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Rotweinwanderweg
The (hiking) landmark of the region
The Rotweinwanderweg is one of the most popular hiking trails in Germany and one of the region's landmarks. The approximately 36-kilometre-long, easy to moderately difficult route between Bad Bodendorf and Altenahr reveals everything that makes the Ahr Valley so special: steep wine terraces, rugged slate cliffs, lively wine villages and cosy wine taverns that invite you to enjoy a glass of Ahr wine. From vantage points such as the Bunte Kuh and the Altenahrer Eck, the view sweeps over wildly romantic hilltops and lush vineyards, past centuries-old wineries and defiant castle ruins. There it is - the feeling of being on holiday!
The Rotweinwanderweg in 3 stages
You can enjoy the Rotweinwanderweg in three stages or hike it in one day. The wine villages and wine taverns along the route invite you to rest, taste wine and discover. This makes it easy to break up the tour - and offers everyone a very personalised enjoyment experience.
Did you know that the Rotweinwanderweg was voted "Germany's most beautiful hiking trail 2022" by the public and came third in the day tour category!
- Stage 1: Altenahr - Dernau (10 km)
For many, this is the most beautiful section of the Rotweinwanderweg. This is where the wine landscape of the Mittelahr unfolds its full splendour. You hike past rocks, fantastic views of the romantic Ahr valley and with views of Are Castle and Saffenburg Castle from Altenahr via Mayschoß and Rech to Dernau.
- Stage 2: Dernau - Bad Neuenahr (16.7 km)
From Dernau, the Rotweinwanderweg trail leads through the vineyards to Marienthal Monastery - a gem in the middle of the vineyards, which is a fascinating winery with a beautiful courtyard. The trail continues past the Bunte Kuh lookout point and to the Dokumentationsstätte Regierungsbunker hidden in the Ahrweiler forest. Wonderful views of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler accompany the end of the second stage.
- Stage 3: Bad Neuenahr - Bad Bodendorf (8.9 km)
From Bad Neuenahr, the route leads through the last top vineyards of the Ahr wine-growing region to Landskrone in Heppingen. Shortly before the finale in Bad Bodendorf, the largest orchid meadow in Rhineland-Palatinate beckons.
Hiking through the realm of the vines
On the Rotweinwanderweg, you can get very close to the Ahr wine: whether it's during a stop at a winery, at one of the wine tasting stands along the way or when you watch the winegrower at work in the vineyard.
