Table of Contents
Introduction: Purple Paradise at Mehlinger Heide in Rheinland Pfalz
Nestled in the heart of Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, the Mehlinger Heide transforms into a purple paradise each summer, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of blooming heather. This enchanting landscape, one of the largest heathlands in Southwest Germany, offers visitors a serene escape into nature's splendor. As you wander through the vibrant fields of purple, the tranquil ambiance and stunning vistas make Mehlinger Heide an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Discover the unique flora and fauna and immerse yourself in the natural charm of this summer spectacle.
FAQ
Location: Mehlinger Heide is located in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, near the town of Mehlingen.
Size: It is one of the largest heathlands in Southwest Germany, covering approximately 410 hectares.
Flora: The heathland is renowned for its extensive purple heather blooms, particularly during late summer.
Fauna: It is home to diverse wildlife, including rare bird species and insects.
History: The area was once a military training ground before being transformed into a nature reserve.
Activities: Popular activities include hiking, bird watching, and photography.
Accessibility: The site is easily accessible with well-maintained walking paths.
Photo taken from Kaiserslautern Day Tripper's Post linked below.
First, I would like to thank the Kaiserslautern Day Tripper for posting about this unique national reserve not far from the KMC area! It was only a 30-minute drive from my house and relatively easy to access with the instructions she gave in her post. She went when everything was in full bloom and had beautiful blue skies compared to the grey foggy expanse I was greeted with this morning. Totally jealous!
You can also find more info on Kaiserslautern & Beyond's previous post or Pfalz mit Kids' post from 2021.
Entrance & Parking
There are several ways to reach the fields; we parked here and entered nearby.
If the vibrant purple flowers and well-maintained trails aren't enough to guide you, a helpful sign points the way to the "Heideweg," also known as the "Heather Way."
Several trails wind through Mehlinger Heide. My friend Nichole and I followed the path marked by an owl symbol (see above). It was quite amusing when we joined a group of ladies from the KMC Child Free Fun Group. While I stopped to take photos, they continued walking, and we ended up losing them (whoops). We must have gone in opposite directions because Nichole and I never saw them again (too funny).
Proper Footwear
The ONE thing I wish I had known was that it's not just loose sandy dirt; it's RED loose sandy dirt that can stain your shoes and clothes. Avoid wearing white shoes or anything you wouldn't want to get dirty, and definitely steer clear of open-toed shoes. Unfortunately, I wore my light-colored Birkenstocks and now have to see if a good wash will fix them (crying inside).
There are so many beautiful views! During our walk, we saw almost no one, likely because it was a weekday and also late in the season, so the heather was not in full bloom. This made the experience even more serene and enjoyable, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Mehlinger Heide.
Areas to Relax
There are many scenic sitting areas where you can relax and enjoy the view. However, the bench we encountered was wet, so Nichole decided to stand instead. She assured me it was sturdy despite making me a little nervous. The sitting areas provide a perfect spot to take in the tranquil beauty of Mehlinger Heide.
My Favorite Photo
This might be my favorite photo from that day (above)!
Plants & Wildlife
You won't only find heather along the way! There is plenty of other foliage and flowers to enjoy, adding to the diverse beauty of Mehlinger Heide. As a lover of anything green and pretty, I was delighted by the variety of plant life, including juniper, birch trees, and grasses. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, such as lizards, butterflies, and various bird species like skylarks and stonechats. This rich biodiversity makes each visit a unique experience, offering more than just the stunning purple heather blooms.
Education
Along the trails, educational booths provide interesting information about the area. Near the parking lot, there's even a playground for children to enjoy.
Another educational tidbit: Initially covered in trees, the area was deforested in the early 1900s and used as parade grounds. Later, it became military training grounds until WWII ended, after which the French armed forces took over until around 1994. The fields we see today are preserved and maintained through human intervention, as the forest began reclaiming the land after it was abandoned.
Now on to the Pfälzer Dampfnudelhof!!
It quickly became my favorite place to meet up in the summer.
Pfalzer Dampfnudelhof
Guys, this place was fantastic, and I was so MAD no one told me about it until right before I left!
Wondering what the heck a dampfnudel is?
It's a steamed dumpling with a fried, caramelized, salty bottom. The perfect dampfnudel isn't right without this unique texture. You can enjoy them plain or with a dipping sauce, like the delicious vanilla one pictured above. I love the sweet and salty combination and always order it this way. If you are into trying traditional German food, this should definitely have been on your list!
Why do I love this place?
Well, not only does it have tons of seating (outdoors only) and yummy food, but it also has a fancy secco bar!!
I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw one of the girls walk back after ordering this drink! It's called a Heide-Mary and contains prosecco, sparkling water, violet syrup, ice, and lavender, topped with a little poof of cotton candy. As soon as I saw the cotton candy, I knew I had to have one.
It was everything I wanted and more.
They even have espresso martinis! Colleen ordered one, and it's now my go-to drink. I don't usually see these on the menu, so imagine my surprise when I saw an advertisement at the bar! The combination of rich espresso and smooth martini was absolutely delightful and a perfect pick-me-up during our outing.
Don't even get me started on this charcuterie board... Beautifully presented and absolutely delectable.
I need to move on with this blog section because I'm getting quite hungry and thirsty now!
Depending on the weather, they have live music nights and are open seasonally from March to November. I highly recommend making a reservation on weekends and event nights to ensure you get a spot.
It was a wonderful day from beginning to end.
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