The Niederhausen Wine Hiking Trail is a circular route of about 4.5 kilometres. It offers views across Niederhausen, the reservoir and the surrounding area. Along the route, 50 information boards explain vineyard work and different grape varieties; the trail also passes vineyards and old wine presses. Wine arbors and benches offer views across the valley. The loop thus combines scenery, insights into viticulture and opportunities to take a break along the way. Check trail conditions before setting off.
Viticulture and History
Viticulture in Niederhausen was first documented in 1402; in 1970, twelve named vineyard sites were established for Niederhausen. The dates refer to two different milestones: the first written record of viticulture and the later establishment of the vineyard sites. Riesling accounts for 70 percent of cultivation; agricultural proportions can change gradually. The range of wines reflects the selection of grape varieties and the diversity of soil types. Niederhausen wines can be tasted directly at local wineries; whether a tasting is available depends on the individual winery.
Church and Mining
Guided tours are available at the Protestant St. Mechthildis Church. Preserved features include Late Gothic tower paintings, well-preserved Romanesque wall paintings and building elements dating from the 12th century. If you plan to take a tour, check the date in advance. Another historical landmark is the former Niederhausen-Schloßböckelheim state estate, founded in 1902 as a Prussian model farm.
The Schmittenstollen is open to visitors and leads into a medieval cinnabar and mercury mine. Guided visits underground reveal preserved traces of mining from the late Middle Ages and the 20th century. The mine therefore offers a different historical focus from the church and viticulture: the emphasis is on mining and work underground.
Walking and Cycling by the Reservoir
The Niederhausen reservoir can be explored on foot, and it is also possible to explore it by bicycle. Nearby, a circular route just under 8 km long goes around the Niederhausen reservoir and lies entirely within the Nahetal nature reserve from Boos to Niederhausen. When choosing a hike, you can compare it with the approximately 4.5 km Niederhausen Wine Hiking Trail. The routes differ not only in length but also in focus: vineyards and explanations of viticulture define the Wine Hiking Trail, while the longer loop goes around the reservoir within the protected area. Check conditions on the longer route before setting off.
Culture in the Bad Kreuznach Destination
In the wider Bad Kreuznach destination, the Felseneremitage is located in Bretzenheim. The place of worship, carved entirely into the rock, probably dates back to prehistoric times and was repurposed in the early Christian period. It can be viewed from the outside year-round and without a guide; entering the rock dwelling is currently not possible due to a rockslide.
The bridge houses in Bad Kreuznach are half-timbered buildings on the pillars of the old Nahe bridge, which was built around 1300. Due to a lack of space, construction of the houses began in 1480. Bad Kreuznach therefore offers both a distinctive bridge development and the Felseneremitage in Bretzenheim as different cultural and historical topics to explore.
Discover more destinations: Langenlonsheim, Meddersheim, Meisenheim, Hargesheim, Desloch, Bärweiler, Entenpfuhl, Roxheim.
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Bad Kreuznach.
