Simmern(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Simmern, the top choice for historic charm is Hotel zur Post, a centuries-old inn located in the heart of the Old Town (Altstadt). Housed in a former postal station, it features original timbered ceilings, stone walls, and period furnishings. Guests can enjoy views of the Romanesque Church and stroll through cobbled streets just outside. Nearby, Hotel Alte Mühle—a restored 18th-century mill—offers rustic elegance with private river access and a garden terrace. Both properties emphasize local heritage, with breakfasts featuring regional specialties like Pfälzer Black Bread and house-brewed Simmern Honey Wine. Ideal for travelers seeking authenticity in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate region.

The Old Town (Altstadt) of Simmern is the prime area for walking and sightseeing. This well-preserved medieval district features 16th-century city walls, medieval gateways, and charming half-timbered houses. The main thoroughfare, Marktplatz, hosts seasonal markets and outdoor cafes, while nearby St. Peter’s Church boasts one of the finest Gothic bell towers in the Palatinate. Walk along the Rhine River Promenade to reach the ruins of Burg Blankenburg, offering panoramic views of vineyards and forests. With minimal traffic and excellent signage, this area is perfect for self-guided exploration and photography, especially during sunrise or golden hour.

Simmern offers several unique cultural experiences, most notably the Medieval Market (Mittelaltermarkt) held annually in summer. Visitors dress in period costumes, enjoy live jousting tournaments, blacksmith demonstrations, and artisan craft stalls. At the Castle Museum (Schloss Simmern Museum), explore exhibits on the town’s role as a Pfalz Electorate capital, including rare 15th-century wood carvings and interactive displays on plague-era history. Evening ghost tours reveal legends of the Plague Pit beneath the old town. Additionally, the Simmern Honey Wine Festival celebrates local honey-based beverages with tastings, workshops, and traditional music performances.

Yes, Simmern is highly suitable for families. The Rhine Valley Family Trail offers safe, scenic paths with educational signs about local wildlife and geology. Children love the Bear Forest Playground near the town center, complete with climbing structures and animal sculptures. Simmern Castle Garden is free to enter and features a maze, small petting zoo, and picnic areas. Many hotels, such as Hotel Alte Mühle, provide baby cribs, high chairs, and family-friendly activities like gingerbread-making workshops and medieval costume dressing-up. Local events often include children’s games and storytelling sessions, making it a welcoming destination for all ages.

Must-try dishes in Simmern include Pfälzer Schweinshaxe—crispy roasted pork knuckle served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes—and Schwarzbrot Ragout, a hearty beef stew cooked in dark rye bread. Don’t miss Simmern Honey Wine (Honigwein), a sweet, aromatic beverage made from locally harvested honey. For a true taste of tradition, visit Zum Römer Restaurant, a centuries-old tavern with exposed beams and handmade sausages. They also serve Riesling wine from nearby vineyards and seasonal specials like wild boar stew. Pair your meal with a slice of Black Forest Cake—a regional favorite—crafted with local cherries.

From Simmern, easily access natural wonders via public transport or bike. Take the bus to the Rhine Valley Walking Trail (Rheintalwanderweg), leading to the Burg Blankenburg Ruins with sweeping valley views. For hiking, ride the bus to the Palatinate Forest Nature Park (Pfalz Forest Nature Park), home to the Canopy Walkway (Baumwipfelweg) and trails ranging from easy to challenging. Rent bikes at the Simmern Train Station to follow the Aar River Cycle Path, passing through vineyards and forested valleys. Stop in Grossenheim Village for fresh fruit juice and homemade pastries. These routes offer immersive experiences in Germany’s green heartland.

Winter highlights in Simmern include the Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt), held in the Old Town Square, where glowing lanterns illuminate wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and gingerbread houses. The Castle Square Ice Sculpture Exhibition features intricate works inspired by medieval legends. For relaxation, visit the Simmern Wellness & Spa Center, which offers thermal baths fed by natural geothermal springs. If snow arrives, take a short drive to Ski Arena Pfalz, just 30 minutes away, with beginner-friendly slopes and rental services. Winter evenings often feature candlelit walks and storytelling events in historic buildings.

Transportation in Simmern is convenient despite its small size. The Simmern Railway Station connects regularly to Trier and Mainz via regional trains, with journeys lasting 30–45 minutes. Local buses cover major sights and hotels, and the Germany Ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) is valid here. For independent travel, the A61 Autobahn is within 10 minutes’ drive, linking to Frankfurt and Cologne. Bike rentals are available at the train station, enabling easy access to the Aar River Cycle Path and surrounding countryside. Its central location makes Simmern an ideal base for exploring the broader Rhineland-Palatinate region.

Hotel prices in Simmern vary by category and season. Budget options like Gasthof zum Storch start at €70–90 per night, including breakfast. Mid-range hotels such as Hotel zur Post cost €130–180 per night, offering historic interiors and city views. Premium stays like Ferienhaus Schlossblick (castle-view villa) range from €250+ per night, ideal for families or groups. Prices rise 20–30% during peak seasons (May–October), especially around the Medieval Market and Christmas Market. HopeGoo early via platforms like HopeGoo or HopeGoo is recommended, and check the official tourism website for bundled deals including spa access or guided tours.

Top photo spots in Simmern include the Old Town Gate (Stadttor), with its imposing Gothic arch and lion statues; St. Peter’s Church Tower, offering panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and distant Palatinate Forest; and the Rhine River Bridge, especially stunning at sunset with golden reflections. The ruins of Burg Blankenburg provide dramatic silhouettes against the sky, perfect for silhouette photography. For candid moments, capture the lively atmosphere at the Marktplatz during seasonal markets, where locals in traditional attire sell crafts and food. Bring a wide-angle lens to emphasize the town’s compact, storybook layout, and visit early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer crowds.