Vital Tour "Forest, Wine & Horizons"

We start in Langenlonsheim opposite the old forester's house in the Langenlonsheimer Forest, where we can also park. Right at the beginning, we can use the equipment on the fitness trail "to warm up the calves for the tour." We first walk through the forest and then along the edge of the forest, enjoying the first views of the Rhine Valley. At the viewpoint Rheinblick, we take a first small break and marvel at the panoramic view in nice weather, with a view of the Niederwalddenkmal in Rüdesheim am Rhein. We continue along the edge of the forest and then back into the woods over the Lettkopf. We sportily descend a small staircase in the middle of the forest. During this first round, we are accompanied by the Rottentour, a small forest experience trail not just for the youngest.

Now we leave the forest for the first time and, in good weather, see the Donnersberg on the horizon. We pass a small fruit plantation on the right before being led back into the forest. Off the official forest path, we turn right and walk into the thicket, the path leads us to the Petry Oak (Note: After the service time of a forester, a tree is dedicated to him). Here we can take a small rain-protected break. We continue straight ahead on a forest path towards Schlangenbaum. We turn left onto an old forest path and explore the first burial mounds. The path merges onto an old farm road, which we only need to cross. A path through the thicket of the forest leads to the next burial mound, the "Fürstengrab". The path runs around the burial mound and continues left along a long path towards Schanzenhübel/Windesheim.

We leave the forest and see the beautiful wine village of Windesheim. At the edge of the forest, above the vineyards, we continue to the viewpoint Soonwaldblick. Time to pause before we continue past abandoned vineyards, right through new vineyards directly to the Bergkapelle in Windesheim. The small chapel invites us to linger, and it is always open for quiet reflection.

TIP: It is also possible to start from Windesheim, which is convenient if you want to stop for a break. Near the hiking parking lot in Windesheim is the Schützenhaus, which is gladly open for groups for refreshments or regularly on Saturdays from 2 PM to 9 PM and Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM. Here you can enjoy good home-cooked meals!

If we follow the path from the Bergkapellchen further, we turn right and climb a relatively steep vineyard until we stand in the best vineyard locations of Windesheim, the Römerberg. The Vitaltour goes back into the cool forest and leads us on forest paths through the Windesheimer Forest to the Jewish cemetery. We briefly leave the forest over a small bridge, turn left twice before diving back into the forest. Here we can see two more Jewish cemeteries and take a small break on a bench. The path now leads straight out of the forest and meanders below the vineyards towards Guldental. We cross meadows and have to cope with steep inclines. Rest points along the way allow us to catch our breath and recharge. On the Neuerberg, the path becomes pleasant again and winds through abandoned vineyard locations. Now the Vitaltour uses the local Guldentaler Krönchen, a nature-friendly hiking trail that leads through the beautiful vineyard landscape in the Guldenbachtal. On the Butterberg, we have to run down a short stretch of asphalt until we can turn left back into the vineyards. The vineyard paths lead us through to the Wetterberg, a beautiful viewpoint. A longer break is possible at the next station, the Sonnenberghütte. The hut offers good rain shelter and is occasionally operated by clubs and associations during the summer months. Please check our event calendar at www.langenlonsheim-stromberg.de.

Below the hut, we walk down the vineyards and turn left. We see Guldental and the Guldenbachtal, which will accompany us on the right side for the next kilometers. Passing natural monuments, such as the old walnut tree, and newly created orchards, we walk through abandoned vineyard paths and the best locations of Guldental. A small detour along the way is recommended in September. We climb up to the viewpoint Guldenbachblick. From here, we can see the rock hermitage in Bretzenheim and hear the field railway puffing every Saturday. Continuing left behind the viewpoint, we proceed until we encounter a small forest area that only provides brief shade. We continue along the edge of the forest until we rediscover the forest edge of Langenlonsheim. The path now leads us right through the vineyards over a meadow down to the nature reserve Saukopf. We turn left and then dive right into the forest. The path takes us through a beautiful mixed forest past a forest hut (a larger break, also for groups, is possible here, free of charge) until we are back at the starting point, at the forester's house in Langenlonsheim.

SHORTCUTS
Windesheimer Route, 8.5 km
Entry only possible in Windesheim; start at the Windesheimer hiking parking lot behind the Schützenhaus; please turn at the Pizzeria Mattinata (also the perfect place for a break!) and head towards the Schützenhaus, behind which you turn right to the hiking parking lot. From the pizzeria, the access path to the Vitaltour is marked with yellow signs. The 8.5 km circular route leads over the Bergkapelle, the Jewish cemeteries in the Windesheimer Forest to the burial mounds and back over vineyards to the starting point.
Guldentaler Route, 6.8 km
Best entry in Guldental at the hiking parking lot at the cemetery in the former district of Heddesheim. In Langenlonsheim, please go to the forester's house and then do not use the main entrance (wooden portal), but walk in the direction of Guldenbachblick. After about 600 m, you will see the first marking of the Vitaltour; then a circular route over vineyard locations, small woods, and beautiful views including Sonnenberghütte back.
Langenlonsheimer Route, 4 km
Entry only in Langenlonsheim; basically the Rottentour - the forest experience path in the Langenlonsheimer Forest. You start opposite the forester's house and walk through the Vitaltour gate to Rheinblick, Lettkopf, and Saukopf; circular route.

Hiking shoes required!

Our tips for a carefree hiking experience

Hiking is the perfect sport. With the right clothing and shoes, it is twice as much fun. Functional clothing, trekking poles, and breathable backpacks are comfortable while hiking. However, good shoes are essential. Sturdy jogging or leisure shoes are only suitable for short distances on flat paths. For longer routes, we recommend stable hiking shoes with a grippy, non-slip sole. Also, think about sun protection and bring a drink. One liter of water is ideal.

Refreshments: There is no gastronomy on the Vitaltour. We recommend bringing packed meals for the tour. You can stop for refreshments after completing your tour in Windesheim, Guldental, and Langenlonsheim. Tips at www.lieberhier.net