The Hiwweltour Water Tower runs through the picturesque Appelbach Valley and the idyllic Ölberg and Höllberg nature reserves, offering magnificent panoramic views of the region’s vineyards. Other highlights along the trail include the Fairy Tale Trail and the Wöllstein Water Tower. This certified hiking trail opened in May 2026; it is 6.1 kilometers long, and you should plan on spending about 1 hour and 40 minutes on it.
The Hiwweltour Water Tower trail starts at the community center in Wöllstein and runs alongside the „Am Schlossstadion“ leisure and water park into the idyllic Appelbach Valley. Along the way, I follow the „Im Tälchen“ bird trail, which features information signs about the birds native to this area. On the right-hand side is the Müller Winery with Rheinhessen—EXCELLENT—Wine Shop, where you could stop right at the start of the hike to sample some fine Rheinhessen wines. Just a few steps further on, I’ve already left Wöllstein behind and find myself surrounded by nature. I don’t see any birds, but I can hear them chirping in the distance.
Railroad Bridge and Ölberg Quarry
At the historic „Bawettche“ Railroad Bridge“ There is an idyllic spot with rocks in the riverbed and a bench. The Sprendlingen–Fürfeld branch line once ran across the bridge, transporting wine, sugar beets, and, above all, rock. Today, the route is popular with hikers and cyclists. However, the hiking trail does not cross the bridge but instead runs through the old Mount of Olives Quarry. Rhyolite, a volcanic rock, was once quarried here. Today, it is a nature reserve and a dry habitat where rare plants and endangered animal species thrive. Back then, large quantities of quarried rock were used, among other things, for the construction of the Westwall. When it was designated a nature reserve in 1983, nature reclaimed the mountain. The Ölberg Quarry is also a stop on the Rheinhessen coastal path, which connects Wöllstein, Siefersheim, and Neu-Bamberg.
A Dreamy Fairy-Tale Trail and Shelter
After leaving the fascinating volcanic rock formations behind me, I walk along the Alte Ölmühle Wine Tavern (another tip for a place to stop for a bite to eat) continue southwest toward the Fairy Tale Trail. Stefanie Neumann, a sculptor from Wöllstein, created a total of six fairy-tale figures out of aluminum, each standing on a concrete pedestal and accompanied by a plaque. Visitors can discover Pippi Longstocking and Rumpelstiltskin, as well as Little Muck and Urmel from the Ice Age. The figures are lovingly crafted and showcase exceptional craftsmanship. The Wöllstein theater group once performed plays featuring these characters. The goal was to create something lasting; four figures were donated, and two more were funded through donations.
The shaded Fairy Tale Trail leads to the shelter at Katzensteiger Mill. At this point, the Hiwweltour Water Tower Trail and the Hiwweltour Heideblick one after the other. This would make it possible to combine both trails into one long loop of about 16 km. The Heideblick Hiwweltour is 9.9 km long and winds through Rheinhessen’s beautiful heathland, slightly south of the two towns of Neu-Bamberg and Siefersheim. At the shelter, I take a short break to hydrate, then continue on my current Hiwweltour and follow the trail uphill. Here, the protected pasqueflower (cowbell) and yellow starflowers (gold stars) grow; the area is a nature reserve. Both plants are true masters of survival, as they thrive on the dry rocky slope. At the same time, they are rare and highly endangered.
Hexenkanzel Lookout Point with a view of the Appelbach Valley
Soon I’ll reach the Höllberg and the Hexenkanzel lookout point, which offers a wonderful view of the tranquil Appelbach Valley. Below me lie lush meadows and the town of Neu-Bamberg, framed by the verdant hills of the surrounding countryside. The trail now turns east, offering hikers new views of productive vineyards laid out in terraces and crisscrossed by dry stone walls. It’s said that lizards bask in the sun in the vineyards on warm summer days. The „Hiwwel“ hills around Wöllstein are ideal for this.
Rest area at the crossroads with a picture frame
On the stretch leading to the next rest area, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the town of Siefersheim. Here, too, you’ll follow the Rheinhessen Coastal Trail, which runs between Wöllstein, Siefersheim, and Neu-Bamberg. From the rest area at the wayside cross, I enjoy the magnificent view of the Rheinhessen countryside and take another break to hydrate. There are benches, a lounger, and a photo frame for snapshots. The imposing wayside cross, erected in 2011, was built using historic oak beams from the 18th century that came from the demolition of a farmhouse in Wöllstein. From the wayside cross, you can already see the destination of the Hiwweltour—the town of Wöllstein.
From the rest area, the hiking trail continues through the vineyards, past the Höllberg, heading west and later east. By the end of July, the vines are heavy with grapes, and the grape harvest—my favorite time of year in Rheinhessen—is just around the corner. The grape harvest is the perfect time to visit the region and combine hikes with stops at wine taverns, estate taverns, wine bars, and wine shops—all while sampling Federweißer and regional delicacies.
Wöllstein Water Tower – Landmark and namesake of the tour
Finally, I reach it—the namesake of this Hiwweltour and, at the same time, the town’s landmark: the Wöllstein Water Tower. The historic tower, which is a designated landmark, was built in 1906 at a prominent location on the Höllberg. It is open on weekends and holidays, and visitors can climb it during those times. The „Guardian of the Höllberg“ is also called the “Juliusturm,” named after the mayor at the time, Julius Moller. Incidentally, the water tank is not located inside the tower but underground. In the past, the structure served not only as a water supply but also as a strategic observation post.
The tower underwent extensive renovation in 2025 and is now used for events and cultural activities. It’s also a popular gathering spot and a lovely place for a picnic. I take the opportunity to take another short break at this beautiful spot before heading out for the final stretch toward my hiking destination. The trail leads down into the town of Wöllstein, past the Gästehaus Reeh (guesthouse), to the parking lot at the community center. That is the start and finish point of the Hiwweltour Wasserturm.
Wöllstein After the Hike: Swimming Pool and Places to Stop for a Refreshment
After the hike is over, Wöllstein offers a variety of options; for example, you can visit the Catholic parish church of St. Remigius and the Protestant church in Wöllstein, or stop by the „Am Schlossstadion“ Recreation and Water Park“ Refresh and relax after the hike. Hikers will also find a good selection of places to stop for a bite to eat, such as the Geheischnis Inn and the El Vino Wine Bar.
My conclusion
The Hiwweltour Water Tower Trail is wonderfully varied and offers very scenic views. It features beautiful vantage points with stunning panoramic views, as well as idyllic stretches through rolling vineyards, wooded sections, and shaded trails. My personal highlights are the railroad bridge, the old Ölberg quarry, the Fairy Tale Trail, the rest area at the wayside cross, and the historic Wöllstein water tower.
Tips
You can reach Wöllstein by car via the A61; take the Gau-Bickelheim exit and follow the B420 toward Wöllstein. There is a parking lot at the community center in Wöllstein, which is also the starting and ending point of the Hiwweltour. For the hike, we recommend non-slip footwear, comfortable hiking clothes, something to drink, and a snack in your backpack.
The Vorholz Hiwweltour is one of five Hiwweltours that opened this year. Hiking reports for all the „new“ Hiwweltours will be posted on the Rheinhessenblog from time to time. So stay tuned. You can find all the Hiwweltours at here.
