From the Bismarck Tower in Ingelheim am Rhein you have a beautiful view over the wine region. Credit: Dominik Ketz
Rheinhessen offers a great variety of family activities in wine tourism. At any time of the year, you will find beautiful excursion destinations, events and outdoor activities that suit you. Here are some tips!
Along the countless hiking trails you will find a variety of great spots with spectacular panoramic views. Here you can look upon the spacious vineyard landscape and enjoy moments of calm. For those who go for a more lively atmosphere Rheinhessen offers unique wine experiences and wine festivals with varied programmes, that focus on wines of selected quality and regional food.
Vineyard walks and adventure rallies
You can discover Rheinhessen with the whole family in a playful way. Varieties of exciting and extraordinary activities make sure that even the little ones do not get bored.
The „Hiwweltour Neuborn“ impresses with a breathtaking view and many places to discover. Credit: Dominik Ketz
The cultural and wine ambassador Angelika Friedrich has made it her mission to bring guests closer to the wine-growing region of Rheinhessen. Together with other cultural and wine ambassadors of the region, she created a comprehensive range of offers for young and old. On guided tours, hikes and walks guests can discover the different facets of the region. They are available on fixed dates and can also be booked individually and spontaneously.
Children love the backpacks designed by Gudrun Kayser, nature educator in Rheinhessen. Credit: Angelika Friedrich
On so-called “Hiwweltouren” (Hiwwel, vernacular word for hill) you can get to know the wine region in a playful way with adventurous hiking rallies. Before you set out on the trail, you can print out a suitable adventure hiking rally online. The rallies include a quiz with exciting questions. Afterwards, you can hand in the completed slip at the tourism center and take part at the yearly small prize raffle. During the rally the “Hiwwelsack” provides the right equipment: A diary with many tour suggestions, a beaker magnifier, a pencil case and a lunch box.
Animal adventures
On the llama tours you can enjoy the beautiful view over the vineyards. Credit: Selztal Lamas
With a llama, alpaca or donkey on the leash, a Hiwwelt tour is even more fun! With “Selztal Lamas” you can hike together with your animal companion relaxed through the vast vineyards of the Selztal. After the tours, you can let the day end cozily with further specials: By eating bread on sticks or burgers, coffee and cake for Advent and other occasions, mulled wine or Federweisser tours, Easter egg hunts or by the warming fire, there is something for everyone. Our tip: If you manage to get involved in the adventure with all your senses, everyday life will be far away.
The Forstgut Waldeck in Ingelheim am Rhein does not only convince guests with a magnificent view, good wines and its culinary delicacies, but also with a very special attraction: On a guided tour you can discover the “tiger-garden”. The honorary association “Tiger-Garten Waldeck e.V.” promotes the preservation of endangered animals. Just recently two new tigers moved into the garden after being successfully rescued.
Vine adoption for Kids
By taking on a vine partnership, children learn to take responsibility for the vine plants. Credit: Robert Dieth
At the Rheinhessen Kinderwingert (Wingert means vineyard), children can become vine sponsors. In the course of the year children meet to work in the vineyard and experience how the vines develop. In this way, they learn about the work that has to be done in the vineyard: from pruning, bending, tending the soil to reading the grapes and pressing them into grape juice.
At the Wagner Winery in Essenheim Children of elementary school age can also adopt vines in the vineyard. Together with owner Nina Wagner, they get to know all the manual work that has to be done in the vineyard. The Kids look after their “vines” and learn a lot about the vineyard habitat along the way. In the fall, they press and taste the grape juice of their own vine!
Mainzer Volkspark: Wine market and more
At the popular wine market you can taste good wines in the idyllic setting of the Stadtpark (City Park) and enjoy the varied programme. Credit: Carsten Costard
The popular Mainz Wine Market traditionally takes place on the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September. In addition to a colourful music and cultural programme for young and old, you can taste wines from vintners of the region in the idyllic atmosphere of the Mainzer Stadtpark or Volkspark. But the latter has much more to offer!
The railroad on its tour through the Mainz Volkspark. Credit: Carsten Costard
In addition to events such as the traditional wine market, throughout the year the Volkspark offers a wide range of leisure activities for visitors. Its large adventure and water playground and the miniature train “Flotte-Lotte” make children’s hearts beat faster. The miniature golf course in the park guarantees fun for the whole family! There are also a large roller-skating rink, several basketball courts, table tennis tables and boules lanes – making the Volkspark the ideal place for recreation. In addition to the numerous attractions, there are also a restaurant, an ice cream parlor and barbecue areas on the premises.
Learn more
Die Mitte Rheinhessen – Urlaubsregion
Rheinhessisches (für Kinder/Familien)