Holiday in Ahrtal

About Ahrtal

The Ahr Valley in Rhineland-Palatinate is one of the northernmost red wine regions in the world and one of the most beautiful river valleys in Germany. On just 536 hectares of vineyard area along the 85-kilometer-long Ahr, predominantly Pinot Noir vines grow on steep slate slopes — these steep locations are among the most extreme in all of Germany, some with over 70% incline. The devastating flood disaster in July 2021, when the Ahr swelled into a raging torrent within hours and destroyed entire villages, has forever changed the valley. Over 130 people lost their lives. The reconstruction is an impressive testament to solidarity and cohesion — the wineries, restaurants, and hiking trails are mostly accessible again, and the winemakers continue to produce excellent wines. The Red Wine Hiking Trail leads for 35 kilometers from Bad Bodendorf to Altenahr through picturesque vineyards, past castle ruins, and through historic wine-growing towns. Dernau, Mayschooss, and Rech are known for their street wine festivals, which take place from May to October. The Mayschooss Wine Cooperative, founded in 1868, is the oldest wine cooperative in the world. Burg Are above Altenahr, the ruins of Saffenburg, and the Documentation Center Government Bunker (a former secret atomic bunker of the federal government during the Cold War, 17 km long) are further highlights. The Ahr Valley Thermal Spa in Bad Neünahr offers thermal water and wellness after hiking.