Discover Grafschaft: Hiking Trails, Orchards and History

Gentle rolling hills, forests, meadows and extensive traditional orchards define Grafschaft. Hiking and cycling are ways to experience the landscape; local fruit is also made into brandies and liqueurs. This offers several themes to focus on when planning your trip: trails through the orchard landscape, history and regional products.

Hiking among Pears and Vineyards

The family-friendly Pear Circular Trail starts at a car park on the Red Wine Hiking Trail and leads through the historic sunken lane Schwallhüll to Lantershofen. Along the way, you pass old lanes and half-timbered houses before the trail reaches an orchard of pear varieties. More than 30 varieties of pear can be seen along the route between Ringen and Lantershofen. Carved wooden rest areas are provided for picnicking, taking in the views and relaxing.

The Fliegendes Dach viewing platform offers a view across fields and vineyards towards Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. Check local conditions before setting out.

The Aachen-Frankfurt Military Road also passes through Grafschaft. Its section here follows a former sunken lane, past orchards and an old wayside cross. The route reaches the 260-metre-high Fritzdorfer Höhe, where there is a former windmill tower and an information board. At the Hochkreuz section near Leimersdorf, you will find a pasture, a cross, a bench and an information board where you can pause along the way. While the Pear Circular Trail focuses on pear varieties, the Aachen-Frankfurt Military Road takes you past historic routes and waymarkers.

Local History and Chapels

The name Grafschaft derives from the historic County of Neuenahr. From the 12th century onwards, the Counts of Are held extensive estates and power in the Ahr region. Gelsdorf briefly held town rights in 1359 and became a free imperial lordship in 1737.

Lantershofen is first mentioned in a document dated 1 July 1019, under the name Lanterishoffe. The document lists fields, meadows, forests, pastures, vineyards, waterways and dependent people. Another historical point of interest is the St. Lambert Study House, where men without a secondary school diploma can begin their studies. The study house is located on the grounds of an old castle that formerly belonged to the Blankard family, and is considered a unique institution in the Catholic Church in Germany.

The Marienkapelle auf der Heide is considered a pilgrimage site and is also visited by hikers. A procession takes place there every year in May; check the exact date before your trip. At the northern entrance to Lantershofen, next to State Road 83, stands the Josefskapellchen, built in 1900. Since 2009, it has been listed as a Neo-Gothic hall chapel in the Rhineland-Palatinate register of monuments. The wooden Blankartskreuz is considered the only cross of its kind in the municipality of Grafschaft.

Regional Products

Brogsitter in Grafschaft-Gelsdorf offers red, white and rosé wines, as well as sparkling wine and champagne. The range also includes spirits, wine tasting packages, wine gifts and delicatessen. As the selection may change, check the current products before visiting.

Obsthof Sonntag’s own press processes fruit from the farm into naturally cloudy direct-pressed juices and apple punch without preservatives. You can bring your own apples or pears for contract pressing; a minimum quantity is required. Check whether this service is available before travelling. Konditorei Lennartz offers fresh products from regional suppliers, including flour, eggs, fruit and vegetables.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lantershofen, Vettelhoven, Barweiler, Harscheid, Bad Breisig, Altenahr, Leimbach, Sinzig.

Return to the main travel overview: Ahrweiler.