Gruffalo Trail in Weinheim

Pfalz mit Kids
Dec 21, 2025
2 min read

UP TO WINDECK CASTLE ON THE GRUFFALO DISCOVERY TRAIL

Does the Gruffalo really exist? You'll meet him on this entertaining route in Weinheim.

FACTS

Price: free

Weather: dry weather

Age: Toddlers and kindergarten children

Location: Weinheim

Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson's "The Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child" have become indispensable children's book classics. How wonderful that there's now an entertaining discovery trail about them in Weinheim (near the Palatinate).

Short distance, also suitable for strollers

The Gruffalo Trail leads up to Windeck Castle, a distance of about 0.7 kilometers, and thus far above the rooftops of Weinheim. Located at the edge of the forest, the trail features several characters from the children's books, carved into the wood with a chainsaw. The path is paved and therefore suitable for strollers. However, it is quite a steep climb. Children don't even notice this, as they are busy searching for the figures and run ahead from one station to the next. The trail is a challenge for wheelchair users, though.

Starting point and parking

The Gruffalo Trail begins on Neuer Burgweg and is a narrow but paved path. Enter the address into your GPS or use the Google Maps link below. The starting point is surrounded by a residential area with public parking. If you can't find a space there, you can use the paid parking lot at Contipark on Grundelbachstraße, located slightly below the trail.

Solve puzzles and get ever closer to the Gruffalo

A small sign will now guide you. We'll first encounter the mouse and then the other characters from the children's book, carved and waiting for us along the path. Each figure has an information panel with a riddle. So take a pen and paper with you – you can exchange the correct answers for a small prize at thetourist information office in Weinheim . Of course, this is only possible when it's open (which is also on Sundays during the warmer months). This can be wonderfully combined with a stroll through the beautiful market square.

Up to the Gruffalo and the castle

The Windeck castle ruins are the destination of this pleasant hike. Once at the top, the Gruffalo awaits us, readily posing for a selfie, and the Gruffalo's child also appears for a warm hug.

Windeck Castle is also a worthwhile destination, open during the warmer months and offering refreshments. Several tables and benches with magnificent views are available in the castle courtyard. The castle tower can be visited for a small fee. It's important to note, however, that the castle is only open when the restaurant is operating and not hosting a private event. So please check beforehand. Otherwise, your visit will simply end at the Gruffalo statue and the picnic bench.

Combination tips

There are two lovely Alla hopp playgrounds nearby: in Hemsbach and Abtsteinach. The old town of Weinheim is also worth a short visit.

*Unpaid advertisement - I received no compensation for this report. All information is provided without guarantee.