In a nutshell
- Rheinhessen is incredibly diverse: charming wine villages, stunning Rhine views, sweeping rolling hills, and some seriously great wine — all waiting to be explored on foot or by bike.
- We’ve rounded up the best cycling and hiking routes in Rheinhessen so you can easily figure out which ones suit you — from easy flat rides to hilly day hikes.
- For every route, you’ll also find our picks for the best stops, restaurants, and places to stay along the way.
Rhine Cycle Route: Between the River and Wine Terraces
What do you need to know? The Rhine Cycle Route takes you through Germany’s largest wine-growing region in two daily stages of 40 and 50 km respectively — from Worms via Mainz to Bingen. Since the route has almost no elevation gain and is mostly paved, you can pedal along here without too much effort.
Highlights: You’ll pass by some seriously great spots on the Rhine Cycle Route. Cool off with a swim at Lake Altrheinsee Eich, check out the famous Mainz Carnival Fountain, and soak in a beautiful panorama of the landscape from the Roten Hang between Nierstein and Nackenheim.
Our restaurant tip: Straußwirtschaft “Gustav Strub” in Nierstein — this winery estate is perfect for a short break.
Our hotel tip: Favorite Parkhotel in Mainz — with a cozy on-site beer garden. A great place to stay overnight between the two stages.
More about the Rhine Cycle Route
Fruit Route: Through Orchards and Vineyards
What do you need to know? This cycling loop comes in two versions. The 45 km route requires solid stamina — there are two steep climbs. You’ll ride from Ingelheim through the valleys of the Rhine and Selz and over the heights of Westerberg and Mainzer Berg. Things are a bit more relaxed on the 30 km “Fruit Route West Loop,” which has only one climb.
Highlights: The starting point of Ingelheim alone, with its historic town center, is a real standout. Along the route, what we love most are the gorgeous views and the many small farm stands selling fresh fruit. The tour is especially beautiful in spring during the fruit blossom season — really stunning.
Our restaurant tip: Landgasthof Engel in Schwabenheim — with typical Rheinhessen specialties.
Our hotel tip: Weinhotel Wasem at the start and finish point in Ingelheim — with wines produced on-site and views over the vineyards.
More about the Fruit Route
Selz Valley Cycle Route: The Slow-Down Tour
What do you need to know? The Selz Valley Cycle Route is the perfect leisurely ride. Over the total 68 km from the Northern Palatinate highlands through the rolling hills of Rheinhessen to the Rhine, there are only a few very gentle climbs. If you’d prefer something even more comfortable, you can shorten the route to 50 km with start and finish in Alzey and Ingelheim. Either way, getting back by train is no problem at all.
Highlights: You definitely won’t get bored on the Selz Valley Cycle Route — there are some great stops along the way. Above all, the idyllic town of Alzey, one of the most beautiful towns in Rheinhessen, is absolutely worth a visit.
Our restaurant tip: Alzeyer Kaffeehaus — with delicious bagels and cakes.
Our hotel tip: Jordans Untermühle in Köngernheim — with a great sauna and wellness center.
More about the Selz Valley Cycle Route
Rhine Terraces Trail: Rheinhessen's Most Beautiful Villages
What do you need to know? The Rhine Terraces Trail is a long-distance hiking trail — you’ll be covering serious ground here. A total of 75 km spread across six daily stages, starting in Worms and ending in Mainz. Along the way you’ll pass through many worthwhile places such as Guntersblum, Oppenheim, and Nierstein. There are no major climbs, making the route suitable for all hiking levels.
Highlights: Honestly, the whole route is one big highlight — but make sure to take time to explore the small towns along the way with their charming market squares and churches. At the end, don’t miss the Mainz old town and its impressive St. Martin’s Cathedral. If there’s a weekly market on Cathedral Square while you’re there, even better.
Stage with the best Rhine views: You can absolutely just hike one stage of the Rhine Terraces Trail instead of the full route. If we had to pick, we’d go with Stage 5 from Oppenheim via Nierstein and Nackenheim to Bodenheim — it has the most stunning Rhine vistas of all.
Our restaurant tip: Weingut Gruber in Bodenheim — on the sun terrace, you can really unwind with a glass of wine in the evening.
Our hotel tip: Gästehaus Kirschgarten in Bodenheim — with a particularly delicious breakfast.
More about the Rhine Terraces Trail
Hiwweltour Zornheimer Berg: Wine and Fruit as Far as the Eye Can See
What do you need to know? The starting and finishing point of this hiking tour is the wine village of Zornheim. Although the route is not particularly long at 6.8 km, it’s no walk in the park: there are several climbs up various “Hiwwel” — meaning hills, hence the name. The trail passes right through colorful orchards and fascinating nature reserves.
Highlights: The stunning views more than make up for the climbs. From the vineyard hut “Auf dem Winkel,” you can see the Taunus mountains and even the skyline of Frankfurt. We also love that along the way you pass countless cherry trees, pear trees, and mirabelle plum trees — it’s simply wonderful.
Our restaurant tip: Zornheimer Weinstuben — with delicious regional and Mediterranean cuisine.
Our hotel tip: Weinzuhause Hotel-Restaurant-Vinothek in the nearby town of Mommenheim — unfortunately there are no hotels in Zornheim itself.
More about the Hiwweltour Zornheimer Berg
Hiwweltour Bismarckturm: Forests and Vineyards
What do you need to know? You can start this tour at three different locations: Ingelheim, Gau-Algesheim, and Appenheim. Over the 10.3 km, you’ll pass not only through the Gau-Algesheimer Kopf nature reserve, but also one of Rheinhessen’s most famous wine-growing areas: Hundertgulden. The climbs along the route are moderate.
Highlights: If you start in Ingelheim, the first highlight greets you right at the beginning of the tour: the Bismarck Tower. From here you get a beautiful panoramic view of the Rheingau. We’re also really fond of the historic market square in Gau-Algesheim with its small shops and lovely cafés.
Our restaurant tip: Bergrestaurant Waldeck in Ingelheim — with a sweeping panorama of the Rheingau.
Our hotel tip: Boardinghouse am Welzbach in Gau-Algesheim — with its own kitchen, perfect if you prefer to cook for yourself.
More about the Hiwweltour Bismarckturm
