Rheinhessen is an area south of the Great Wine Capital of Mainz. It has a size of approximately 24 000 ha or a 100 square miles and consists of a maze of vineyards, charming little villages, mysterious ruins and solemn churches from the past. To the east, it is confined by the mighty Rhine river, one of Europe’s great rivers. This hospital land in the west of Germany is the perfect place to gain insight into German wine culture and the Rheinhessen Lebensart, the Rheinhessen lifestyle.
Due to its compact dimensions and its high density of wineries and cultural highlights, Rheinhessen is readily accessible from urban areas like Mainz or Worms. In fact, you can start your journey to Rheinhessen wineries using public transportation. In this article, we present you with three amazing ways to explore Rheinhessen without a car.
Rheinhessen by foot
CC BY SA [Rheinhessen Mediathek], [Dominik Ketz]
Many of these well-maintained trails lead to spectacular destinations: Little vantage points in the vineyards, mysterious ruins of churches and castles, or lovely little huts once used as shelters by local peasants. And of course, there are many wineries, which you can visit along the way. Another possibility is to combine your hike with a little picnic with local wine and delicacies. Do it like the Rheinhessen locals and bring a basket of wine, bread and Fleischwurst sausage. A hilltop picnic surrounded by vineyards will be a memorable experience.
Rheinhessen by bicycle
CC BY SA [Rheinhessen Mediathek], [Dominik Ketz]
Rheinhessen is home to some of the best bicycle routes in the country and boasts well-built and smooth bicycle roads along the Rhine River. The so-called Rheinradweg (Rhine bicycle road) is a 90 km long bicycle route reaching from Worms to Mainz. It is in perfect condition and has almost no inclination – perfect for cruising effortlessly all day. On the way, you will visit famous villages like Nierstein and Oppenheim and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine valley.
Rheinhessen by boat
A relaxing cruise on the Rhine. Copyright: City of Mainz
If you prefer travelling on the river itself, you can take a cruise on the Rhine and stop in one of the many villages along the way. The mighty river has played a vital role in German history and has been both a frontier and a connecting beltway between cultures and peoples. Today it is the centre of German wine culture and home to some of the most prestigious Riesling vineyards in the world. There are many shipping companies operating on the river that offer cruises on the Rhine. Popular tours run from Mainz to Bingen or Nierstein. From the ship, you have a premier view of the vineyards stretching along the river banks.
If you can’t decide between boat and bike, simply choose both! The QuerRhein-Radtour (across the Rhine tour) offers a bike rental and ferry package, which allows you to cruise effortlessly along the banks of the Rhine and to cross the river whenever you like, using one of the many ferryboats. This way, you get the best of both means of transportation and can fully immerse yourself into the Rheinhessen experience.
No matter if you hike through the vineyards, ride your bicycle along the Rhine or relax on top of a Rhine cruise ship, there are many ways to feel the Rheinhessen Lebensart. Here, you are never far away from you next adventure in one of the Great Wine Capitals of the world.
Further information:
Hiking in Rheinhessen: https://www.rheinhessen.de/en/rhine-terrace-path
Biking in Rheinhessen: https://www.rheinhessen.de/en/rhine-cycle-route
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