Rotweinwanderweg

The Red Wine Trail runs high above the floor of the Ahr Valley linking the wine villages of the Ahr wine region in Germany. The route of the hiking trail leads along the Ahr for a total length of around 36 kilometers from the Are castle ruins via Mayschoss, Rech, Dernau to the former Marienthal monastery, Walporzheim, the Roman villa near Ahrweiler, via Heppingen to the square of Bad Bodendorf. Most of the trail runs through the open vineyards on the slopes of the Ahr Valley. Many parts of the path are tarmacked because they are used by agricultural vehicles so special hiking equipment is not necessary.

On July 14th 2021 the pictoresque villages of the Ahr valley have been affected by catastrophic floods, the deadliest natural disaster in Germany since 1962. The topography of Ahr valley, with some sections resembling gorges, may have exacerbated the effects of the heavy rainfall. The river Ahr rose, destroying many buildings and causing at least 110 deaths in Ahrweiler district.

Even though the tourism infra structure is heavily damaged, the hiking trail remains intact! This is why the villages of Dernau, Rech and Mayschoß are inviting visitors to the hiking trail. On the weekends of October they are organizing stands with food and wine along the trail and have prepared special wine glasses and armbands for the hikers. The Ahr valley is a beautiful destination, the trail is suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions. With your visit, you will support everyone in the region. Let’s help rebuild it together.