Vital Tour Stein, Wine & Color

The path leads us from the starting point about 400 m along an ascending sunny, paved field path past an old colorful vineyard wall and the Pladerberg viewpoint. 400 m after the end of the wall, we leave the field path and walk along a natural path past a wild romantic gorge, also called Paradise. After a short distance, the soil type changes from red to green rock.

We cross the fracture of this geological feature, the so-called 'Hunsrück-South Edge Fault', and can admire the unique play of colors of the soil types on a rock face. The path continues through a light oak lowland forest with very rare tree species such as service tree and wild pear, descending into the 'Limbachtal'. After about 400 m, we suddenly find ourselves in front of the Rabenfels, the bizarre, almost vertical rock face in an old quarry.

Here we turn sharply right and reach a fairytale older oak-beech forest with mighty pedunculate oaks via a short steep ascent. Afterwards, we reach a plateau with eco-areas and the largest Christmas tree plantation in the Nahe region.

A resting place invites us to relax and enjoy an unforgettable distant view almost to the Rhine and into the northern Palatinate. From the plateau, the path leads us about 2 km in a zigzag course past meadows and fields through a dark forest section into the Raubachtal. We continue walking until we reach K45, cross the road, and ascend via a stair-like climb to lush meadow and pasture areas. After about 450 m, the path leads us into a small enchanted forest area.

As if by magic, the cultivated wide vineyard landscape appears to us. A few hundred meters further, we cross the K46 at the historic milestone and walk a short stretch of the 'Old Roman Road' to the barbecue hut at the wild overgrown Höllergraben.

Passing the Höllergraben, we walk about 2 km in winding lines through vineyards, moist spring hollows, various hillside paths, and trails with fantastic views until we reach another crossing of K46. There we arrive at the hiking parking lot of the red wine friends and take a small loop to the viewpoint 'Red Wine Friends'. Here we have wonderful views and can let our souls dangle. Because afterwards, an unforgettable tour awaits us along a hillside path with orchid meadows, a picturesque panorama, and unforgettable distant views.

At the summit cross of the Johannisberg, we can enjoy another spectacular view before we zigzag down towards Raubachtal. There we cross K45 again and return after about 700 m through the romantic Raubachtal with its rare bird song to the starting point, where we see a classical obelisk.

Anyone who is still fit and in the mood for culture should definitely add the 3 km long Cultural Tour through the historic wine village of Wallhausen.

Please inform yourself about current trail information such as closures and notices before your hike under 'Current Info'.

We recommend hiking shoes and functional clothing, as well as sun and rain protection depending on the weather. A lunch package and 1 liter of water are ideal, as there are not always dining or shopping options available or open. You will find nice resting places along the way.

Our tips for carefree hiking enjoyment

Hiking is the perfect sport. With the right clothing and shoes, it is twice as much fun. Functional clothing, 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.

Definitely enjoy the view from Johannisberg almost to the Rhine and try vineyard swings with a dreamy view into the Gräfenbachtal.