There are things that I simply do far too rarely - a cozy picnic is definitely one of them. Yet we have many wonderful places in Rheinhessen that invite you to feast in the midst of beautiful nature and help you to leave the stresses of everyday life behind. I'll introduce you to five of them in this article.
On the Rochusberg, Bingen
The Rochusberg is a very special place that I always like to visit to recharge my batteries. Ideal for a delicious meal and cheerful conversation with a good friend. We pass the beautiful Rochus Chapel and walk down the Way of the Cross to Kempter Eck - where we have a great view of the Rhine islands Ilmen Aue and Fulder Aue. A few boats chug lazily across the water, a pleasant breeze blows around our noses; on warmer days, this is a particularly pleasant place to be. In addition, a round stone table surrounded by a bench offers enough space for a lavish picnic; there is room for all our delicacies. If you like, you can then relax on the neighboring Wingertsschaukel swing or take a five-minute walk to the beautiful medicinal herb garden at the Hildegard Forum of the Holy Cross Sisters visit; both are equally worthwhile.
On the Adelberg in Flonheim
The Trullo on the Adelberg was built as early as 1756. But by whom actually? Quite a few people believe that it was the work of Apulian guest workers, but we don't know for sure. What is undisputed, however, is that during an enjoyable picnic we are looking at a sight that is popular with Rheinhessen and tourists alike. Tables and benches are available for an extended rest. Afterwards, you can rest your full bellies on the cozy hiking lounger. On the Adelberg, the view of the idyllic Aulheim valley beckons - a spectacular view of hills and vines wherever you look. I could laze around up here all day. But there are also more active options: I recommend the varied Hiwweltour Aulheimer Valley - It leads directly past the gleaming white trullo and has other highlights such as the rugged andesite quarries, the fairytale Lonsheim Tower or the the sandstone quarries typical of Flonheim. I've already been on a few Hiwwelt tours - but this one particularly enchanted me.
The table of wine, Jugenheim
You can also enjoy an excellent picnic at the wine table on the Jugenheim Goldberg. Right next door since 2017 a golden vineyard cottage Shelter from unexpected rain showers. A year later, it was given a pergola, from which vines have been climbing inexorably ever since - very fitting for our beautiful region, don't you think? Incidentally, the Rheinhessen Wine Brotherhood named the building the "Most Beautiful Vineyard Cottage in Rheinhessen in 2019". Snacking on homemade Spundekäs with pretzels and enjoying a glass of fine grape juice - sounds good, doesn't it? Here, too, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view that stretches from the Donnersberg to the Odenwald on a clear day. A hiking lounger also invites you to take a pleasant break. Active tip: The 7.8-kilometre Selztal-Terroir-Route 1 passes the Table of Wine and brings us closer to the different Rhine-Hessian soils on which our wine thrives; the starting point is the Jugenheim market square.
On the Gigser, Wolfsheim
If you ask the people of Wolfsheim about their favorite picnic spot, many of them are sure to immediately say the Gigser The municipality's local mountain is also perfect for a culinary break: tables and benches make for an uncomplicated gourmet break. My gaze falls on a rushing sea of vines; I am always impressed by the view. This "beautiful view" makes the red wine I brought with me taste even better. In the adjoining Shelter not only can you take shelter in the event of spontaneous downpours; it also houses a branch of the registry office of the Sprendlingen-Gensingen municipality. The knot garden lovingly created by the Wolfsheim countrywomen is a real gem. The garden is intended to show the close connection between the people of Wolfsheim and their countryside. On the other hand, I can be a child again with a swinging game on the Wingertsschaukel - it feels good. My tip: In the summer months, on the third Sunday of the month, the Wolfsheim wineries and clubs serve refreshments in the afternoon.
The table of wine, Zornheimer Berg
Last but not least, a trip to picturesque Zornheim is also worthwhile: this wine table is located at the relatively new wine pavilion at Ruhkreuz. On Saturdays from 2 p.m. and Sundays and public holidays from 12 noon, you can leave your picnic basket at home - that's when the winegrowers from the „WineExperience Zornheimer Berg„ with excellent Rhine-Hessian wines and small delicacies. In my opinion, the wine pavilion enhances the 6.8-kilometre-long Hiwweltour Zornheimer Berg, which starts and ends here. This is another place where you can relax and enjoy fantastic views. Incidentally, this view at the Ruhkreuz was named the "Most Beautiful Wine View in Rheinhessen" in 2020; you can linger a little longer on the neighboring hiking lounger; for a few years now, the extraordinary Chapel in the Zornheim vineyards the landscape.
So there you have it - five wonderful places in Rheinhessen that I can recommend for a picnic. Whichever one you choose in the end: They all boast magnificent views and invite you to take a wonderful break. I'm sure it won't be easy for you to choose just one. My advice - just try them all out ...
