"Hiwwel" in standard German means "hills" and refers to the gently rolling landscape of Rheinhessen, through which the nine tours pass. The tours invite you to enjoy adventurous and enjoyable hikes in the "Land of a Thousand Hills." This term gives our Hiwweltours a distinctive character, representing the region's gentle hilly landscape.
Hiwweltours are ideal for pleasure hikers. Hiking and wine come together perfectly on the premium paths in Rheinhessen. The tours range from 7 to 13 kilometers in length and can be comfortably completed in half-day or full-day hikes. Numerous rest stops and viewpoints along the way provide opportunities to relax. The tours do not involve significant elevation gain. However, some tours, especially in the Rheinhessen Switzerland area, may be a bit more challenging. At certain points, combining two tours allows for a more demanding full-day hike.
The Hiwweltours are the premium hiking trails in Rheinhessen, recognized by the German Hiking Institute or the German Hiking Association. They offer diverse paths predominantly through natural landscapes, with numerous highlights and attractions along the way. A unique feature of Rheinhessen is the "Table of Wine" at each tour, inviting hikers to rest and foster a sense of community. Many benches and relaxing loungers offer scenic spots to enjoy the views, enhancing the hiking experience.
The Hiwweltours are signposted according to state standards in Rhineland-Palatinate and can be easily hiked without additional aids. Each starting point or parking area along the Hiwweltours has an information board detailing the route and important sights. The main paths of the Hiwweltours are marked with blue arrow signs and intermediate markers. Access paths (from train stations or additional parking) are marked with yellow arrowheads and logos. Additionally, hiking maps for the Hiwweltours and digital apps (Outdooractive or Komoot) provide further assistance. More information can also be found under Tour Planning.
The Hiwweltours are designed with dining options directly on the route or via short detours. Many tours feature Vinomats or, at selected times, offer low-threshold options such as small wine bars or events serving typical Rheinhessen food like wine and Spundekäs (a regional specialty). Dining options are linked to each tour on the Outdooractive digital map.
This depends on individual preferences. Some Hiwweltours are well-connected to train stations in cities like Ingelheim or Wörrstadt, where various accommodation options are available. Those preferring a rural setting might enjoy staying in Flonheim, directly connected to a Hiwweltour. Larger cities like Mainz or Worms can also serve as starting points due to accessible public transportation. Rheinhessen also offers hiking-friendly accommodations (more information from the German Hiking Association) tailored to hikers' needs. We are happy to assist with accommodation search!