ahr valley tourism

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Ahr valley wine-growing region – a red-wine paradise

The Ahr River meanders through the bizarre rocky landscape with sudden twists and turns, past vineyards clinging to the barren stone. Even the Ancient Romans were wise to the favourable climate of this wild and romantic valley.

Just shy of 1,500 hours of sunshine in the region each year create optimum conditions for growing grapes. On top of that, the poor soil absorbs warmth during the day and radiates it around the grapes overnight. This effect reminiscent of night storage heaters is accentuated by the many vineyard walls.

The spectacularly rugged landscape means that wine-growers have to work hard, but their efforts are suitably rewarded with the fine wines they are able to produce. Hikers in the area are treated to stunning views on the Red Wine Trail, which spans 35 kilometres and links together the wine-growing villages.

Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Portugieser, Dornfelder and Pinot Madeleine

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The Rotweinwanderweg: A Guide To Wine and Walking In The Ahr Valley

3 January 2019.

Sinking back into my seat, the swirling brown water of the Rhine River drifts into my periphery as the train tracks veer right. Flashes of vivid green spring into view and I catch my first glimpse of the Ahr Valley.

Blue-grey slate terraces cascade steeply down the wide slopes, perfectly manicured grape vines streak the hillsides in a patchwork of juicy green and quaint white-washed villages stand brightly from amidst the sea of vineyards.

Weaving through this wonderfully peaceful pocket of greenery, the Ahr Valley, one of Germany’s smallest wine regions, feels a world away from the hoards of tourists that descend on the nearby Mosel and Rhine during summer.

Instead, this area has managed to remain a closely guarded secret where wine and walking have been paired perfectly together to create the Rotweinwanderweg – the red wine trail. An easy-to-navigate track that leads you in stages past castle ruins, lush forests charming villages and dozens of wineries.

The Ahr Valley makes an excellent day trip from Bonn or Cologne, or you can take your time and spend a long indulgent weekend rambling about between the vineyards.

Here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Rotweinwanderweg in the Ahr Valley – including the prettiest sections to walk, where to eat and drink and the best time to visit.

* This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. *

What Is The Rotweinwanderweg?

The Rotweinwanderweg is a 35 km walking trail that winds through the Ahr Valley (Ahrtahl in German) past hilltop ruins, countless vineyards, forests and open fields between the villages of Altenahr and Bad Bodensdorf. That said, you certainly don’t need to hike the entire route.

Most visitors explore the area on a day trip and focus on one small section of the Ahr Valley, but you could also take it slow and spend a long weekend moseying between the wineries and villages and cover the full length of the trail at a leisurely pace.

As you may have guessed from the name, the Ahr Valley is famous for its red wines, in particular the rather hard to pronounce Spatbürgrunder  or Pinot Noir.

The route is well-trodden and clearly marked by bunches of red grapes painted on posts and trees to guide you along the route. Otherwise, the way is marked out on Maps.Me which can be helpful for gauging the distances between villages.

Which Section Should I Walk?

The prettiest stretch runs between Altenahr and Ahrweiler where you’ll find the steepest terraces, plenty of lush vineyards and lovely views across the Ahr Valley’s picturesque villages. If you’re only visiting for a day, I’d recommend sticking to the Altenahr to Dernau stretch.

For a full breakdown of distances between each village, check here , but bear in mind that many sections are actually shorter as you probably won’t be popping into every town along the way. By sticking just to the red wine trail, the distances are approximately:

Altenahr to Mayschoß via Burg Are  |  5.5 km

Mayschoss to Dernau  |  5.5 km

Dernau to Ahrweiler  |  10 km

Hiking The Red Wine Trail

I was lucky enough to visit the Ahr Valley twice last year, once in early summer when the vineyards were bursting with luscious foliage, and again in autumn when the vines were heavy with grapes and the colours were just beginning to change. The first time I hiked between Altenahr and Walporzheim and the next only going as far as Dernau which tends to be the most popular choice for daytrippers.

From Altenahr station, cross the bridge and continue down the street before taking the steep track uphill toward Burg Are, a smattering of hilltop ruins that offers up fabulous views across the forested landscapes that rise above the Ahr Valley.

Setting off again, it’s not long before you’re shifting between vineyards and forests, tracing the curves of the Ahr River in the valley below. Emerging from the dense trees, you’ll find a tight cluster of slate-grey rooftops creeping up the hillsides that indicate Mayschoß (pronounced Mayschoss).

Meandering past the village above the tight bends of the river, it is along this stretch that you’ll find the steepest terraces crisscrossed with vines that spill toward the roadside. Beyond the flat pastures of Rech, you’ll soon lay eyes on Dernau, one of the larger villages along the Rotweinwanderweg , and an excellent endpoint for a decent day’s hike with plenty of places to mooch about tasting wine and traditional German fare.

If you’re continuing on, the valley opens up from here and the dramatic scenery begins to peter out as rolling meadows and the sprawling mass of Ahrweiler comes into view. At this point, I backtracked down to Walporzheim to catch the train, but it’s possible to continue on toward Ahrweiler or Bad Bodensdorf, though the scenery here is less impressive and more developed.

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The best time to visit the ahr valley.

The best time to visit the Ahr Valley is undoubtedly in early autumn (September and October) when fiery autumn hues are just beginning to wash across the landscapes, the vines are heavy with plump bundles of grapes, the harvest is in full swing and lively wine festivals become a weekly occurrence.

At this time of year, the trail bursts to life with plenty of day hikers arriving to enjoy the festivities. The best part, however, is that wineries from the region set up small stands at various point along the trail to sell their wines to passers by, by the glass or bottle. Federweisser, a wonderfully light, subtly sweet, slightly sparkling wine made from young grapes, is also on the menu and is far too easy to drink. It’s something of an autumn tradition in these parts and a must-try when hiking the route.

You can also pack your own snacks and enjoy a small picnic along the trail while overlooking the vineyards and nursing your glass of wein, or simply buy a bottle and drink it along the way. I saw a number of people stashing their half drunk bottles in the side pouches of their backpacks and refilling as needed. I mean, if that’s the local way, I’m all for it.

Weekends are festival time and whichever village is acting as host is where the merriment will reach its climax, often involving a small parade, outdoor music, plenty of food stalls and, of course, free-flowing wine.

For the full list of festivals check here .

Outside of the harvest season, it’s still a beautiful place to visit from late spring onwards when the vines are lush and the new grapes are just beginning to peak between the foliage. During winter though, the landscapes remain relatively bare as the vegetation loses its leaves.

Where To Eat + Drink Along The Rotweinwanderweg

Not only is the Ahr Valley heaven for wine enthusiasts, it’s also a fabulous place to dine in a beautiful setting. You’ll find a number of the region’s most prestigious wineries and excellent restaurants set in the villages, but as I was also here to hike, I chose to stick to the places nestled nearby the trail instead, of which there are just a few.

My second visit also happened to coincide with the festival season so I was able to try plenty of wines from the stalls scattered along the path without having to venture into every town for a tasting.

These are the places I stopped at while hiking the Rotweinwanderweg, both on the trail and in the villages.

Weinhaus Michaelishof  |  At the intersection that leads you downhill to Mayschoss, you’ll find this beautiful restaurant bound by fruit trees and colourful flowers. The bright open-air terrace overlooking the vineyards is a lovely place to stop in for a bite to eat and your first glass of the day after about an hour and a half of walking.

Website   |  TripAdvisor

Hofgarten Meyer Näkel  |  As the region’s most decorated winery, including a prize for the World’s Best Pinot Noir in 2008, Meyer Näkel is an essential stop on any Ahr Valley itinerary. Either pop into the bright, plant-laden courtyard restaurant or stop by the nearby winery for a tasting. Unfortunately, it was full on both the days I visited, but it’s definitely on the cards for next time.

Winzerwirtshcaft Baltes Dernau  |  After a day filled with walking and drinking, a hearty feast was just what we needed. We stumbled upon this family-run restaurant in an effort to escape the cold and were delighted to find excellent and reasonably priced meals, washed down by a glass of local Riesling. Check their website here . Otherwise, Im Burggarten also looks to be a great option for a filling dinner in Dernau.

Kloster Marienthal  |  A short walk beyond Dernau, this winery sits among the thoroughly atmospheric ruins of a monastery. The open courtyard acts as the cafe, while inside you’ll find plenty of wine to buy. If you’re eating, try the flammkuchen, a type of thin crust pizza, and the Blanc de Noir which is completely delicious, so much so that I bought the bottle.

Wine Stands  |  During the harvest, most wineries set up stands along the trail, usually selling their newest batch of Federweisser and vintages from previous years. If you’d rather spend more time on the trail than scuttling about the towns to find their brick-and-mortar establishments, this is yet another reason to visit during the harvest. Prices are around €2 to €5 per glass, plus a refundable deposit for the glass itself.

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Whether you’re beginning at Altenahr, Bad Bodensdorf or one of the villages in between, you can arrive by direct train from Bonn or Cologne (written Köln in German).

The train departs every hour and stops at most villages in the Ahr Valley, so if you’re more keen on the wining, and less so on the hiking, you can easily chop and change your plans without having to rush about to catch the train. The trip takes around 1 hour depending on where you start and end. Check rates and timetables here.

Otherwise, it’s also possible to travel through the Ahr Valley by car or bicycle.

Where you stay in the Ahr Valley will depend on how you choose to do the route.

If you’re spending a weekend in the area, Dernau is a comfortable walking distance from Altenahr and retains plenty of countryside charm making it an excellent base for exploring the region. There’s not a huge choice of accommodation though so be sure to book well in advance. Check rates and availability here.

Altenahr and Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler are your next best bet with plenty of places to stay.

If you’re just visiting on a day trip, it probably makes more sense to stay in nearby Bonn or Cologne instead. Search the huge range of hostels and hotels available here for Bonn and Cologne .

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• Best Wine Tasting Tours Ahr...

The Best Wine Tasting Tours in the Ahr Valley, Germany

Spätburgunder doesn’t roll easily off the tongue, but it does flow pretty well down your throat. The best place in the world to avail yourself of a bottle or seven is right at the source – the Ahr Valley in Germany. Wine nerds know the grape as Pinot Noir, but this tiny wine region about a half hour south of Bonn has over 100 different winemakers. The wine is rarely exported, so the only thing to do is check it out yourself. Here are our picks for the best wine tasting tours in the Ahr Valley.

Four-day winecation.

Even though the Ahr valley is tiny, as far as wine regions go, there are enough wineries, cute towns and unspoiled nature to keep you busy on a leisurely long weekend. Stay on the wine estate that has been run by the Schäfer family for four generations and enjoy a four-star experience complete with three-course meal, wine tastings in your room, and packed lunch to fuel your forest wanderings.

A day at the wine farm

Taste and hike.

Start off the day in Arhweiler with an 11AM champagne followed by a two-hour guided hike through the vineyards. The guide is an experienced winemaker and can answer all your questions as you wander through some of most beautiful countryside in Germany. At the end of the hike, you’ll stop at a winery for an eight-course tasting and a rustic buffet. The whole tour lasts about five hours.

Secret wine tasting

After a glass of Sekt to get things going, this tour begins with a visit to the Dokumentationsstätte Regierungsbunker,the most top-secret building in all of the former West Germany. A one-and-a-half kilometre hike through the valley follows to the village of Dernau, where a six-course wine tasting in the wine cellar of the Dagernova Vinothek awaits.

Musical wine tasting

No hiking required on this tour . All you need to do is turn up at the Dagernova Vinothek in Dernau, help yourself to a glass of Champagne and get ready for a three-hour, five-wine tasting extravaganza with extra continental atmosphere provided by live musicians.

Do it yourself

What could be better than combining hiking with wine tasting? The Red Wine Trail is marked with signs featuring red grapes on a white background and wends its way for 35 kilometres (22 miles) through vineyards, winemaking villages and ancient ruins. You’ll be able to watch as winemakers bring in their grape harvest or stop to have a chat with a farmer to find out how the magic happens. The trail runs from Altenahr to Bad Bodendorf and all the wine villages connected by the trail welcome guests for tastings and a hearty meal.

Let the wine come to you

If all that walking sounds like a bit too much, then plan your visit to the Ahr Valley during wine festival time, that way, all the wine comes to you. Every weekend in September and October villages like Rech, Bachem, Dernau, Altenahr, and Mayschoß, the local vintners have parades, crown the local wine queen, drink a lot of wine, and let off fireworks. The season starts in Ahrweiler with the valley’s oldest wine fest. Google Winzerfest to see what’s on where when you are visiting.

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Europe , Germany , Hikes · August 19, 2021

The Ahr Valley, Germany – Hiking The Beautiful Red Wine Trail

The Ahr Valley is one of the most underrated areas of central Germany with an abundance of hiking and cycling trails, and vineyards! We stopped here as part of our two week road trip through Germany , between Monreal and the Mosel Valley ! Of all the places we visited, the Ahr Valley was definitely one of my favourites! The landscapes here were incredible, with rows of mountains layered over one another, decorated with the pattern of the vineyards below. Hiking to the top of a mountain, sat outside a castle ruin, drinking wine from a vending machine is a moment I will never forget! In this guide to hiking the Red Wine Trail in Germany’s Ahr Valley, I will take you through the towns along the route, the best cellar doors to visit, restaurants and hotels!

The Ahr Valley is one of the largest red wine growing regions in Germany . The region is known for its focus on the Pinot Noir grape variety. Many of the wines you will taste here are only sold locally. This means that you will struggle to find them anywhere else in the future. This is a big part of what makes the Ahr Valley wines so special.

Hopefully with this guide you will be able to enjoy this region just as much as we did! So, let’s get started.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only ever promote products and brands I have used and like, and that all links are to trusted websites.

In this Ahr Valley Guide

• How to get to the Ahr valley
• Where to stay in the Ahr Valley
• Hiking the red wine trail
• The villages along the red wine hiking trail
• Other things to do in the Ahr Valley
• Restaurants and cafes
• The best view points over the Ahr Valley

How to get to the Ahr Valley, Germany

The Ahr valley is very centrally located when it comes to transport. Located in Just 20 minutes south of the city of Bonn there is a train that travels down the line once an hour. Although I recommend staying in the Ahr Valley wine region for a few days, it is possible to take a day trip to Ahrweiler from Cologne.

Where to stay in the Ahr Valley, Germany

There are 7 little villages scattered along the Ahr Valley. I would recommend staying in the biggest town of Ahrweiler. Here you have very easy access to the train, the hiking trails, a number of restaurants and shops that are open a little later than the smaller villages! We stayed at Hotel Garni Eckschänke Hotel which was a very sweet place located right in the city centre! 

Low budget option: Hotel Cafe Restaurant Schafer

Medium budget option: Dinoris Hotel

High budget option: Hotel Restaurant Hohenzollern

Hiking the Red Wine Trail – The Rotweinwanderweg from Ahrweiler to Altenahr

The red wine trail is a beautiful hiking trail that stretches along the Ahr Valley wine region from the town of Ahrweiler to Altenahr. The hiking trail is 35km long and takes you through rolling hills and red wine vineyards, threading through small picturesque towns and unique restaurants and cellar doors along the way. The red wine hike takes around 18hours in total including several stops at wineries and the villages. I would recommend splitting it up into 2 – 3 days if you intend on hiking the entire trail. We planned to hike for 3 days but were heavily affected by rain. We ended up hiking the route from Altenahr to Ahrweiler over 2 days instead. Our hotel owner told us that this was the most beautiful part of the rotweinwanderweg route and the trail section “worth hiking”.

The red wine trail is made up of 7 towns which are evenly spread along the valley. Many of these towns have a train station or bus stop so it is easy to hike only a small section and catch transport back or vice versa.

The villages along the red wine trail are:

Bad neuenahr-ahrweiler.

• Walporzheim

We hiked from Ahrweiler to Maysloß on the first day and then Altenahr to Rech the following day. The train goes directly from Ahrweiler to Altenahr once every hour and then from Ahrweiler to Dernau every half our so make sure to plan accordingly!

The villages of the Ahr Valley

The majority of the villages along the Ahr Valley are very small with mostly residential houses and several wineries and restaurants. During your visit you will not need more than 1-2 hours in each village to really explore the area. The villages are all accessible through the red wine hiking trail. Most of these are along the track and some only a short detour down the hill.

Bad neuenahr-Ahrweiler is the biggest of the townsin the Ahr Valley. Originally two smaller villages, Bad Neuenahr and Ahrweiler, that have grown together over the years as the area has expanded. Ahrweiler is the older of the two villages with an old walled town housing many of the best restaurants, shops and landmarks. Ahrweiler is one of the best places to stay if you are visiting the Ahr valley or hiking the red wine trail. This is because it is central and has many hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from.

Altenahr is located at the opposite end of the valley to Ahrweiler and is the first town along the red wine hiking trail. It is also the oldest area of the valley with the castle and first settlement dating back to 1100AD. This town is a lot bigger than the other villages and requires a little lengthier visit if you want to wander around the streets, visit the castle and explore some of the nature here. 

Other Things to do in the Ahr Valley

The ahrsteig.

The Ahrsteig is another hiking trail that passes through the Ahr Valley. It is on the opposite side of the valley to the Red Wine Trail and gives spectacular views of the vineyards opposite. We only did a small section of this hiking trail which was from the town of Mayschoß to Rech via Saffenburg castle ruin.

If you arrive on a sunny day the best time to do this hike is in the evening as the sun sets over the valley and brings the colours of the grape vines to life. The walk takes around Saffenburg and although it’s not a long walk you will probably want to stop at the castle ruin for a break and maybe a glass of wine. 

Saffenburg a castle ruin dating back to 1100. It exists today only as a view point and cellar door. On the edge of the ruins looking over the Ahr valley you will find a number of wooden benches set up as an open air wine tasting area. By the tables you will find a vending machine where you can purchase a bottle of chilled wine and glasses to drink with the sunset. If you can, bring your own wine glasses as those from the vending machine cost around €3.50 each.

Wine Tasting

There is so many delicious wines to be discovered in the Ahr Valley. What makes these wines so special is that the majority of them are only sold locally. You are unlikely to be able to purchase an Ahr valley wine anywhere outside of the region. The Ahr Valley is known for their red wines and specifically Spätburgunder, otherwise known as pinot noir. However, one of our favourites was the Maysloß Altenahr Riesling. This was the white wine we bought from the vending machine at Saffenburg during our hike along the Ahrsteig. It was the perfect fresh, light white to be drinking with the sunset.

Wine Terminology

Winery: Weingut 

Vineyard: Weinburg

Wine tasting: Weinprobe

Dry: trocken 

Half dry: half trocken

Pinot Noir: Spätburgunder (this is the grape variety you will find most in the Ahr Valley. It makes up 61% of all the grapes grown in the region). 

The best restaurants, bars and wineries in the Ahr Valley

Germany is not known for their cuisine and we had eaten quite a few less than average meals before arriving in the Ahr valley so we didn’t have high expectations for the restaurants in the area. However, we were pleasantly surprised on a few occasions!

Along the red wine hiking trail you will find a number of small restaurants and wineries that are open from 10/11 in the morning until around 5 in the evening! You don’t need to reserve a table at these restaurants which gives you a lot more flexibility to take the hike at your own pace!

If you want to eat dinner at a specific restaurant you are best to reserve a table in advance – especially during the weekend or high season! We did eat at a few other restaurants but I have chosen not to include them in this list as this selection are definitely much more worthy of a visit!

Hotel Zum Stern / Gaststätte Sternchen GmbH

Located right in the centre of the old town of Ahrweiler, this restaurant is a great spot for lunch and dinner! The menu is quite extensive and has some quality traditional German dishes! 

Weingut Kloster Marienthal, Dernau

One of the most picturesque restaurants/ wineries in the Ahr Valley, Weingut Kloster Marienthal is located in the ruin of an old monastery. Located on the red wine trail between the towns of Walporzheim and Dernau, this is definitely a restaurant you should visit during your stay in the Ahr Valley! We ate a seasonal flammkuchen made with chanterelle mushrooms and pecorino cheese, and a delicious apple cake!

Michaelishof GmbH, Mayschoß

This outdoor courtyard at the bottom of the Ahr valley served some of the best food we tasted in the region. Sitting surrounded by grape vines it was the perfect lunch stop while hiking the first section of the red wine valley train from Altenahr to Rech. We ate goulash soup and tasted the local wines!

Pizza Straßenverkauf, Ahrweiler

You can never go wrong with pizza is something we have learnt over the years travelling, and this is no exception! This pizzeria is in the center of Ahrweiler and owned by a lovely couple. We visited here two nights in a row for dinner and enjoyed the outdoor seating perfect for people watching on the picturesque main walking street of the old town. 

Hofgarten-Restaurant

For the kindest personnel and delicious wines definitely visit Hofgarten-Restaurant in the town of Dernau! You feel almost transported to the Mediterranean as you take a seat surrounded by marble statues with grape vines hanging overhead. Even on a rainy day it was an oasis! We ended our second day of hiking here before catching the train back to our hotel in Ahrweiler! 

The best views along the Ahr Valley

The views in the Ahr Valley are something else. I had never imagined we would find such magnificent views like this on our visit to Germany. Striped rolling green hills engulfing little villages, castles and, in the right weather, pockets of pure white mist. The majority of the best views in the Ahr Valley can be seen along the Red Wine Hiking trail as well as along the Ahr Steig. These are some view points to look out for along your hike!

Saffenburg castle ruin, Mayschoß

Saffenburg is a castle ruin placed across the river from the town of Maysloß. This historical site was first settled in 1081, however, the current ruins are from quite a few years later. Towering over the town of Mayschoß, this castle offers views over the red wine hiking trail from across the valley. Here you can see the perfect vineyards dotted with wineries along the section from Altenahr to Mayschoß. 

I recommend coming up here in the evening and enjoying the sun set over the valley with a glass of wine from the vending machine at the top of the hill. The hike up is steep but easy and only around 15 minutes from the train station in Mayschloß. You can either hike down the same way or take the longer route through the forest down to Rech. This section of the Ahrsteig shows you a bit more of the natural landscape. You end up on ground level wandering through vineyards until you reach the town of Rech.

Burg Ahr, Altenahr

Burg Ahr is another castle ruin located at one end of the red wine hiking trail in Altenahr. The trail actually begins here and although it doesn’t pass directly through the castle it is only a short detour to visit. Burg Ahr is a ruin dating back to around 1100 when it was built by Count Dietrich I of Ahr. There is little left of the ruin today but you are able to walk up to where the tower once was and discover one of the best views in the Ahr valley.

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Welcome to the ahrsteig.

The AhrSteig trail, with its approximately 100 kilometres, leads from the source of the Ahr to its estuary. The AhrSteig is not only a challenging hiking trail, it also inspires with its natural diversity, and the wealth of natural monuments and cultural treasures along the way. Impressive views of the romantic Ahr valley and far beyond the heights of the Ahr distinguish the unique paths of the Ahr Trail. Idyllic forest paths and quiet meadow paths are juxtaposed with gentle plateaus and narrow rocky paths, lonely plateaus alternate with lively wine villages.

During the floods, some passages along the banks of the Ahr were destroyed. Through repairs and also rerouting along other attractive stretches of path, the AhrSteig is now hikable again without interruption. At present, however, only a few restaurants and hosts are available for overnight stays along the trail. The destroyed businesses are working flat out to soon be able to welcome nature lovers and hikers again.

Surefootedness and sturdy shoes are required!

Hiking trails are not hiking trails in the usual sense, but the staff at the tourist information offices in the region will be happy to advise you. The staff at the tourist information offices in the Ahr Valley will be happy to advise you about the individual stages and levels of difficulty.

We ask cyclists and hikers to show consideration for each other on all hiking and cycling trails.

Have fun experiencing, discovering and enjoying the AhrSteig!

You will find an overview here

AhrSteig hiking pass

Discover all the stages with the AhrSteig hiking pass!

Simply collect all 7 stamps from the participating quality hosts in the hotel and catering trade and pick up a reward at the tourist information offices after presenting your hiking pass.

You will find all the stamps under the individual stage details.

More about the AhrSteig hiking pass

Further information

See the historic town of Ahrweiler and discover further attractions.

Bus and train

Information about the bus and train connection in front of the AhrSteig.

Ahrweiler District And The Stunning Ahr Valley

In northern Rhineland-Palatinate state, and bordering on the city of Bonn , is the picturesque Ahrweiler District.

Ahrweiler District Map

Towns & villages in the ahrweiler district.

• Bad Breisig
• Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler
• Brohl-Lützing
• Gönnersdorf
• Herschbroich
• Hohenleimbach
• Niederdürenbach
• Niederzissen
• Oberdürenbach
• Quiddelbach
• Reifferscheid
• Schalkenbach
• Trierscheid
• Wiesemscheid

With the mighty Rhine to the east and towering Eifel mountains to the west, and the fertile wine-growing Ahr valley in-between.

The capital is a twin-town, Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler , with the elegant Bad Neuenahr and its famous spas and a formal casino on one side of the river. Ahrweiler on the other bank is a dreamy medieval village within its formidable walls. Here you will find a myriad of winding pedestrian streets and half-timbered buildings.

Similar in style is the ancient Remagen on the Rhine itself, which has several castles overlooking the town from on high.

The Formula 1 course Nürburgring is in the Ahrweiler District as well, nestled in the protection of the Eifel forests filled with fir trees and wildlife — including some rare birds.

The pretty Ahr valley is well known for its orchards and vineyards, although its Burgundy red wines ( Rotwein ) don’t get to travel far — what with all their tasting festivals and the tours they organize throughout the season!

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Eifel National Park

Cologne & Northern Rhineland

Wild cats, beavers, kingfishers, bats and owls are just some of the critters you might spot in Eifel National Park, about 20km east of the border with Belgium. Established in 2004, it protects about 110 sq km of beech forest, rivers and lakes, and is filled with intriguing plants and wildlife. In spring, a sea of wild narcissus floods the valleys. The main visitors centre is located at Vogelsang , a castle built by the Nazis as a leadership training centre.

Additional information and exhibits can also be found at all the park gateways, including Simmerath-Rurberg, Schleiden-Gemünd, Heimbach, Monschau-Höfen and Nideggen.

To get to Vogelsang and the visitors centre by public transport, take the train to Kall and hop on the Nationalpark shuttle bus SB82 (23 minutes, €2.90). Alternatively, head to Simmerath for bus SB63 (25 minutes, €2.90).

Get In Touch

02444-915 740

https://www.nationalpark-eifel.de

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Ahr Valley in Germany: Hiking the red wine trail (Rotweinwanderweg)

Diesen Beitrag gibt es auch auf:

The Ahr Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Germany, all the worse that the valley was hit particularly hard by the 2021 flood disaster. And now, about a year later, great concepts are being offered to (again) inspire people to hike in the Ahr Valley. True to the motto: SolidAHRity - hiking for reconstruction.

Hiking for reconstruction: This is currently what awaits you in the Ahr Valley

There are currently restrictions when it comes to access. Currently (as of May 2022) the parking spaces in the winegrowing villages are still closed, but a shuttle system has been introduced with which you can easily get to the Ahr Valley on weekends, both with your own car and with public transport. As many restaurants and wineries have not yet reopened, there are numerous food and wine stands along the trail. Please use this, because the proceeds benefit the local people. You can find up-to-date information on the Instagram channel of the red wine trail and the Ahr Valley Tourism website.

The classic route on the red wine trail through the Ahr Valley

The red wine trail begins in the small wine-growing town of Altenahr and ends after 35.6 kilometers in Bad Bodendorf. If you want to walk the whole way, you should split it up into two days. We walked the section from Altenahr to Ahrweiler. Incidentally, this is also considered to be the most beautiful section of the red wine hiking trail. On this route you pass the towns of Mayschoß, Dernau, Rech, Marienthal and Walporzheim.

The hike begins in the center of Altenahr. Always following the signs, we follow the path to Are Castle. Incidentally, it leads behind some residential buildings, but is easy to find thanks to the red grape sign. We made a small stop at the castle. Already here you have an incredible view of the valley and the vineyards.

Continue in the direction of Mayschoss. Here the path leads through a coniferous forest. The air is immediately a little cooler and fresher. Once you have passed the forest, the beautiful view of the wine village of Mayschoß is revealed.

The hiking trail now leads further and further through the vineyards, sometimes the path literally meanders through the vines.

Whenever you think it can't get any nicer, new perspectives become available.

When the sun gradually sinks and provides a particularly beautiful light, the day is perfect. A special highlight is still waiting, which I definitely want to recommend.

Highlight on the red wine hiking trail: the Marienthal monastery in the Ahr valley

You should at least have seen the Marienthal monastery, which fortunately was able to reopen a few months after the flood disaster. The special feature: The monastery is mostly a ruin, so that you can sit between open castle walls and look at the sky and vineyards while eating. In addition to the large restaurant, the monastery also has a wine shop where you can buy wine and specialties from the Ahr Valley.

After the visit, we decided to stay on the red wine trail for another section. And shortly before Bad-Altenahr, the path takes on a completely different character. Here you can already see the city and have a somewhat freer view. You also get a foretaste of what the second large section of the red wine hiking trail looks like.

The red wine hiking trail in the Ahr Valley is so dog-friendly

We did the hike with our dog Frieda and were amazed at how dog-friendly the trail is. You should just know that there can be quite a lot going on on the way at lunchtime. It is therefore advisable to run either very early or very late. The paths themselves are very well signposted, always easy to walk on and suitable for every fitness level.

You should bring enough water with you, as it can still be very warm even in October. Shadows are rare. And about duration. We were on the trail for a total of around seven hours and covered 18 kilometers. Sure, you could be much faster, but small stops to drink wine, eat and take photos are definitely part of it.

The Red Wine Hike

• Arrival: By car or public transport (please check the current location)
• Starting point: Altenahr Castle, the path is already signposted in town
• Route: 35 kilometers in total, length is variable. We walked 18 kilometers.
• Suitable for dogs: Very!

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Geierlay suspension bridge

It is considered the most beautiful suspension rope bridge in Germany - and rightly so. The Geierlay Bridge offers breathtaking views over the tree tops and is a real challenge for people with a fear of heights. A visit is definitely worthwhile and will make your visit an unforgettable experience.

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Famous Lorelei Rock

 The most famous of all Rhine legends has its origin at the only 130-metre wide narrow part of the Rhine near St. Goarshausen. Steep cliffs leave no room for the current here and many ship accidents nourished the fairy tale of the fair blonde who, high up on the rock, confused the boatmen's senses. Many myths entwine themselves around this place. In the 19th century Clemens Brentano transferred the name of the rock, which pushes far into the river bed, to the enchanting blonde woman. Pure Rhine romanticism.

Visit the Lorelei Rock

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A kingdom of pinot noir

Red wine is king on the Ahr, a tributary of the Rhine. It makes up 85 per cent of the vines in one of the smallest but perhaps most refined wine-growing areas in Germany. Covering just under 1,400 acres, the Ahr valley is number 10 in terms of area, but ranks much higher when it comes to quality. Pinot noir from the Ahr region is considered one of Germany’s premium products. Nearly two thirds of all the vines in the Ahr region have won prizes in one competition or other.

Wine is an experience in the Ahr valley, as are the idyllic little wine-making villages with their charming little shops and bars. It is an unassuming little place in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate, a microcosm where all the growers know each other and get along. The restaurateurs and the vintners belong together and are always entering into charming little arrangements.

‘ Gourmet und Wein ’ , for example, is a series of wine and fine-dining events to warm the hearts and the taste-buds in the colder months. The vintner brings wine, and the restaurant provides the excellent food and cosy atmosphere. There are three wine-making cooperatives and 40 companies marketing directly in the Ahr valley. These are perfect partners in a region that is home to two Michelin star chefs and a number of fine-dining restaurants. There are currently around 20 ‘Gourmet und Wein’ events every year.

Wine tasting in Walporzheim, Ahr valley

They are often an amazing experience for those taking part. One surprise is the fact that the vintners grow not only pinot noir, but also an earlier-ripening variety known as Frühburgunder, or pinot noir précoce. This is a distinct grape variety that is barely known beyond the Ahr region, but is increasingly developing into an insider tip. It is the second most widely grown grape in the region and requires a great deal of love and know-how to cultivate.

Enjoy tasty dishes at Kloster Marienthal in Dernau, Ahr valley

The royal family of Ahr wines also has a very definite queen. Her name is Eva Lanzarath. In 2019/2020 she wears the crown as the wine queen of the Ahr valley and represents Ahr wines at a range of events and festivals. The vintner’s daughter from Walporzheim knows what she is talking about, having made her way from the village wine queen to the crowned monarch of the whole Ahr valley. She will also take part in voting for the German King of Wine.

But she has plenty to do all year around. In the Ahr valley alone, it is one wine festival after the other, with something going on virtually every weekend in September and October. The biggest wine festival of them all is the ‘ Weinmarkt an der Ahr ’, which takes place every year on the last weekend in May in Ahrweiler, the medieval district of Bad-Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. There is also a day of cellar tours in March, culinary vineyard walks and major events such as the Klangwelle festival in Bad Neuenahr, all of which also offer the opportunity to taste Ahr wines.

Wine is everywhere here. There is literally nowhere where it does not play a role. Doctors at the spa hospitals emphasise its health benefits. Indeed, the founder of the spa was also originally a vintner and discovered the first springs in the heart of his vineyards.

Many holidaymakers also head to the Ahr valley for a gourmet weekend and to explore the wines. It is an exceptionally charming blend of beautiful scenery and good food and drink. There is something to enjoy at every time of year, in the cosy little bars in the winter and outside in the sunshine in the summer. With a pinot noir in the early afternoon, a Frühburgunder late in the evening and the perfect hotel room for the night, nothing can go wrong.

Fantastic show at Klangwelle festival in Bad Neuenahr, Ahr valley

More leisure tips in the Ahr valley:

More information about holidays in the Ahr valley

Find out everything you need to know about events, attractions and other destinations in the Ahr valley at Ahrtal-Tourismus Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler e.V.

Ahr Cycle Route from Blankenheim to Sinzig (total distance)

76,3 km

Government bunker documentation centre

Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler Once the most secret building in Germany.

Monastery ruin Marienthal

Dernau Monastery ruin MarienthalOf the monastery, the baroque monastery church has essentially survived as a ruin. It is a nave with high lancet windows and…

Vintners' cooperative Mayschoss-Altenahr e.G.

Mayschoß Vintners' cooperative Mayschoss-Altenahr e.G.What began in 1868 with a manageable 18 people has long since become a success story of the Ahr valley.…

• About the Experience
• Related Experiences

Grape Escape - Ahr Valley to discover German Pinot Noir

Explore germany's ahr valley: a hidden gem for pinot noir lovers.

Why Ahr you not yet drinking Spätburgunder? … Well you will be after this wine tour .

Germany’s Ahr Valley is a unique hidden valley close to Cologne full of steep slopes containing Spätburgunder ...aka..German Pinot Noir! And unless your a hardcore Pinot prince or princess you may not have ever heard of the Ahr Valley.  

Maybe it’s because the Germans don’t want to share and drink it all themselves, or maybe it’s because Burgundy doesn’t like the competition.  Either way, if you love Pinot Noir or just love discovering & collecting wines that you can show off to your wine geek friends…then the Ahr River Valley is must wine region for you.  

Fun Fact! Germany is the actually 3rd largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world. . And while you can find stunning, high quality - price friendly, juicy examples all over Germany... ( check out wine tour options to the Rhein valley or Pfalz)

There is a high concentration and special Spätburgunder focus growing on special slate soils in the Ahr.

Situated about 45 mins from Cologne (Köln) Airport or from the very charming and once capital of Germany Bonn this region can be reached for a grape day out.

On tour we will visit 3 acclaimed and boutique winer makers who dedicate their heart, soul and soil to Pinot . We will stop for some stunning vineyard views through the valley and also find a regional lunch stop to soak up all that wine.

Wines to try: Mainly Spätburgunder. Some unique Früburgunder, Blanc de Noir (white pinot) Pinot Gris and Riesling... Pinot Sparkling!

Included: Pick up and drop off, tasting fees, refreshments, lunch. Service shipping wine (postage not included)

Experience Highlights

Local guide:.

Cracking Carl

Experience duration

7 Hours 30 Minutes

Number of wineries visited

Wine types tasted.

• Sparkling Wine

Sights on the tour

• Tasting Room

Transport included?

Yes, all transport included

Accommodation included?

Not included

Food included?

Available in these languages:.

Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Experience starting point

Pick up from Cologne airport & Bonn area

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Grape Escape to the Pfalz wine region - tasting the best German Red wines

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