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Elemental forces of water, earth and stone were at work when Rheinhessen, the land of a thousand hills, was formed. These hills are affectionately called "Hiwwel" in the region. They characterize the landscape in Germany's largest wine-growing region. The eastern and northern border is formed by the majestic Rhine, which accompanies Rheinhessen for about 90 kilometers. From the Rhine meadows in the north to the foothills of the Nordpfälzer Bergland & Rheinhessische Schweiz in the south, nature in Rheinhessen is varied, there are hidden gems and places to pause. Discover the diverse landscape of Rheinhessen!
Geologically, Rheinhessen is part of the Mainz Basin. Elevations generally reach 250 meters to 320 meters - a gently rolling landscape. The Rhine plain marks the eastern and northern borders of the region. Predominantly characterized by a cultivated landscape, Rheinhessen holds natural gems and offers a varied landscape of hills, plateaus, river valleys and nature reserves with retreats for wildlife.
Rheinhessen is named after the Rhine, which forms the natural border in the north and east with a length of about 90 kilometers. Besides the Rhine, the three most important waters in Rheinhessen are the Selz, the Wiesbach and the Appelbach. Lakes are located in the area of the Altrhein around Eich.
Rheinhessen is the "land of a thousand hills" or "Hiwwel" as they are affectionately called here. The gentle hilly landscape is characteristic for the area between Alzey, Worms, Mainz and Bingen. The highest elevations are the Kappelberg in the forest area Vorholz and the table mountain Wißberg.
Today Germany's largest wine-growing region, once a fascinating water world. The history of the "Mainz Basin" began about 45 million years ago: The Upper Rhine Graben subsided and the region was flooded several times. Both by the sea from the North Sea basin and by water from the then Mediterranean area. What remained were fossils and sediments, such as snails, shark teeth or manatee skeletons.
Through natural rainwater runoff, but also through human hand (agricultural implements), the paths in the vineyard became deeper and deeper over the centuries - to the point of creating gorge-like ditches. Thus, meter-high loess walls and steep slopes were formed, which the animal and plant world is particularly happy about. For them, the ravines are an important habitat.
You can best discover the nature of Rheinhessen on a leisurely bike ride or a relaxed hike. This way you will experience the flora and fauna in a very special way. Our guides can give you a lot of exciting information about geology, history and the natural world. Let yourself be enchanted by the nature of Rheinhessen!
