1. Bacharach
The start of this hike is Bacharach, the center of viniculture in the Middle Rhine region. This picturesque town in the shadow of the Stahleck castle was already known for its wine growing back in the Middle Ages. That’s why wine is celebrated here year-round: in May with the Middle Rhine Wine Fair, in June with the Wine Blossom Festival, and in August with the Bacharach Wine Festival. Take advantage of what the local vintners have on offer and taste what makes wine from this region so special. And then, the hike begins.
2. Bacharacher Posten und Wolfshöhle
Shortly after Bacharach, the RheinBurgenWeg trail leads up the steep hillside. There you’ll arrive at the Bacharach Posten and Wolfshöhle vineyards. Grapes for the finest Rieslings, fruity Spätlese wines, and delicate Spätburgunders grow in the clay and shale of the steep, south-facing hillsides. And at the very top, you have a breathtaking view of the winding Rhine riverbed.
3. Sauzahn barbecue area and observation deck
The trail continues along the Rhine plateau and soon leads past steep hillsides typical of the Middle Rhine. Here, the glittering river helps the grapes grow by reflecting the sunlight from its surface up onto the hillsides. You can observe this best around midday. A covered seating area bearing the wild name of Sauzahn (“sow’s tooth”) is perfect for a picnic with an unparalleled view of the Rhine as well as of the Gutenfels and Pfalzgrafenstein castles. Once fortified, you can continue on the RheinBurgenWeg trail.
4. Schönburg
Shortly after the trail leads once more through the vineyards, you’ll arrive at one of the Rhine valley’s most beautiful and well-preserved castles, the Schönburg. The Schönburger grape, from which fruity-aromatic white wines are produced in the surrounding vineyards, is named after this 12th-century castle. In addition to impressive views in every direction, the castle itself boasts a hotel and a unique, 20-meter-high shield wall.
5. Oberwesel
From Schönburg castle, the RheinBurgenWeg trail continues along a rocky path towards Oberwesel. This medieval wine-growing town with 16 fortified towers boasts not only a mighty city wall, but nearly a dozen wineries as well. And if you’re not exhausted yet, you can find an educational Wine Trail at the northern end of Oberwesel on the way to the Urbar district. The 21 info boards posted along the trail will teach you about the work of winegrowers. After all, the Middle Rhine is wine country.
