"The Red Wine Hik ..." a Land Rheinland-Pfalz Travel Page by MikeAtSea

One of the amazing ways to explore the country side around the Eifel region is on foot. We started the hiking trail in Altenahr a wine town in the Ahr region. The Are Castle of which ruins are only left offer a stunning view of the surrounding regions and was a great start to a autumn hiking trip.

The Red Wine Hiking Trail follow the Ahr Valley along the valley edge. Many of the picturesque towns and villages can be seen from high above. On the day when we did the trail the warm autumn sun slowly changed the colour of the leaves, clear air gave way to splendid views.

The wine region of the Ahr is one of the most northern in Europe. A small region in comparison to others but a very attractive one. It is quiet amazing to see the steep slopes where the wine is planted and to imagine that human hands have to harvest the grapes.

Obviously I could not resist to taste the sweet grapes. Red and white wine is harvested here, and the region is renown for its Spätburgunder (Red) Wines. Make sure you bring along a wet cloth, since the grapes are not only juicy and sweet but also sticky!

The region is also very Christian. Religous statues line the way and many churches and monestaries call the Ahr region home today. This standing in with the strong bond the local inhabitants have with the church, even till today.

The Red Wine Hiking Trail is clearly signposted and starts from Altenahr towards the Rhine River a little bit away from Bad Neuenahr. The trails distance is about 32 km and can also be done in segments, one can always return to the valley and take the train or bus to the starting point. Autumn is clearly the best time to visit, since the wine harvesting season starts and many wine festivals take place in the towns and villages of the Ahr Region.
Make sure you try the "Federweisser" - young wine with a little kick!! :-)