Hiwweltour Westerberg

The Hiwweltour Westerberg leads both at ground level through the Selz valley and up to the Westerberg and thus impresses with great scenic variety as well as with great views of the Rhine-Hessian towns of Ingelheim, Großwinternheim and Schwabenheim. Highlights of the hike are the imposing Westerhaus Castle - traditional winery and stud farm on the Westerberg - as well as the historic and rare sunken paths near Ingelheim.

The 11.8 km long Hiwweltour Westerberg starts at the Selz river in Großwinternheim. From here, you can already catch your first glimpse of Westerhaus Castle, which is located in the middle of the vineyards and is a stage destination of this hike.

First, however, the Hiwweltour leads along the leisurely rippling Selz and through the nature reserve Gartenwiese. Secluded hedges along the banks, rolling meadows with numerous native meadow flowers and fruit trees line the trail for the first few kilometers. You pass Schwabenheim, which can be visited by means of an access road.With the ascent up the Westerberg, you leave the Selz, the garden meadow and the fruit behind you and now enter the vineyard. The Walter Zoth hut invites you to take a break shortly after the junction of the access road to Bubenheim, before the last meters of altitude of the Hiwwelt tour lie ahead of you.

Once on the Westerberg, the hike leads leisurely along vineyards and farmland. The flat hiking trail and a small section through the Winternheim forest allow hikers to take a deep breath and recharge their batteries for the last section of the Hiwweltour.

The next stage destination is the aforementioned Westerhaus Castle. Paddocks and stables reveal that Schloss Westerhaus is not only a winery, but also a stud farm that breeds racehorses. When the large wooden gate of the castle is open, the vinotheque is open and you can taste a glass of wine made from the vines that grow along the Hiwweltour Westerberg.From now on the path leads downhill. Grandiose panoramic views in the direction of Ingelheim, Großwinternheim and Schwabenheim accompany the descent back into the Selz Valley. At this point, the hiking trail also leads through rare historic sunken paths, which were created by centuries of use with livestock and agricultural equipment, as well as by rainwater runoff.

Once in the valley, there is a stop for refreshments at the Eulenmühle. The last section along the Selz, back to the starting point of the Hiwweltour, is lined with shady trees and numerous horse paddocks. In addition, you can once again look at Westerhaus Castle in the heights of the vineyard, which has now been hiked up and down once.

By car:

A60 exit Ingelheim West, 3 km on L428 direction Nieder-Olm, at Ingelheim Süd straight ahead at the traffic circle, 4 km through the Selz valley to Großwinternheim, turn right into Schlossbergstraße to the parking lot at the sports field.

Other entry points are located in Ingelheim, Schabenheim and Bubenheim.

By public transport:

Ingelheim train station, continue with bus 643 or 640 to Großwinternheim, town.