A Sea of Purple: Heather Fields at Mehlinger Heide in Rheinland-Pfalz
- - Allie
- Aug 6, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction: Purple Paradise at Mehlinger Heide in Rheinland Pfalz
Mehlinger Heide, located near the town of Mehlingen in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, is one of the largest heathlands in Southwest Germany, covering approximately 410 hectares. Once a military training ground, the area has since been transformed into a protected nature reserve. It is primarily known for its vibrant purple heather blooms in late summer (August-September), attracting visitors for hiking, bird watching, and photography. The heathland also supports a variety of wildlife, including rare bird species and insects. With well-maintained walking paths, Mehlinger Heide is easily accessible for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
When to visit depends heavily on weather conditions.
This year's peak is expected to be around mid-August.
I caught the fields towards the end of the season, which is why they are not as bright, and the day was also a bleak grey, adding further to the blandness of the photos.
2025 Sunday Hikes
This season, visitors to Mehlinger Heide are invited to join a series of guided Sunday hikes through the stunning nature and bird sanctuary. These approximately 2.5-hour walks follow a circular trail and are led by knowledgeable guides who will share fascinating facts about the heath and its rich biodiversity. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the vibrant landscape while learning more about this unique habitat. The hikes are open to all, with no registration required, and are affordably priced.
Dates
Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Meeting Point
Parking lot of Becker, An der Heide 10, 67678 Mehlingen
Registration
Not required
Cost
Adults: €5.00
Children up to 14 years: Free
Important Notes
Wear sturdy shoes
Bring a hat and enough water
Hikes will be canceled in case of persistent rain or dangerous weather
Suitable only for individuals with surefootedness
Private tours for larger groups or alternative dates are also available. To book, contact the Enkenbach-Alsenborn Tourist Office at +49 6303 913 168 or via email at tourismus@enkenbach-alsenborn.de.
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. 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 immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Mehlinger Heide fully.
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.
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.
Other Heather Fields in Europe
Veluwe & Posbank, Netherlands
The Veluwe region, particularly Posbank and the Hoge Veluwe National Park, offers one of the most stunning displays of blooming heather in Europe. Rolling purple hills stretch as far as the eye can see, best viewed in mid to late August, with the peak often falling in the last week of August. Sunrise and sunset hikes or bike rides are especially magical, with morning mists adding an ethereal touch to the landscape.
Lüneburger Heide, Germany
Located in Lower Saxony, the Lüneburger Heide is Germany’s most famous heathland and transforms into a sea of violet blooms during August and early September. Visitors can enjoy peaceful hikes or rent bicycles to explore this scenic area. Local traditions, such as shepherds guiding Heidschnucke sheep through the fields, add cultural charm to your visit.
North York Moors, England
Covering a vast stretch of northern England, the North York Moors boast one of the largest expanses of blooming heather in the UK—roughly 35% of the area. The best time to visit is late August into early September, when trails like the Hole of Horcum or routes near Egton Bridge offer dramatic views of sweeping purple hills under open skies.
Simonside Hills & Northumberland Moors, England
Northumberland’s highlands are alive with purple blooms every August, especially in areas like the Simonside Hills and Cheviots. These moorlands offer a more rugged, wild beauty and are home to rare wildlife such as red grouse and curlews. The mix of wet and dry heath makes for diverse terrain and unforgettable hikes.
Scottish Highlands & Borders
Scotland’s moors are perhaps the most iconic setting for blooming heather. Fields in areas like the Lammermuir Hills and Cairngorms light up in shades of pink and purple from late July through September, with some species lingering into early October. The rugged, untouched nature of the Scottish Highlands adds dramatic contrast to the soft waves of heather, perfect for hikers and photographers alike.
Pfälzer Dampfnudelhof
Pfälzer Dampfnudelhof & Secco Bar is a cozy and charming beer-garden-style eatery located in Mehlingen, just steps from the scenic Mehlinger Heide nature sanctuary. It specializes in traditional Palatinate-style Dampfnudeln—soft, fluffy steamed dumplings with a distinctive salty crust—served with either vanilla or wine sauce, and optionally accompanied by hearty potato soup. The setting is laid-back and inviting, with both indoor lounge seating nestled among palm and olive trees and outdoor beer-garden tables, making it a popular spot for hikers to relax after exploring the heathland. The menu also features regional dishes like liver meatballs with sauerkraut, salads, charcuterie boards, and local wine or beer offerings. It’s open from Wednesday through Sunday—typically opening at noon and staying open into the evening—and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
This place was fantastic, and I was so MAD no one told me about it until right before I left!
What is a dampfnudel?
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 fantastic day from beginning to end.
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