Donnersbergkreis on the move: tourism and industry are flourishing!

Donnersbergkreis on the move: tourism and industry are flourishing!

A comprehensive development concept is being pushed forward in the Donnersberg district to increase tourist attractiveness and attract new companies. The independent district administrator Rainer Guth emphasizes that the region has ideal conditions for tourism, including extensive forest areas, viticulture and the highest mountain in the Palatinate. Planned investments and marketing measures are intended to exploit the potential of tourism in order to increase tax revenue from the catering and hotel industries. A tourist tax for tourists is also expected to be introduced, based on the model of other municipalities in Rhineland-Palatinate, with a target contribution of two euros per night.

The region is well connected to several major cities, which represents a favorable prerequisite for the planned measures. Five communities in the Donnersberg district have already joined forces to effectively organize tourism together. As part of this cooperation, numerous projects are planned in Stahlberg, including activities in the forest and the construction of wooden marble runs. Another focus is on the development of new hiking and mountain bike trails as well as the expansion of via ferratas in order to further increase the attractiveness of the region.

Transport connection via Zellertalbahn

A crucial part of the infrastructure for tourism in the Donnersberg district is the Zellertalbahn, the upgrading of which has been underway since June 2021. This railway line stretches over 27.7 kilometers between Monsheim and Langmeil and was closed to regular traffic in 1998. Between 2001 and 2017 there was only seasonal excursion traffic. 8.3 million euros are planned for the recommissioning of the Zellertalbahn, which is scheduled to take place from May 2026, of which 6.7 million euros will be provided as funding from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The remaining amount is borne by the municipalities of the Donnersberg district and the Alzey-Worms district.

The upgrade includes the repair of 11 level crossings and 15 bridges to ensure train traffic for tourist purposes. After the work, the aim is to offer transport on weekends, public holidays and during holiday periods. District Administrator Guth is confident that the reopening of the Zellertalbahn will have a positive impact on tourism, especially as a destination for cycling and hiking tours.

Economic development and establishment of new companies

In addition to promoting tourism, the Donnersbergkreis also aims to attract new companies. Around 200 hectares of new commercial space are to be created for this purpose, with construction work on a commercial area on the A63 between Lohnsfeld and Winnweiler having already begun. In the future, another commercial space is also to be developed in Morschheim. Furthermore, the former Bischoff brewery in Winnweiler will be sold to regional companies with the long-term plan to develop a new residential area there.

An additional project envisages the conversion of the Westpfalzklinikum building in Rockenhausen into a large psychiatric hospital. The geriatric department is being relocated to Kirchheimbolanden in order to meet the increasing need for psychotherapeutic treatment options in the population. These developments are considered important for the future economic and social stability of the region.