City of emperors
We start in Ingelheim and let the bustling center roll us easily out of town. Quite unexpectedly, we come across remains of the medieval town wall. The light sandstones of the Ohrenbrück Gate make you want to take a trip to the historical Ingelheim. But for this you should definitely take your own day. Now it's time to dive into the landscape. The lush vineyards of the Westerberg with the Bismarck Tower sitting on top like a crown alternate with orchards and paddocks. It's enough to make you go into raptures. A few kilometers later, the stately Westerhaus Castle emerges on the ridges above the Owl Mill on - VdP winery with vinotheque. Small tip for a hike the next day: the Hiwwel tour Westerberg leads directly here.
On old railroad lines
On we go - and we can still let it roll. The former route of the sugar beet railroad offers the best conditions. In summer, you cycle here on a shady route through the green tunnels, always accompanied by a view of the poplar and alder groves that make the Selz River recognizable from afar. Then the landscape changes at Stadecken-Elsheim. Renaturalized river areas show the original character of the Selz and its natural habitat. A gem along the route, the Elftausendmägdemühle, is an idyllic place for a rest. Incidentally, it takes its name from the 11,000 virgins who accompanied St. Ursula on her way to Cologne and came along here. A little further on, the vineyards rise to the right and left of the route that leads through the flat valley. After a delicious coffee in the friendly little town of Nieder-Olm, the route sets course for Alzey. The vineyards no longer play the main role and the view widens over fields and nature reserves. Here you can shift down a gear once again.
Mill idyll on modern and pure nature
Even if by now you are completely in the Selz Valley flow due to the tranquility and simplicity of the landscape, you should think of Jordan's sub mill take a break in Köngernheim. Not only to stop his bike at one of the Rhinehessen BikeServiceStations pump up or charge his e-bike. Looking into the inner courtyard of the old half-timbered mill, one is quickly tempted to enjoy a snack on the wonderful outdoor terrace. Our tip for a full dose of deceleration: Check into the family-run country and wellness hotel and stay one night.
One of 1,000 Hiwwls
A few pedals further on, the pretty village of Bechtolsheim awaits us. On the way over cobblestones, along small alleys and old houses, we are quickly prepared to push at times to enjoy the idyll. Then we continue again in the saddle directly into the vineyards of the Petersberg. On its height the ruin of a medieval basilica waits for the discover urge of the cyclists, who have the power to climb in between times evenly one of the 1,000 Hiwwel of Rhinehesse by foot. More about this in Sina Listmann's blog article on the Petersberg culture trail. The detour is especially worthwhile in spring, when the mountain is immersed in a sea of wild tulips on its southern side - the largest occurrence of vineyard tulips north of the Alps.
The half-timbered and Volker town
Not far and we have reached Alzey. Now it's time to soak up nature and space once again and get ready for the lively Rossmarkt of Alzey. In a great half-timbered ambience, the day can be rounded off with an ice cream or a cool glass of white wine. For those who still have time and leisure and are planning to stay overnight anyway, we recommend an City tour with the night watchman recommended.
