Tag Archives: Nutshell,

Biking, Germany, Nutshell

Panorama Radrunde: Trail in a Nutshell

July 13, 2024 admin

Trail Name: Panorama Radrunde (Bodensee Tour 1)

Trail Type: Mid-distance; well-maintained and almost exclusively paved, marking on the trail fairly good

Length:

Total – 25.5 kilometers/15.5 miles

Convenient to:

Lindau, Friedrichshafen, Germany

Marking: “1”

Trail Description:

A trail filled with great variety ranging from urban, to farmland, to beaches, to parks, flat and hilly, with wonderful scenery, and easy enough for most cyclists to enjoy the experience.

Trailhead:

Official: Lindau Train Station (Hauptbahnhof), Bahnhofplatz

Parking:

Lindau: Inselhallenparkplatz, Zwanzigerstr; P3, Europaplatz (both paid parking, but right on the trail)

Badolz: Rathausplatz

Wasserburg: Mooslachenstr (paid parking)

Lindau: Ludwig-Kick-Str 19 (opposite the Stadion)

Public Transportation Options:

Rail: Serves the principal towns (Lindau, Wasserburg am Bodensee, Nonnenhorn) from more distant hubs such as Friedrichshafen and Munich, Germany, and Bregenz, Austria

Ferries: Frequent, reliable and reasonably priced, connecting to many other lakeside destinations from Lindau and Bregenz

Bus: None on the trail

Suggested Stages: Not applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: (Counterclockwise)

Lindau: Dammsteggasse, cross bridge, Lotzbeckweg, Giebelbachstr, Schachener Str, Reutener Str, Wasserburg: Hoehenstr, Halbinsulstr, marsh and lakeside, Wasserburgerstr; Nonnenhorn: Conrad-Forster-Str, Seestr, Mauthausstr, Sonnenbichlstr, Langgasse; Wasserburg: Nonnenhorner Str, to Hege, fields, forest; Wasserburg/Hattnau hamlet/street of the same name (between Bavaria and /Baden-Wuerttemberg); Selmnau: along main street toward (but not to*) Antoniuskapelle; vineyards, then orchards and fruit fields; Wasserburg/Hengnau hamlet/street of the same name; cross B31; Rickatshofen; Unterreitnau: hamlet/street of the same name; fields; St2375; parallel B31; Bodolz/Taubenberg: hamlet/street of the same name; Bodolz: Bluetenweg, Grundstr, Rathausstr, under tracks; Schoenau: forest, Kellereiweg, Schoenauer Str/St2375, Am Entenberg; Hochbuch: Tobelstr, path off Eichbuehlweg to cross Preisingerweg, to Hochbucherweg; Schloss Moos; Lindau: Anheggerstr, Rainhausgasse, Hundweilerstr, path to traffic circle, cross bridge, Zwanzigerstr, Zeppelinstr

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

Lindau: Inselhallenparkplatz, Zwanzigerstr; across the street from P3, Europaplatz (pay-to-use facilities, but right on the trail)

Wasserburg: Lindenplatz, on the side of the town hall

Attractions on or near Trail:

None wine related, but lots of blue and green scenery!

Tasting along the Trail: Nonnenhorn: Sonnenbichlstr (WG Lanz); Hattnau: Pinot Weinbar, on a hillside, overlooking vineyards and the lake.

Alternative Options:

Dozens of hiking and biking paths and itineraries, but only one is wine-themed: the 3.2 kilometer walking itinerary called Geniesser Tour (Gourmet or Enjoyment Tour) (subtitled: On the Trail of Fruit, Wine, and Lake)

https://regio.outdooractive.com/oar-lindau-landkreis/de/tour/themenweg/geniesserweg-nonnenhorn/2806817/

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.bodensee.eu/en/where-to-travel/regions/german-lake-constance

Trail specific: https://www.westallgaeu.de/panorama-radrunde-bodensee or https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/bike-riding/bodolz/tour-no.-1-round-lake-constance.-panoramic-bicycle-tour-round-bavarian/1527518/

Comments:

*A slight detour uphill from Selmnau to Antoniuskapelle will give riders a fantastic 3-country panoramic view

This circuit, while not specifically wine-themed, covers some of the same area on the Geniesserweg/Obst-Wein und See (Fruit-Wine and Lake) hiking circuit, and other area vineyards as well.

France, Hiking, Nutshell

Klevener de Heiligenstein: Trail in a Nutshell

February 11, 2024 admin

Trail Name: Klevener de Heiligenstein

Trail Type: A short distance circuit; well-maintained and much of it paved or hard-pack, marking on the trail varies.

Length:

Total – 7.5 kilometers/ 4.7 miles

Convenient to: Barr, Alsace, France

Marking:

Varied, and none specific to the circuit

Trail Description: A delightful short trail, easily done, which covered vineyards and town, and gave distant views of the Black Forest in Germany and Alsatian landscapes near and far. As it was in a sheltered, and lower position, this itinerary presented no problems in the winter with snow or ice.

Trailhead:

Heiligenstein: Sports field, R. Principale/D35

Parking:

Heiligenstein on the north end of the main road, R. Principale/D35, on the north edge of town, by the Sports Field

Public Transportation Options:

Rail: SNCF Trains from Strasbourg service nearby Gertwiller. From that station, the southern-most point of the trail is about 1 kilometer distant. (The station in Barr is a bit further, but also larger.)

Suggested Stages:

Not applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: (Counterclockwise)

Heiligenstein: R. Principale/D35, R. (du) Kritt, R. des Chateaux; Truttenhausen: Kiosk and Hering Monument, Chemin du Moenkalb, past the Tilleul du Moenkalb (a famous linden tree); R. du Weinberg; vineyards, than an unimproved path downhill to cross R. Principale/D35; pass north of Domaine Bachert; through vineyards and fields, @100 yds on Saint Simonsbrunnen, go right onto small paved path, follow to T intersection, cross R Ehret Wantz; dogleg left, then first right to follow the winding road for about 400 meters/1250 feet, then rightat the Y intersection; take second left to return to sports field on D35 (see Lookout Point by the Sports Field),

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

Heiligenstein: R. Principale, behind the Mairie

Attractions on or near Trail:

None wine-related, other than the wineries!

Tasting along the Trail:

A few wineries on or near the trail that specialize in this varietal, and then other as well nearby.

Alternative Options:

Biking: Klevener et Pain d’Epice, a 32 kilometer/ 20 mile cycling circuit in this region. See https://www.alsaceavelo.fr/403000071-bl214-klevener-et-pain-depices/

Car: Heiligenstein is one of dozens of villages on the Route des Vins D’Alsace, almost 180 kilometers of car-touring route focused on Alsatian wines and through Alsatian vineyards.

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.visit.alsace/

Trail specific:

https://apps.tourisme-alsace.info/photos/cdcbarr/photos/213000384_d1.pdf

Comments:

A peaceful village, in one of the least travelled sections of the Route des Vins d’Alsace, cultivating a varietal that is unique in France.

Germany, Hiking

Lichte Hoehe, Weinberge und Waelder: Trail in a Nutshell

January 11, 2024 admin

Trail Name: Lichte Hoehe, Weinberge und Waelder (AKA: (Benheim’s) B4, and Gronau Weg)

Trail Type: Mid-distance circuit trail; partly paved, otherwise hard-packed earthen surfaces, well maintained, route well marked in most places.

Length:

Total: 13 km/8 miles

Marking: B4, written in white letters on a number of surfaces. See the photos below and above.

Trail Description: A real rambler’s ideal: such a variety of landscape, vegetation, and views can be difficult to find along other short trails. Mostly easy, with a couple of mildly challenging ascents, this trail, proceeding from urban to fields and forests, and back, seemed miles from Heidelberg and the busy Rhine River Valley cities, but was quite accessible from them.

Trailhead:

Bensheim: B47 (Nibelungenstr) x Bassmannweg

Parking Possibilities:

Bensheim: B47 (Nibelungenstr) x Bassmannweg

Public Transportation Options:

Rail: Frequent trains from most major cities north, south and west of this town. Check Deutsche Bahn for details.

Suggested Stages: Not applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: (clockwise)

Bensheim: Hauptstrasse x Gebergasse, Friedhofstr, past the cemetery and church, Hemsbergstr- Hemsbergweg, follow toward Hemsberg, vineyards, fields to Gronau; Gronau: Steinfoerstweg, Maerkerwaldstr; follow signs toward Schoenberger Kreuz; forest, Nibelungenstr (and path beside the Lauter creek); Bensheim: Bleichstr, Augartenstr, pass Marktplatz, Hauptstrasse.

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

Bensheim: Haus am Markt, Marktplatz//Buergerbuero: Hauptstr 39//Bahnhof, in front of it

Attractions on or near Trail:

See Tasting notes below, reference Heppenheim.

Tasting along the Trail:

Bensheim: A couple of wine-makers in the town of Bensheim, several pubs/wine bars offering local wines.

Heppenheim: Nearby town has the Bergstraesser Winzer, a wine cooperative, wine shop and wine tasting lounge, where you will find lots of information about wines and wine-making in this area.

Alternative Options:

Biking: Winzer und Weinstuben Tour, an easy 19-kilometer long bicycle route passing vineyards, wine bars and wineries. See the Nutshell here.

Car: Ferienstrasse Bergstrasse, a 28-kilometer car touring route, includes Bensheim and many more towns, many of them wine producing towns, from Darmstadt to Heidelberg.

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.bensheim.de/tourismus/touristinformation.html

Trail specific: https://www.bensheim.de/fileadmin/media/bensheim/06-Tourismus/Wanderungen-um-Bensheim.pdf (starting p. 32); AKA: Gronau-Weg

Comments:

The trail name says it all: An easy and very relaxing experience, in a little-known wine region.

Germany, Hiking, Nutshell

Mehring R5: Trail in a Nutshell

December 11, 2023 admin

Trail Name: Roemische Weinstrasse Mehring R5

Trail Type: Short distance circuit; well-maintained and almost exclusively paved, marking on the trail mostly good

Length:

Total – 9.8 kilometers/ 6.08 miles

Convenient to: Trier, Germany

Marking:

White and yellow metal square with lettering R5 in black, stylized hikers; and/or directional arrows with trail number on posts

Trail Description: An easy circuit, suitable for most families, that traverses vineyards, pastures, and copses, and passing through Mehring’s village center. While there are plentiful rest spots, snack/bar establishments, and hiking huts to picnic in along the trail, you will want to spend your time admiring the bird’s eye views of the Moselle, and the surrounding hills.

Trailhead:

Mehring: Deierbachstrasse x Schulstr

Parking:

Mehring: a small lot (about 20 cars) at Lintnerstrasse x Deierbachstrasse

Mehring: a small lot downhill from the one above on Deierbachstrasse

Public Transportation Options:

Rail: No train service, per se

Bus: The Moselbahn bus has frequent daytime service from Trier to Mehring, stopping at several villages along the way.

Suggested Stages:

Not applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: (Counterclockwise)

Mehring: from parking lot at follow Deierbachstr uphill, right onto Schulstr, and stay left on Schulstr uphill to Roemerstr-Goldkuppstr-Bornstr, crossing Am Rebenhang into vineyards; follow the long uphill lane to Huxlay Hutte; follow signs for the Kapelle; then along vineyards to the 10,000 Liter Fass (big wine barrel); follow the tree line, enter the woods, continue to follow the trail leading towards (but not necessarily to): Zitronenkraemerkreuz, Aulkreuz, and Hundsbuckel; heading downhill, the woods end and vineyards begin again; following the Muehlenbach creek past a small pond; past the Dreitaeler Weinkommission, right onto Steinkaul downhill, and right back onto Deierbachstr.

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

Mehring (exterior door attached to the town hall/tourist/ Wein u. Heimat Museum building open Apr-Oct (as of Nov 2023))

Attractions on or near Trail:

The Wein and Heimat Museum from April to October; otherwise just lots of scenery and good wine

Tasting along the Trail:

About 20 wine-makers have cellars in Mehring, and at various times, they are open for tastings. In addition to these, and restaurants in the village, there are three wine bars.

Alternative Options:

Hiking: Hiking enthusiasts will find a diverse (circuit, long-distance, family, challenging or easy…) selection of trails, to include wine themed hiking trails, all along the Mosel. Especially popular, albeit not exclusively wine-themed, is the Moselsteig.

Biking: The 248 kilometer Mosel-Radweg (Mosel Bike Trail) begins in Trier passes through Mehring, thence all the way to Koblenz. This beloved bike itinerary, mostly on paved surfaces, and much of it on dedicated bike trail, while not exclusively wine-themed, is a must-do (at-least-once-in-a-lifetime) experience for young and old wine enthusiasts. See the Nutshell here.

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.roemische-weinstrasse.de/roemische_weinstrasse/de/Urlaubsthemen/Wandern/%C3%96rtliche%20Rundwanderwege/

Trail specific: https://www.bergfex.com/sommer/rheinland-pfalz/touren/wanderung/162982,rundwanderweg-mehring–hundsbuckel–huxlay-plateau–mehring-r5/

Comments:

An easily achievable hiking opportunity (and with lots of other options) for almost all visitors to the Moselle valley, to experience a beautiful setting in a world-class wine region, without the crowds.

Biking, Germany, Nutshell

Schoppenradweg: Trail in a Nutshell

November 11, 2023 admin

Trail Name: Schoppenradweg

Trail Type: A medium distance cycling circuit; well-maintained and almost exclusively paved, marking on the trail is good.

Length:

Total – 45 kilometers/28 miles

Convenient to: Wertheim, or Wuerzburg, Germany

Marking: Schoppen (wine glass) with bike

Trail Description: An easy and pleasant circuit through a wide variety of landscapes, with lots of history, views and things to do, on bike paths that are excellently maintained and a pleasure to ride on.

Trailhead:

Official: Erlenbach Bei Marktheidenfeld

Me: Uettingen (B): Helmstadterstrasse-Hauptstrasse

Parking:

Uettingen: Am Graben x Muehlweg, a large paved parking area

Erlenbach Bei Marktheidenfeld: large paved parking lot at Wiesenweg x Hirtenweg, by the Festhalle

Marktheidenfeld: Parkplatz Mainkai, large paved parking lot just before the bridge, off Brueckenstrasse

Lengfurt: Off St2299, by the river, a large free, and paved lot

Public Transportation Options:

Bus: Buses are the only option in this area, run by the VVM (a Main region company). But they are linked with the Deutsche Bahn site for details. See https://int.bahn.de/en

Suggested Stages:

Not Applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: (Counterclockwise)

Uettingen: Hauptstrasse-Kirchbergstrasse, Birkenfelderweg, fields; Remlingen: Cross Weberleinsweg x Birkenfelderstrasse, to Birkenfelderstrasse, Zehntbergweg; Tiefenthal: Kreuzstrasse, Obere G Strasse, Wasserweg, cross Hauptstrasse to path along creek; Erlenbach: Wiesenweg, Im Bruhl, left at lone farm house to pass under Wuerzburgerstrasse, fields; Marktheidenfeld: Am Weiler, under Dillbergstrasse, along creek path, under Sudring, Lohgraben under B8 to Friedenstrasse, Kreuzbergstrasse, cross B8 to Mitteltorstrasse-Fahrgasse, to Main River trail; pass Mainuferbiergarten, pass Klaeranlage; Lengfurt: Along the river; Homburg: under ST2299, Maintalstrasse, under ST2299, along river: Bettingen: Geiselbrunnweg, Dorfstrasse-Hauptstrasse, Dertingerweg, over A3 on Almosenberg, Hymerring, pass Kletterpark; Dertingen: Sandweg, Albachstrasse/L2310, Al Mandelberg; Wuestenzell: Along the Aalbach; Holzkirchen: Bruckenstrasse, Baltasar Neumannstrasse (P), Klosterstrasse, fields, forests; Uettingen: Untere Muhle-Hollerbuschweg

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

Marktheidenfeld: Marktplatz, between the Volkshochschule and St Laurentius Church

Lengfurt/Triefenstein: downriver from the parking lot, off Sr2299. Look for a small green corrugated structure

Attractions on or near Trail:

Marktheidenfeld – the Franck-Haus is a fine building constructed in the baroque for a wealthy wine merchant. Recently renovated, the façade, baroque rooms and the old wine cellar are worth a visit. Exhibits rotate in other parts of the building as well.

Homburg – Rebsortengarten, (a grape varietal garden), a collection of vines (with labels) providing a quick reference for grape varietals grown regionally.

Tasting along the Trail:

Marktheidenfeld – Several pubs and restaurants offer local wines.

Lengfurt/Triefenstein and Erlenbach bei Marktheidenfeld both have a couple of wineries and vineyards outside the village.

Homburg am Main is the village with the most choices for wineries or wine shops, and is the site of the famous Kallmuth vineyard along the slopes overlooking the river.

Alternative Options:

Hiking: Homburger Weinwanderweg, a 10 kilometer/6 mile long trail beginning and ending in Homburg, is a fairly easy route through town, vineyards and forest, with river views along much of the way.

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.main-spessart.de/themen/tourismus-kultur/19.Tourismus–Kultur-im-Landkreis.html

Trail specific: https://www.gemeinde-erlenbach.de/tourismusfreizeit/radwege/

Comments:

One of the biggest wine festivals of this area is the Weinfest Homburg, in Homburg/Triefenstein, every end of July to the first weekend in August, in the old castle courtyard.

From Bettingen to Uettingen, the Schoppen Radweg itinerary is the same as the Romantische Strasse bicycle itinerary. After Uettingen the 498.25 kilometer itinerary continues about another 15 kilometers (a bit less than 10 miles) to Wuerzburg, the northern terminus of the Romantische Strasse, for both cars and bicycles.

Note that both Lengfurt and Homburg am Main are part of the Triefenstein community. Therefore, tourist information about this part of the trail may be found under https://tourismus-triefenstein.de/

France, Hiking, Nutshell

Escapade au Coeur du Vignoble: Trail in a Nutshell

October 11, 2023 admin

Trail Name: Escapade au Coeur du Vignoble de Chateauneuf du Pape

Trail Type: an easy short distance circuit; well-maintained and almost about half paved, and half rough, trail surface; marking on the trail is ok, but take a map.

Length:

Total – 7.5 kilometers/4.6 miles

Convenient to:

Avignon or Orange, France

Marking:

Small maroon colored square with the Chateauneuf coat of arms (occasionally), and (15) education boards

Sample of wine education board Along the Trail

Trail Description:

A pleasant, but mostly unshaded, itinerary through parts of the famous vineyard area of Chateauneuf du Pape, providing great views, tips on local viticultural practices, and fun for the whole family (providing you wear sturdy footwear!).

Trailhead:

Chateauneuf du Pape: Avenue Louis Pasteur

Parking:

In the center of the village, not much, but there is more

Public Transportation Options:

Rail: None, but the closest stations are in Orange, Courthezon or Sorgues, all on the Orange to Avignon line. Check https://www.sncf.com/fr

Bus: Buses on the Route Orange-Sorgues, on Line 922

Suggested Stages:

Not applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points:

Chateauneuf du Pape: Avenue Louis Pasteur-Chemin de la Font du Pape, to the first educative panel, through vineyards to Chemin de la Coste Froide, Chemin de la Montalivet (a narrow track), Chemin de la Nerthe, (turning onto a narrow track called Chemin Draille de la Crau, circling the vineyards of Charbonnieres Est, stair-stepping back west to Chemin de Charbonnieres, onto Route de Courthezon, then right onto a track to rejoin the original trail passing along a small wood, vineyards, then through woods back onto Chemin de la Montalivet; left onto Route de Courthezon/D92, following it back into the village

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

None observed

Attractions on or near Trail:

Chateauneuf du Pape, Avenue Saint-Pierre de Luxembourg: Musee du Vin Brotte, offers audio-guided tours, and a wine tasting.

Tasting along the Trail:

Both in the village and along the trail there are plenty of wineries to choose from!

Alternative Options:

Hiking: Chateauneuf du Pape and its Environments is a 10.8 km circuit route that has more elevation, and covers a wider variety of scenery, from village to river, as well as through vineyards. See https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-chateauneuf-du-pape-et-son-environnement/

Biking: From the Antique Stones of Orange, to the Galets (River Stones) of Chateauneuf du Pape, a challenging 35 kilometer circuit, beginning in Orange, famous for its Roman theater and other ruins, to Chateauneuf du Pape, some of which follows the well-known Via Rhona bike trail (from Lyon). See https://www.provence-cycling.co.uk/equipment/orange/cycle-route-from-the-stone-to-the-pebbly-terroir/provence-713016-2.html

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.france-voyage.com/cities-towns/chateauneuf-du-pape-33685/tourist-office-chateauneuf-pape-7166.htm ; and more specifically for this area https://www.poptourisme.fr/

Trail specific: https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/hiking-route/france/sentier-viticole-chateauneuf-du-pape/266646253/

Comments:

This route leads past 15 numbered education boards about vineyards and winemaking, in order.

The trail is designed with short-cuts (shorter versions), or an extension (longer version) (at or near sign 10, ) to the Charbonnieres Est and the Crau vineyard areas, which adds about 2 km, (1.25 miles) to make it about 7.5 kilometers in total.

Germany, Hiking, Nutshell

Traumrunde Huettenheim-Seinsheim: Trail in a Nutshell

September 11, 2023 admin

Trail Name: Traumrunde Huettenheim-Seinsheim

Trail Type:

Short-distance circuit; well-maintained and almost exclusively paved or hard-packed, marking on the trail fairly good

Length:

Total – 8.7 kilometers/ 5.4 miles

Convenient to:

Ippesheim, Franconia, Germany

Marking:

Square with white background, and red lettering reading “Traumrunde Huettenheim-Seinsheim”

Trail Description:

A meandering circuit, with moderate ascents and descents, as it circles the irregular upper contours of a vine-planted hill on the southwestern edge of the large Steigerwald Nature Park

Trailhead:

Can be anywhere on a circuit, but from a parking perspective, the parking area just below the Weinparadies Scheune is a convenient place to start.

Parking:

Bullenheim: Follow the signs to the Weinparadiesscheune, and before arriving, you will see a small area for hikers’ parking

Public Transportation Options:

Bus: Available to surrounding villages (Bullenheim, Seinsheim, Huettenheim), but not practical

Suggested Stages: (Not applicable)

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: (Clockwise)

Huettenheim: Jewish Cemetery, Vineyards, two little ponds, forest; Kapellberg overlook, Kunigundenkapelle, scenic overlook, parking lot, Weinparadiesscheune Seinsheim; Steinbruch am Kunigundenwald, picnic area, Tannenberg Kreuz, Wanderhuette am Juedischen Friedhof

Representative Trail Photos:

Representative Trail Section in Forest Areas

Restrooms:

(Only observed at the WeinparadiesScheune)

Attractions on or near Trail:

Some wine education tables located intermittently along the trail.

Tasting along the Trail:

Weinparadiesscheune Seinsheim, directly on the trail

Small wineries and taverns in Bullenheim, Seinsheim and Huettenheim, all slightly off the trail

Alternative Options:

Hiking: TCW 49: Durch Fraenkische Weinparadies: a 12.9 kilometer circuit, through much of the same area, but, more challenging ascents and descents, and about 2 miles longer. See https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wanderung/steigerwald/tcw-49-durchs-fraenkische-weinparadies/227470702/

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.ippesheim.de/

Trail specific: https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wanderung/fraenkisches-weinland/traumrunde-huettenheim-seinsheim/9552201/#dm=1

Comments:

Few parking lots, per se, just parking on the edges of lanes. So please be conscientious and respectful when parking road-side in the villages or vineyards.

Biking, France, Nutshell

Paysage a Bicyclette: Trail in a Nutshell

August 11, 2023 admin

Trail Name: Paysage a Bicyclette

Trail Type: Mid-distance circuit biking trail; much of it paved and car-free, well maintained, fairly good signage throughout (but at least bring a map, if nothing else).

Length:

Total: 31 kilometers/ 19.5 miles

Convenient to: Colmar, Alsace, France

Marking:

White pointy-ends rectangular sign with dark letters: Paysage a Bicyclette in script writing

Trail Description: A slightly challenging trail through vines and villages in a relatively quiet section of the Alsatian wine region, offering plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature, admire the wide expanses, and taste wine while exploring small towns and villages along the route!

Trailhead:

Official: Rouffach: Mairie (Town Hall), on Place de la Republique

Alternative: Eguisheim: Grande Rue

Parking:

Eguisheim: Grande Rue, large paved lot, reasonable fees

Rouffach: Place des Sports, large paved lot, with overflow parking nearby, free

Public Transportation Options:

Rail: SNCF regional trains (TER), regularly connect Rouffach (station less than one kilometer from the trail) with Colmar and Strasbourg to the north, and Mulhouse to the south

Suggested Stages:

Not applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points:

Rouffach: R du Marechal Joffre/D18Bis-R Claude Ignace Callinet, R. Louis Pasteur-R. des Vosges-Route de Westhalten; Cross Muehlweg, onto track named Saegmattenweg; Gundolsheim: D15/Route de Rouffach-R. du Nord-Schlittweg-Gundolsheimerweg; onto Holderhuerstleweg, over train tracks, hard right but continue on trail, Rouffach: cross D8, Heiligkreuzweg-Staaweg; cross tracks, then parallel them on Gaertleweg; Metzgermatten and Kiffmatten fields; woods, cross D83 highway; Hattstatt: D121/Route du Vin; Alte Staatstrasse, Herrenstr trail, Rte de Herrlisheim/D1bis; Eguisheim: D14/Grande Rue, R. du Muscat-R du Vin, unnamed trail to left after R. du Buhl; Obermorschwihr: Dagsbourg Hohlweg, R du Dagsbourg-R des Pres; fields and vineyards; Gueberschwihr: R du Nord, R Basse-Route de Pfaffenheim; Gaensbrunnweg trail, then first right; Pfaffenheim: R du Muscat, Grande Rue-Drotfeldweg-Kopfacherweg; Alte Strasse through vineyards-R. Louis Pasteur

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

Rouffach: R. du 4eme Spahis Marocains (by the bus stop)

Eguisheim: by the paid parking lot (see parking above), and in the old center in Cr Unterlinden

Attractions on or near Trail:

Eguisheim:

The Little Train will take passengers through vineyards as well as the town

The Wolfberger Cave has a discovery room with some explanations and photos, in addition to a large boutique for lots of its wine and wine-related products.

Tasting along the Trail:

Wineries, mostly family-owned, in every village – you will be spoiled for choice. Do not hesitate to visit one (or several) between roughly 9-1200, and 14-1800 on most days (some including Sunday mornings during tourism season)!

Alternative Options:

Hiking:

Eguisheim: Vignoble et Chateaux, a short but steep in places trail that passes through a great variety of scenery and terrain, with great views. See the Nutshell here.

Soultzmatt or Westhalten: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-promenade-dans-le-vignoble-de-la-vallee-/ thru vineyards, listed as medium difficulty (hills, not much shade)

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.visit.alsace/en/253001422-tourist-office-pays-deguisheim-et-de-rouffach-office-from-rouffach/

Trail (segment) specific: https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/circuit/536654-le-paysage-a-bicyclette

Comments:

A fantastic area for wines, history, and hiking and biking in nature.

France, Hiking, Nutshell

Les Pas d’Amédée le Vigneron: Trail in a Nutshell

July 11, 2023 admin

Trail Name: Dans les Pas d’Amédée le Vigneron

Trail Type: Short-distance circuit; well-maintained with hard (paved or packed earth) surfaces; marking for this itinerary is pretty good, but not always present.

Length:

Total – 7 kilometers/4.3 miles

Convenient to: Toulouse, Albi, Montauban, or Gaillac, Occitanie, France

Marking:

Signs specific to the trail (see above and below), as well as the ubiquitous French yellow bar markings

Trail Description: This mostly gentle walk through vineyards and fields in and around Rabastens, a town in the Gaillac wine region, provided lovely views, and several opportunities to sample the wines.

Trailhead:

Official: Rabastens, Vinovalle, Ave de l’Hermitage

Mine : Rabastens, Rue de la Croix Blanche (where the tail leading to the circuit begins)

Parking:

Rabastens: on the shoulder along Avenue de l’Hermitage, and along wider sections of the Chemin de l’Hermitage,

Rabastens: near the school – Ave de la Croix Blanche, (usually full, but empty during school vacations)

Rabastens: Rue des Abreuvoirs, a large central official parking lot, mostly closed during market days, and a kilometer from the trail

Public Transportation Options:

SNCF, the national train system, has a station in Rabastens connecting it with Toulouse and beyond

Suggested Stages:

Not applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: (Counterclockwise)

Rabastens: Cave, Ave de l’Hermitage, Chemin de l’Hermitage, R. des Ormes, R. des Clarisses, cross Rte de Saurs right to Chemin de la Tremege (Alternatively id’d: Ave de la Croix Blanche), path (La Dressiere) behind school back onto Chemin de la Tremege ; left onto path (250 m before the “t” insection) through vines, onto Las Bordes, stay right at y (350m past plant); sharp turn south/left, Fourtet: almost to Rte 2/Rte de Salvagnac, but just before it, turn left onto narrow Tremege Basse/Cote de la Tremege (by dumpsters); at school, retrace steps to Cave.

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

None observed

Attractions on or near Trail:

(See below)

Tasting along the Trail:

Vinovalle/Vignerons de Rabastens, a local cooperative

Domaine in Ventis, Les Fontaines de Cavalade, both are just off the trail and sell directly at local markets

Alternative Options:

Hiking: Vignes et Clochers, an eight kilometer long circuit trail, starting north of the center of Lisle-sur-Tarn (about five miles northeast of Rabastens), on D18/Camin de Tolze, Alternatively, Lisle-sur-Tarn also has the 11 kilometer Le Vignoble Lislois circuit trail, beginning right on the northern outskirts of the old town

Car: Circuit du Vignoble Gaillacois, Route des Vins de Gaillac, ask local travel offices for help mapping your route

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.la-toscane-occitane.com/

Trail specific: https://www.france-randos.com/randonnee/rabastens/tarn-81/dans-les-pas-damedee-le-vigneron

Comments:

A very easy walk in a quiet corner of rural France, albeit only 30 kilometers from Toulouse!

Germany, Hiking

Fuerstenbergblick: Trail in a Nutshell

June 11, 2023 admin

Trail Name: Nr 22 – Fuerstenbergblick

Trail Type: Short distance circuit trail; well-maintained and mostly paved or hard-packed earthen trail, marking on the trail is mostly good, but not always exclusively specific to this trail as other trails follow along it as well.

Length:

Total – 7 kilometers/4.3 miles

Convenient to: Bingen, or Koblenz, Germany

Marking: Nr 22, or follow signs to next itinerary point

Trail Description: This is an easy trail through a little visited area of the famous Middle Rhine. It passes through a couple of wooded areas, but mostly vineyards, with clear views of the vineyards and castles on the opposite (and more visited) side of the Rhine, and a lovely riverside walk to close the circuit.

Trailhead:

Niederheimbach, Rheinstrasse riverside walking path

Parking:

Niederheimbach: A few street-side places where parking is not prohibited along the Rheinstrasse or Heimbachtal streets

Public Transportation Options:

Rail: Very frequent train service (DeutscheBahn (DB) regional train RB26) connects Niederheimbach with Mainz to the south, or Cologne to the north with stops all along the Mittel Rhein including Bingen, Boppard, St Goar, Koblenz, amongst others.

Bus: See the Rhein-Naehe Nahverkehrsverbund (RNN) website for details of bus travel through this area

Suggested Stages: Not applicable

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: (Clockwise)

Niederheimbach: Heimbachtal, then turn up to Rheinblick, vineyards, lookout point “Tempelchen”, woods, Rheindiebach: Cross Rheingoldstrasse/K27, vineyards, to and past Burg Fuerstenberg ruins, pass above the cemetery, Rheingoldstr, Mainzerstr, pass under B9 and train tracks, continue on the waterside path back to Niederheimbach

Representative Trail Photos:

Restrooms:

Rheindiebach: along the river, just north of the pedestrian underpass

Attractions on or near Trail:

Just lots of iconic Rhine River scenery!

Tasting along the Trail:

Niederheimbach and Oberheimbach both have guesthouses and restaurants that serve local wines. Niederheimbach even has one right along the river!

Alternative Options:

Hiking: Reblausweg (Nr 13) / Route 1 Panoramaweg, an 8 kilometer circuit trail beginning/ending at Niederheimbach. See the Nutshell here.

Biking: Rheinradweg, is a multi-day tour following the Rhine, but an easy day trip, with lots of stops for photos, is from Koblenz to Bingen am Rhein, or vice versus. It passes through Niederheimbach, which is one of the trains stops along the river route. See the Nutshell here.

Additional Information:

Regional: https://www.romantischer-rhein.de/ and https://niederheimbach.welterbe-mittelrheintal.de/

Trail specific: https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wanderung/romantischer-rhein/nhb-nr.-22-fuerstenbergblick-rundwanderweg/116090787/ or https://www.niederheimbach.info/media/files/nhb-wanderweg_022_k-2022-07.pdf

Comments:

Short, easy, but lovely.

winecountrywandering

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Hiking and Biking European Wine Country