Durbach is worth seeing and experiencing
Our village is surrounded by steep vineyards and extensive orchards, by forests and meadows. The image of Durbach is shaped by the stream of the same name, which flows through the middle of the locality, by pretty half-timbered houses and wonderful floral decorations. Durbach ranges from the almost flat district of Ebersweier over several kilometers up to the "Durbacher Gebirg" (the highest mountains of Durbach) and into several idyllic side valleys such as for example the Vollmersbach valley in which we are located.
We are known as Baden's wine village No. 1 and we winegrower-families are very proud of that!
The castle - Schloss Staufenberg
Staufenberg Castle is situated high above Durbach. A visit of this place during any Durbach holiday should not be missed! It was built in the 11th century and has been in the possession of the Margraves of Baden since 1693. The castle to which belong a winery and a restaurant is still occasionally inhabited by the Margrave of Baden. Enjoy the wonderful view over Durbach and from the plain of the Rhine to the Vosges on the roof terrace while enjoying the excellent wine and a nice cheese plate or "Flammenkuchen" (a special regional pastry)! On warm summer evenings you should definitely wait for the sunset!
Museum of wine and local history
Here you can find out interesting facts about Durbach's history up to the present day! The museum provides insights into the village life of yore and gives informations about the work of the valley's inhabitants from then until now. In addition to the main building you will find a cooper's workshop, an ancient distillery and bakery, a historic flour mill, a barn and an apiary. Changing special exhibitions give further informations.
The museum is established in a beautiful half-timbered house, a former winegrower's house of the 18th century, and is located in the idyllic center of the village.
The ruins of St. Anton's Chapel and St. Urban's statue
Anyone who explores the landscape on the Durbacher "Wine panorama path" also passes the ruins of St. Anton's Chapel. It was once built in the midst of a forest and was a hermitage of the Franciscans and in the 16th and 17th centuries a pilgrimage church . It was forgotten and had almost completely disappeared into the green of the forest. The chapel was restored in 1994 and has been lovingly maintained since then.
Nearby at one of the most beautifull viewpoints you can find a statue of St. Urban who is the patron saint of the winegrowers. Every year at the end of the vintage, we winegrowers celebrate a harvest festival there in the midst of the vineyards. The celebration begins with a prayer next to the statue. Afterwards traditionally for the last time you can taste the new wine (partially fermented young wine), which is produced exclusively from the late maturing "Traminer" grape and also only for this festival.
Sculpture Park
Here in the idyllic valley of Vollmersbach right on our doorstep near the Staufenburg Clinic you can discover contemporary art. A walk through the park is not only an experience for ambitious art lovers. Durbach was the venue for five international sculpture symposia in 1984, 1986, 1989, 1996 and 1999, in which sculptors from 27 nations have participated. A big part of these sculptures are now located in the protected landscape of the Vollmersbach Valley directly near the Staufenburg Clinic.
Come along with us on an excursion to discover and experience Durbach and the beautiful nature all around during all seasons!
In spring Durbach is surrounded by a wonderful sea of blossom. The air is then fraught with a particular fragrance, especially when the vine blooms in May / June. This is a wonderful time to hike or to go on little walks.
In summer sweet fruits ripen: blueberries, cherries, apples, pears, plums and mirabelles ... A small part of them will be marketed as dessert fruits, but the most part of the fruits is intended for distillation. Durbach is not only famous for its wine, it's also an important center for the distillation of fruits.
In autumn during the grape harvest and fruit harvest, a trip to Durbach is of course particularly interesting. Busy activity can be observed everywhere in the vineyards and in the orchards. Nature shines in bright colors and the autumn sun submerges Durbach in a golden light.
If you are looking for rest and relaxation, you will in winter feel very comfortable here, too!