At this point on my hike along the Wi Wegli, I had no doubt that years from now, all my wine-themed hiking experiences considered, the Wii Wegli in the southern Baden wine region, will rank in my top three. This long-distance hiking trail provided a delightful hiking experience as well as a great tasting experience in one. From south (by Basel, Switzerland) to north (by Freiburg) great experiences awaited over every hill, and in every village. By the time I reached Muellheim, I had not realized that some of the best were yet to come.

I left Niederweiler, overshadowed from on high by the ancient Celtic, Roman and medieval edifices of Badenweiler, and climbed an equally formidable slope on the other side of the village, the Roemerberg. The climb was mostly through vineyards. Emerging from the forests that crown the top of the Roemerberg, beginning the descent, I spotted the village of Britzingen. Like so many of its neighboring villages, it is set in a hollow, following along a rushing mountain stream, and surrounded by green. However, the full magical effect of these discoveries came shortly afterwards as I wandered through eerily still Muggardt, the sole lane winding up through the hamlet on its way to vineyards.

Then, after wandering through a dense forest, the trail entered a narrow valley, and into the village of Sulzburg. Meandering through the quiet village, I detoured a bit to visit its historic Christian and Jewish sites. These, especially the ancient Saint Cyriak church and the Jewish cemetery (about a kilometer off the trail), are quite unique and definitely worth seeing.

 

To my mind though, Staufen was the top village to visit. I first came upon it on an April day, as the sun was setting, and locals were beginning to congregate at the outdoor wine bar. Talk about atmosphere! While I hiked through it on the Wii Wegli during a busy vacation period, the old town center populated by half-timbered houses, crisscrossed by little waterways, and overlooked by an old castle, still exuded charm.

 

From Staufen until to the end of the trail in St Georgen/Freiburg, the trail proceeded mostly (Ehrenkirchen and Ebringen excepted) through vineyards and forests. The trail was crossed by dozens of other hiking trails along the way. Hiking is what many do for a living here, in one way or other, so the trails through the magnificent forests are all well-maintained and signposted. Quiet and resplendent in luxurious late summer foliage, the Wii Wegli wound toward its close.

 

As I hiked along, the sheer beauty of the peaceful countryside, the distant views, and the hidden villages, not to mention the great wines, impressed themselves on my mind.  These memories will remain with me forever, and when asked for a trail recommendation in this part of Europe, I will not hesitate to list the Wii Wegli as one of the most delightful, and a must-do (all or in part) for wine and hiking enthusiasts.