While spring is still fighting the gray of winter elsewhere, in the Palatinate it is ready with the first warm Sun rays already in full bloom. Already in March, thousands of almond trees bloom here along the German Wine Route. The perfect destination for romantics and photographers.
At first sight the Palatinate does not have much in common with the Algarve, Majorca, Cyprus or California. But, especially in spring, you can discover almond trees blooming just as beautifully along the German Wine Route as in the vacation countries directly by the sea. Due to the many hours of sunshine, the comparatively rare rain and the Palatinate Forest, which protects the Wine Route from cold air, even exotic plants grow in the Palatinate. Besides almond trees, you can also see kiwi and fig trees here.
We have to thank the pink splendor Alexander the Great (356 to 323 BC). He brought the first almond trees to Europe via present-day Turkey and Greece. Here they were further spread by the Romans and finally landed in the Palatinate. However, the almond was not mentioned in a document for the Palatinate until the 11th century. In 1464, Elector Frederick I also ordered that almond and walnut trees be planted in the vineyards. This is why the Palatinate starts spring before all other regions in Germany and turns into a sea of pink blossoms in March and April.
Most almond trees you will find around the village of Gimmeldingen on the edge of the Haardt Mountains. The Almond Blossom Festival is celebrated here every year. Thousands then welcome the beginning of the warm season with Palatinate wine and regional specialties. The highlight is the coronation of the almond blossom queen and her princess.
By train and bus comfortably to Gimmeldingen: Plan arrival.
You can explore the almond blossom best on the 100-kilometer-long Almond Trail through the Palatinate wine country from Bockenheim to Schweigen-Rechtenbach. Seven stages are planned for the tour. The route with its gentle climbs leads through villages with beautiful market squares and winding alleys and past inviting wineries. In the numerous wine taverns, restaurants and managed huts you can fortify yourself along the way for the tour or reward yourself at the end. And even when the sun has set in the evening, the region will continue to enchant you: Until April 15, historic buildings such as churches, castles and palaces - for example, Wachtenburg Castle near Wachenheim, Hambach Castle near Neustadt or Trifels Castle near Annweiler - will be illuminated in pink.
Take the train to Bockenheim comfortably and without traffic jams: Plan arrival.
Cover photo: Pink almond trees bloom along the German Wine Route and especially around the village of Gimmeldingen © LianeM - stock.adobe.com
