. The Protestant church from the late 18th century is in the center of the Rockenhausen market square. The interior with the originally preserved organ from the time of the builder is well worth seeing.
- 2 Protestant Church Marienthal, Rockenhausener Strasse 24. As the name suggests, the town of Marienthal goes back to an old monastery that was founded in the 12th century. While nothing of the former monastery has survived today, the monastery church survived all wars and devastation up to modern times and ultimately served as the town's parish church. It was finally demolished in the 19th century due to its dilapidation and the current church was built in its place, but it has taken over large parts of the old monastery church, including the Gothic portal at the entrance as well as the windows and rib pillars.
- 3 Catholic parish church of St. Sebastian, Kreuznacher Strasse 32. The Catholic Church in Rockenhausen is architecturally extraordinary, because it is a basilica with a large, massive round tower. It was built between 1915 and 1917 after the previous church fell victim to a fire.
Buildings
- 4 Rockenhausen Castle, Schlossstrasse 8. It was built in the 17th century on the site of a moated castle from the 11th century, which was first destroyed, then expanded into a small castle and again destroyed in the Palatinate War of Succession. The castle stood empty for centuries, but is now used as a hotel.
Museums
- 5 North Palatinate Museum of Local History, Bezirksamtsstrasse 8. Tel.: 49 6361 3449. The North Palatinate Local History Museum was established in 1926 by the North Palatinate History Association. The history of the North Palatinate and the region around Rockenhausen from the Stone Age to the modern age are shown. Attached is a library with local history works. Closed due to renovation in 2018, date of reopening not known so far (as of May 2018)..
- 6 Museum of Time - Palatinate Tower Clock Museum, Schlossstrasse 10. Tel.: 49 6361 3430. The Palatinate Tower Clock Museum deals with all forms of time measurement. Tower clocks, hourglasses, sundials and, from today's perspective, somewhat unorthodox timing devices are on display.Open: Tue-Sun 2.30pm-5.30pm.Price: Free entry, a donation is requested.
- 7 Museum Pachen, Speyerstrasse 3. Tel.: 49 6361 22136. Gallery with artwork from the 20th century, mainly by regional artists.Open: Tue-Sun 2.30pm-5.30pm.Price: Free entry, a donation is requested.
- 8 Kahnweilerhaus, Marketplace 7. Tel.: 49 6361 3449. Museum in honor of the artist Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, who had his roots in Rockenhausen.Open: Thu-Sun 3: 00-5: 00 p.m.Price: Free entry, a donation is requested.
miscellaneous
- 9 Rockenhausen cemetery. The Rockenhausen cemetery from the late 19th century has some beautiful old tombs, but the crypt of a Rockenhausen family, which was built in its current form between 1911 and 1913, is particularly worth seeing.
- 10 Donnersberg Zoo, Kaiserslauterer Strasse 13. Tel.: (0)6361 915441. The term "zoo" is perhaps a bit misleading, because you will not find a park like in other zoos here. A private person has laboriously collected animals from his private fortune over the years that no other zoo in Germany wanted to take in, including many rare and exotic animal species that cannot be seen anywhere else. This collection has only been open to the public since 2016, as an ulterior motive, also to finance the further care of the animals and the expansion of the site from the entrance fee. The zoo is somewhat hidden in the parking lot of a clothing store and is not immediately recognizable as such. It is still largely run with the help of family members, volunteers and Bufdis in the hope of building a real zoo with a park one day.Open: in the season (April to October) daily 10: 00-18: 00, out of season (November to March) 10: 00-17: 00.Price: adults € 6, children € 5.
activities
- Postcard motifs There are quite a few from Rockenhausen, but the view from the southeast at the Hintersteinerhof is particularly impressive. You can either follow the country road with little traffic or take the direct dirt road uphill (very steep and exhausting!). From here you have a wonderful view over the entire Alsenz Valley and the North Palatinate Uplands. The whole thing can be combined with a detour to the disused one 11 Hintersteinerhof quarry.
- hike: Because of its train station, Rockenhausen is a frequently used starting point for hikes in the North Palatinate Bergland. There are numerous maps and route plans at the train station.
- The city of Rockenhausen has signposted five circular hiking trails that lead out of the city into nature and the surrounding villages. Some of the signposting of the hiking trails is not yet complete and is still being planned, and the route of the hiking trails cannot (yet) be found on the Internet. So you have to go on a discovery tour yourself. If you are fit enough, you should plan between 3 and 6 hours for the circular hiking trails.
- Various hiking trails run by the Palatinate Forest Association also lead through Rockenhausen. With the car you can shorten the route and save yourself agonizing meters of altitude by heading for the parking spaces for hikers in a targeted manner: 3 Wanderparkplatz industrial area, 4 Hintersteinerhof hiking car park. If you want to start from Marienthal, you can park in the village car park right next to the church.
- The Local group Rockenhausen of the Palatinate Forest Association mainly carries out excursions in the (nearer and further) region; Local hikes rarely take place. The current hiking plan can be found not only on the Internet, but also near the castle at the end of the Mühlweg.
- To go biking: Cycling along the Alsenz cycle path is easy, as the area is comparatively flat and the cycle paths are well developed, and you can shorten longer sections of the route with the parallel railway. Much more difficult, however, is the ascent to the mountains, especially from Rockenhausen uphill towards Marienthal. There are steep gradients to be conquered on this route, so you need to be in good physical condition and the road is very busy. In the opposite direction it is mostly downhill, which is much easier; Nevertheless, the country road is not necessarily recommended for cyclists. There is the possibility of shortening along the signposted hiking trails, but the quality of the path is moderate, a mountain bike is recommended here.
- 1 Rockenhausen natural adventure pool, Obermühle 2. Tel.: (0)6361 993435. The nature adventure pool advertises its special water quality, because the water here comes from the pipe and, unlike other pools, is not cleaned with chlorine, but through biological processes. Various attractions, including a 60 meter long water slide, make the nature adventure pool particularly attractive for families with children.Open: during the season daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays from 8 a.m., the beginning and end of the season are announced online.Price: adults € 4, children € 1.50.
- Boules: Boule or pétanque is a rather little-known sport in this country that is primarily about skill and less about pure strength or endurance. One of the more successful boules clubs in Germany is located in Rockenhausen. Tournaments take place regularly in the clubhouse, in which outsiders can also take part.
- 2 Boule friends Rockenhausen, At the old quarry 1. Tel.: (0)6361 994282.
- To fly, at least as a passenger, is also possible from the nearby landing site. Information on this can be found on the FSVSD website.
Regular events
- North Palatinate Autumn Festival on the 2nd weekend in September. The folk festival offers a number of events, including a wine tasting of the wines produced here (which, by the way, belong to the Nahe wine-growing region despite the location in the Palatinate), a triathlon, Sunday shopping and finally a large fireworks display on Monday evening.
- Christmas Market on the 1st weekend in Advent
shop
The old town of Rockenhausen with its owner-managed shops invites you to try it out. However, the vacancy rate, which is considerable in some cases, cannot be overlooked - the modern world does not leave its mark here either. The weekly market takes place on the market square in Rockenhausen every Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- 1 Amüse Koehler, Bahnhofstrasse 3a. Tel.: (0)6361 9296007. Delicatessen with teas, sweets and spices from all over the world, as well as accessories such as porcelain dishes.Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10: 00-18: 00, Sat 10: 00-13: 00.
kitchen
- 1 Bakery Café Kuhn, Mühlweg 2. Tel.: (0)6361 8366. Without a doubt, the best baked goods in all of Rockenhausen are prepared here. Sweet and artfully designed cakes, plus coffee or tea. As a local meeting place, the café is well attended at all times of the day and there is also a separate smoking room.Open: Mo-Fr 5: 30-18: 00, Sa 5: 30-13: 00.
- 2 Ristorante Portofino, Luitpoldstrasse 21. Tel.: (0)6361 1478. Old inn in Rockenhausen, now operated under Italian management with typical Italian cuisine.Open: daily 11: 00-14: 00 and 17: 00-23: 00, closed on Tuesdays.
- 3 To the Alsenz valley, Kaiserslauterer Strasse 1a. Tel.: (0)6361 8560. Small but fine pizzeria with a long tradition and rustic ambience. Opening times are a business secret and must be requested on site.
- 4 Marienthal log cabin, Am Donnersberg 35. Tel.: 49 6361 915741. The remote location in the middle of nature is what makes this restaurant so special. Regional Palatinate cuisine is served.Open: Wed-Sun 11: 00-23: 00.
nightlife
If you want to party right up to the Puppen at night, you have to drive a bit out into the villages:
- 1 The cult, Ortsstrasse 21, 67724 Gundersweiler. Tel.: (0)6361 8371. Rock club and disco. Wednesdays and Saturdays are celebrated, on Fridays there is live music and performances by local bands.Open: admission usually from 9 p.m.
accommodation
- 2 Hotel at Rockenhausen Castle, Schlossstrasse 8. Tel.: (0)6361 92920. The hotel is located in a new building next to the historic castle. The hotel restaurant and conference rooms are located in the castle itself. Prices depend on the season, there are no fixed prices.
- 3 Hotel Pfälzer Hof, Kreuznacher Strasse 30. Tel.: (0)6361 458980. Simply furnished hotel in a historic inn in Rockenhausen. Breakfast and half board can be booked separately. The hotel also has a restaurant.Price: single / double 45 € / 74 €.
- 4 Pension Schwalbennest, Rockenhauser Strasse 12. Tel.: 49 6361 8436. Quietly located pension in Marienthal, 4 double rooms, 2 holiday apartments.Price: € 30 / € 46 single / double room.
Learn
- 1 Rockenhausen City Library, Kreuznacher Strasse 18. Tel.: (0)6361 3433. The city library always invites you to browse.Open: Tue 14: 00-17: 00, Wed 10: 00-12: 00, Thu 16: 00-19: 00, on the 1st Friday of the month 10: 00-12: 00.
Work
Working in Rockenhausen almost always means Keiper. The automotive supplier operates a huge plant in the city with jobs that, in purely mathematical terms, would be enough for the entire working population of the city. The second mainstay in Rockenhausen next to Keiper is care with a range of nursing homes, workshops and dormitories. Apart from that, the city is rural with only a few large companies.
- 2 Rockenhausen Employment Agency, Kreuznacher Strasse 9.
security
There are no special indications, Rockenhausen is considered to be absolutely safe. If, contrary to expectations, something should happen, contact the police:
- 3 Rockenhausen police station, Wiesenstrasse 2b. Tel.: (0)6361 9170.
health
- 4 Rockenhausen Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 10. Tel.: 49 6361 4550.
The medical emergency service in Rockenhausen was discontinued because the number of cases was too low. Patients take turns after the general practitioners' office hours Alzey or Kirchheimbolanden drive.
Pharmacies
- 5 Castle pharmacy, Schlossstrasse 7. Tel.: (0)6361 1020. Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 08: 00-12: 30 and 14: 00-18: 30, Wed and Sat 08: 00-12: 30.
- 6 Adler pharmacy, Bezirksamtsstrasse 6. Tel.: (0)6361 646. Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 08: 00-13: 00 and 14: 00-18: 00, Wed 08: 00-13: 00, Sat closed.
Practical advice
The post has now also given up its branch in Rockenhausen, postal services are only available here: 7 City shop Rockenhausen, Kreuznacher Strasse 9. Tel.: (0)6361 9299155. Open: Mo-Fr 07: 45-18: 00, Sa 08: 30-12: 30.
Free WiFi is available throughout the old town of Rockenhausen through the Freifunk initiative.
A public restroom are available on Rognacplatz and at the train station.
trips
From Rockenhausen there are many options for onward travel.
- If you follow the Alsenz upstream, you will reach the community Winnweiler. Behind Winnweiler then finally follows Kaiserslautern.
- If you follow the Alsenz downstream, you will reach the confluence in the Nahe Bad Munster am Stein and can continue to from there Bad Kreuznach to travel. A visit to the country town is recommended on the way Upper moschel.
- The mountains to the west are very sparsely populated. After a long journey you descend into the Lautertal with the villages Lauterecken and Wolfstein.
- To the east, the royal seat comes pretty soon Kirchheimbolanden. A detour to the Donnersberg at Dannenfels must of course not be missing.
literature
Web links
- http://www.rockenhausen.de - Official website of Rockenhausen
