Dernau lies in a river floodplain framed by steep vineyard slopes. Spätburgunder and Frühburgunder grapes grow on the steep, rocky terraces along the Ahr. In the Ahr Valley, a mild climate, low rainfall and soils of weathered slate support winegrowing. This gives visitors two distinct focuses for a stay: winegrowing and hikes through the landscape.
Wine and Local History
You can arrange visits to wineries and wine tastings by appointment. From spring through November, traditional wine taverns serve local wines and regional specialties in a relaxed setting. Dagernova offers red and white wines as well as sparkling wines, including Riesling, Spätburgunder and rosé sparkling wines. As the selection may change, check the current range if you are interested.
Dernau’s winegrowing history includes several historical milestones. The historical winegrowers’ association and winegrowing association were founded in 1873. In 1970, Dernau’s two winegrowers’ cooperatives merged to form the Dernau Winegrowers’ Cooperative, now Dagernova Weinmanufaktur. Winegrowing in the Ahr Valley can be traced back to the year 770.
Hiking the Red Wine Hiking Trail and AhrSteig
The Red Wine Hiking Trail runs for around 35 kilometers from Altenahr to Bad Bodendorf, passing through Dernau and Marienthal. Its most scenic section in the Middle Ahr Valley connects the winegrowing villages of Altenahr, MayschoĂź, Rech and Dernau. Check route details locally before setting out.
The AhrSteig is a certified hiking trail around 100 kilometers long, running from the source of the Ahr to its mouth. Its described highlights include natural diversity, natural monuments and cultural heritage. One section runs from MayschoĂź to Dernau. At around 35 kilometers, the Red Wine Hiking Trail is shorter than the roughly 100-kilometer AhrSteig; the AhrSteig also has this specific section named. Detours or maintenance work may change the route, so check it before your hike.
Views from Krausberg
The observation tower on Krausberg offers views over the Ahr Valley between Rech and Ahrweiler. On a clear day, the view extends toward Bonn, Cologne and Cologne Cathedral. The marked approach follows the Ahrtalweg, then route A9 or 18 via Habichtsblick and a signposted ascent. Check trail markings and access conditions on site.
Historic Places Around Dernau
The Augustinian convent in Marienthal lies within Dernau’s municipal boundaries. It was founded in 1136 and completely rebuilt in 1699. The dates refer to two different stages in its history: its founding and its later complete reconstruction.
Part of the former government bunker between Dernau and Ahrweiler has been converted into a Cold War museum. It opened to the public on March 1, 2008. As public visiting arrangements may change, check the current access rules in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ahrbrück, Kesseling, Kirchsahr, Binzenbach, Heckenbach, Mayschoß, Hönningen, Liers.
Back to the main travel overview: Altenahr.
