Winningen: Vineyard Terraces and Local History

Winningen can be explored from several perspectives: along hiking and cycling trails, through its wine-growing landscape, wine offerings and historic buildings. The routes range from long-distance hiking trails to a cycling route at the foot of the steep slopes; in the town, there is also a wine shop and cultural and historical landmarks.

Hiking Trails and Vineyard Terraces

Winningen is a stop on several long-distance hiking trails, including the Moselsteig and the Rhein-Burgen-Weg. Another option is the Traumpfädchen Moseltraum: This circular trail leads from the Weilsborn spring along small paths, past old vineyard walls and steeply uphill to the Domgartenhütte. The Winningen wine trails comprise five routes around Winningen. They are adapted to the wine-growing areas and showcase the wine-growing cultural landscape. Check trail conditions before setting out. The “Winninger Weinbergterrassen” point of interest can be accessed freely via these wine trails; local information checked before departure can help with planning.

A cycling route that starts in Winningen also runs at the foot of the steep slopes, where terraced vineyards have been cultivated for generations. The vineyard terraces around Winningen comprise up to 29 tiers of terraces and many kilometres of dry stone walls in the Uhlen, Hamm, Röttgen and Brückstück wine-growing areas. Built into the walls are 130 stone arches and 600 stone steps. These numbers and structures give the wine-growing landscape a distinctive architectural dimension. At the same time, the terraces provide a habitat for the Apollo butterfly and the eagle owl. When choosing between hiking and cycling, you can also take in the landscape and its features.

Wine and Culture in Winningen

At the wine shop in Winningen Hospital, visitors can sample and buy around 40 wines and sparkling wines from independent Winningen wineries. Opening hours vary by season; check them before your visit. The shop also offers wine-related products such as spirits and books about wine. As product availability may change, it is also worth checking the current selection. The building’s history is connected to its present-day use: in 1994, the municipality of Winningen renovated it for wine, culture and information services.

Another historic building is the Winningen Museum, a cultural and historical museum housed in a listed building. Claudius von Lassaulx built it in 1833. The Protestant church features a Romanesque tower, as well as late Romanesque elements in the nave and the small southern choir. The two buildings represent different architectural forms and periods.

The historic town centre is also home to the Weinhexbrunnen fountain and the Horntor gate. A half-timbered ensemble surrounds the fountain, which commemorates the witch trials of the 17th century. The well-preserved Horntor is a reminder of the town’s former six gates. The courtyard of the Barons of Heddesdorff dates from the 16th century. The Weinhof at Moselufer 5 features a wine cellar dating from 1897 and two crenellated towers. Historical connections can thus be found across different sites and buildings: from the 16th-century courtyard and the museum building erected in 1833 to the dated wine cellar.

The Winningen Moselle Festival is also part of the town’s history and is described as Germany’s oldest wine festival. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the current dates separately.

Discover more destinations: Vallendar, Alken, Ochtendung, Dieblich, Urbar, Kerben, Welling, Acht.

Go to the regional travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.