Location and Landscape
Schloßböckelheim is a local municipality in the district of Bad Kreuznach in the Nahe region of Rhineland-Palatinate. The municipality covers around 477 hectares and is divided into the localities of Tal, Schloß and Kolonie, as well as several named farmsteads. The Nahe forms the southern boundary of the municipality over large stretches and runs through the town in a narrow gorge valley.
Relief and Geology
The Nahetal lies within the municipality at an altitude of about 125 metres, while the Heimberg, at around 303 metres, is the highest point. Steep slopes, gentler rises and an altitude difference of approximately 178 metres shape the relief. The Nahe gorge with its distinctive rock formations belongs to the porphyry hills of Münster am Stein; the municipality also includes the Schloßböckelheimer Heide.
History
Schloßböckelheim is considered to have been mentioned for the first time in a document dated 16 February 824, in which the place appears as „uilla Beccchilenheim“. In 1105, Emperor Henry IV was held at Böckelheim Castle after his capture by his son, Henry V. French troops caused the castle to be destroyed in 1688 during the War of the Palatine Succession. The historic name Schloßböckelheim was restored in 1911 by an official decree.
Winegrowing and Sites
For the former Böckelheim, winegrowing is already documented in a directory of estates of the Rupertsberg monastery from the year 1128. The municipality’s vineyard designations include Felsenberg, Mühlberg and Kupfergrube. Felsenberg and Kupfergrube are classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® on the Nahe. The site In den Felsen has volcanic porphyry soils; Riesling is grown there.
