ABC in KMC: Erfenbach

Erfenbach lies on the edge of the Palatinate Forest, bordered by Otterbach (Sambach), the Kaiserslautern districts of Erzhütten‑Wiesenthalerhof and Siegelbach, with forest to the south and farmland to the north. The municipality includes Stockborn and Lampertsmühle with a train station and has about 2,800 residents, roughly 100–120 of them American.

First recorded from 1143 under various spellings, such as Ervenpach, Erpfenbach, and Erffenbach, the name Erfenbach became standard around 1800. Over the centuries the village belonged at times to Lorraine, the Lords of Hoheneck, and the Electoral Palatinate.

From 1798 to 1814, it was part of the French Republic (until 1804) and then part of the Napoleonic Empire. Erfenbach was incorporated into the Canton of Kaiserslautern under the Mairie of Weilerbach. In 1815, the village had 298 inhabitants. From 1818 to 1862, the village belonged to the Kaiserslautern District Commission, later called Kaiserslautern District. As part of the first Rhineland-Palatinate administrative reform, the community was incorporated into the City of Kaiserslautern on June 7, 1969.

Bachbahn Museum

Small though it is, Erfenbach has a surprising cultural life. The Bachbahn Museum, located in a historic farmhouse in the town center, celebrates Erfenbach’s place among the first villages to be linked to the rail network by the Bachbahn.

The branch line ran 16.5 kilometers from Lampertsmühle to Reichenbach‑Stegen and took its name from the many stops along its route that ended in “bach,” meaning stream: Otterbach, Erfenbach, Siegelbach, Rodenbach, Weilerbach, Schwedelbach and Reichenbach.

On the top floor a miniature railway displays the exact locations of every station that once served the Bachbahn and the layout is continually expanded. Built to gauge 0 and stretching roughly 180 meters, the model offers a highly detailed, faithful replica of the former route.

Another highlight is the chance to sit inside an authentic dining car setting and soak up the romance of a bygone era, complete with lovingly preserved details, visitors are even welcomed at the entrance by an original ticket counter. The museum also encompasses a hall with a stage for varying events, a brewery and an artists’ studio.

The museum welcomes visitors every first Sunday of the month and serves drinks and snacks from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come by and enjoy the romance of the rails.

Bachbahn Brewery

When the Bachbahn Museum was developed, the town decided Erfenbach deserved its own beer. A small brewery was installed in the museum, where brewmaster Andreas Schlichting, an experienced brewer who earned his master brewer’s diploma in Weihenstephan, produces the beer on site.

The beer is a dark, naturally cloudy brew made from three distinctive malts: Munich malt for body, caramel malt for aroma, and Pilsner malt for balance and brightness. Two Hallertau hop varieties, Ariana and Blanc, provide the hop character, and to top it off, the beer is brewed with soft, fresh Erfenbacher water. The result is a full‑bodied, complex dark beer with layered malt flavors and a clean, refreshing finish.

Kunst am Gleis

The artists’ house Kunst am Gleis brings together creators working in a wide range of styles. Housed in the former Schermer farmhouse, the studios showcase abstract and representational painting, digital works, and mixed media, while an on‑site restorer cares for paintings and sculptures.

The preserved granary, kept in its historical condition, provides a striking exhibition space where rough, rural architecture meets contemporary art. Rustic beams and roof tiles form a dramatic backdrop for filigree and abstract pieces, creating an atmosphere where color, shadow, and light interact and the viewer becomes part of the experience.

On the ground floor a flexible room opens onto a courtyard with a cottage garden and can be used for events or workshops. The open studio format invites visitors to meet the artists, explore the studios, and watch them at work. For further details visit: www.schermerhof.de

Bergbau Museum

Another attraction is the Bergbau Museum, a specialist display assembled by collector Dieter Weyhersmüller. It is roughly 35 square meters and presents a focused, well-documented display of mining. The collection highlights the region’s long mining tradition from Roman‑era workings through to mining activity into the 1940s and places particular emphasis on the tools, equipment, and daily working conditions of miners.

Fünf im Bauernhaus

After a day of history and stories, relax with coffee and cake in a charming farmhouse with blue wooden shutters and a cozy garden. Built in 1833 in Palatinate style and restored in 1996, “Café Fünf” houses five traditional craft workshops, including an old shoemaker’s studio, and offers a warm, authentic setting for a leisurely break. https://fuenf-im-bauernhaus.de/english

Gastronomy and places to hang out

You definitely won’t go hungry in Erfenbach and can choose from two authentic Italian restaurants, an Asian diner, or a snack Imbiss. For meeting locals over wine or a cold beer, and maybe to catch a soccer match, drop by the Weinwelt on Jahnstrasse, where bankers, builders, secretaries and homemakers gather casually to chat and unwind, and make a few new friends.

Village Fest

At the end of August, it’s Kerwe time: The village fills with food and drink stalls, children’s rides, beer benches, live music, and the traditional shout of “wem is die Kerb?” There will be live music, among others the Stauchwiesen Band, which was created during Covid, first played outdoors and now mainly performs for charitable causes. A small parade on Sunday, Aug. 30 will send floats and bands through the streets.

Welcome to Erfenbach!

Dear American friends
and neighbors, 

We warmly invite you to join our village life and celebrate with us. Come to our local fests, chat with neighbors, and make new friends — Erfenbach thrives on strong community spirit.

Please join our traditional festival from August 28–31. The opening on Friday features live music, bratwurst, sweets, and small rides for children. The traditional parade takes place on Sunday, and we’d be delighted to welcome our American friends and neighbors.

The people of Erfenbach and I look forward to meeting you and making you feel at home!

Sincerely,

Paul Peter Götz

Erfenbach Village Mayor