The panoramic ‘Rotwein-Wanderweg’ trail spans along the valley of the river Ahr, not far from Bonn, the former capital that lies in the mid-western part of Germany. Many grapes for some good red wines grow along these sun-drenched hills that reach over about 35 kilometers. Roaming here, the view is onto the grape vines ahead, onto the dense woods along the opposite side of the valley, and down onto the wine growing villages reflecting the millennium-old influence of the Romans.

On a sunny day, and it is often sunny here, this is a beautiful walk. It is best to begin in the historic city of Ahrweiler, surrounded by the old town wall and in its centre mostly accessible by pedestrians, a touristic place, but still charming and full of relaxed hotels and lively restaurants. From Ahrweiler, a winding path leads up to a vineyard and thus onto the Red Wine Hiking Trail. Following the red grape symbol, you enjoy steadily changing views and pass some sweet restaurants on the way.

Be sure to take a plentiful supply of drinking water, for you will be walking for five or six hours. And make some stops along the way, sit on a bench and enjoy the landscape, this mixture of nature and culture that seems to have changed little for so many centuries. Rest anywhere but in the last town Altenahr itself, a place that has retained a non-existent charm of a recent past. Instead, take the train back to Ahrweiler, relive the long walk on the way back, and then enjoy a nice evening meal and a cool beer, or, to keep it original, a regional red wine. Either way, you have earned it.