The Ahr valley has had the possible biggest ever face lift. It comes as no surprise that top vintner Werner Näkel has contributed considerably to the German Red Wine Miracle, which put the Ahr valley‘s Pinot Noir on the map internationally during the 1990ies. Numerous important wine trophies have since made their way to the Ahr valley, which also beckons with culinary delights. This little side valley of the majestic Rhine River is wildly romantic with its rugged cliffs, steep vineyards and wooded slopes. The valley of the red grape is best discovered on foot along the AhrSteig Trail and Red Wine Hiking Trail, from the saddle of your bicycle along the Ahr Cycle Route, while strolling in the spa town Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler or in the footsteps of the ancient Romans. Cosmopolitan is here what seems very small!
Update on the situation in the Ahr valley
Although the Ahr valley is still affected by the consequences of the flood disaster in July 2021, most tourist offers are now available again. Here you can find out what is currently available in the region.
The high-calibre hiking trail in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate, known as AhrSteig, crosses the Ahr valley - also known as Germany‘s ‘Red Wine Dorado‘ - and the neighbouring Eifel region. Discover picturesque villages, rural meadow paths, some rock trails, breathtaking mountain plateaus, and working vineyards on beautiful hikes along the AhrSteig trail. The AhrSteig trail is characterised by impressive panoramic views of the romantic Ahr valley, far into the Eifel region, and beyond the plains of the Rhine River all the way to Cologne and its magnificent cathedral. The AhrSteig trail measures around 110 kilometres in total.
Hikers on the Ahrsteig near Schuld, Ahr valley
Martin Seidler’s wonderful pictures transport you to the fascinating Ahr valley. The region’s down-to-earth people are redesigning their home area, even the winemakers are doing something a little special after the floods affecting the 2021 vintage. The Ahr valley is famous for its powerful red wines, with their spicy, fruity notes born of the steep sunny slopes, the unique microclimate and the slate soils that absorb heat for the vines. The Red Wine Trail and the Ahrsteig Hiking Trail both offer unique wine-related experiences, with breathtaking views, award-winning wines and local cuisine adding up to a feast for all the senses.
