Discover Rech: Wine, Hiking Trails and the Winemakers’ Festival
Accommodation in Rech
Steep, terraced vineyards, hiking trails and a long tradition of festivals define Rech. The village is also known for the history of St. Lucia’s Church and its wine and dining offerings. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rech, these themes can help you match your interests with the timing of your trip.
Winegrowing and dining in Rech
Steep, terraced vineyards shape the hills around Rech, as well as local life and festivals. The wine selection includes Spätburgunder, Riesling and sparkling wine. Many wineries offer direct sales and on-site tastings. Which wineries are taking part may change, so check what is currently available in advance. Restaurants and inns also serve local and international dishes. As dining options can change, it’s worth checking specific plans before you arrive.
Hiking and experiencing the landscape
Hiking options include the Red Wine Hiking Trail and the Saffenburg Loop. The Red Wine Hiking Trail passes through vineyards and reaches the Recher Herrenberg wine-growing area. A walk from Rech offers views of the village, the ruins of Saffenburg Castle and the Recher Herrenberg and Recher Blume wine-growing areas. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.
A guided tour for another perspective
A tour lasting around 90 minutes combines local history, contemporary events and insights into winegrowing. The tour may be scheduled seasonally, so check the available dates in advance if you’d like to include it in your plans. This lets you account for its approximate duration when planning your day, without confusing it with the time needed for a hike.
St. Lucia’s Church: architectural history and features
A chapel dedicated to Saints Odilia and Lucia was mentioned in Rech in 1499. The foundation stone of today’s St. Lucia’s Church was laid on 8 May 1720. The church is built of local rubble stone and has a hall layout with a three-sided choir. Its high altar dates from the 18th century; the church windows date from 1967 to 1970. The windows also depict Saint Urban, the patron saint of winemakers and wine. The architectural design, altar and windows each highlight a different period in history, linking the village’s past with winegrowing as a local theme.
Winemakers’ Festival and Lucia Market
The Winemakers’ Festival has been held on the third weekend of September since 1964. The Lucia Market tradition dates back to a pilgrimage privilege granted in 1510 and was revived in 1990; the market takes place on the second weekend of Advent. This gives you two distinct time windows to consider when planning your trip: September or Advent. The exact dates of the events may vary from year to year. If you’re planning your trip around one of the festivals, check the dates before you arrive.
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