A wine-walk in Ahrweiler- Bad Neuenahr in the AHR (Germany) (2019)
Do you like wine and do you want to do something different than usual, then I can recommend going to the Burgunderfest in the Ahr, Germany. Because be honest … nice relaxing strolls in the open air along the vineyards that bear the fruits of the coming harvest and in the meantime enjoying delicious wines every 2 kilometers? Who would not want that?!
I experienced the 2018 edition and I have got some tips for you:
Company
There is nothing wrong with going unaccompanied because there are lots of people you make easy contact with. But going with friends or family is always nice, isn’t it?
Staying in the Ahr
Ahrweiler is situated just below Bonn (Germany) and is not far from the Netherlands. I recommend arranging one or more nights in this town or the surrounding villages. This can be done at the campsite, a guest house or a hotel. If you choose another village for an overnight stay, a town near the railway will come in very handy. You can travel for free by train (or bus) to the starting point and back again when presenting your wine-walking tour ticket.
Needless to say that it is wise to book early. Many people visit the Burgunderfest.
Fun the days before
If you have arranged an overnight stay, I recommend visiting one or more wine companies. Why not visiting the toppers Weingut Nelles, Jean Stodden or Meyer-Näkel? Don’t forget to taste!
There are many walking routes in the Ahr, so if you love walking, you can already steam up.
Tickets
Je hoeft niet van tevoren kaartjes te kopen. Je gaat op een van de voorafgaande dagen bij één van de deelnemende wijnbedrijven een ticket kopen. Dit geldt ook als openbaar vervoerticket op de dag zelf. Dat kan erg handig zijn. Je krijgt wijn-tegoedbonnen voor tijdens de wandeling. Je krijgt een wijnglas met een leren koord, zodat je je proefglas bij je kunt dragen. Bang voor wijnvlekken op je kleding? Neem tissues mee. Een ticket kost €12 vóór de wandeldag. Koop je hem op de dag zelf dan kost hij €15.
The walk
No need to buy tickets in advance online. You can buy a ticket during one of the days before the event at one of the participating wine companies. This also serves as a public transport ticket on the day itself. This can be very useful. Wine vouchers are included to use during the walking event. You’ll receive a wine glass with a leather cord, so you can carry your glass easily. Afraid of wine stains on your clothes? Take some tissues.
A ticket costs € 12 when bought in advance. If you buy it on the very day, it costs € 15.
On the day of the walking event, the start is between 11.30 and 14.30 at the gate of the old town of Ahrweiler. If you stand at the city gate facing the slopes, you can go up the wine hill and just follow the signs. (or just follow the walkers). The walk is 8.5 km. And will take about 2.5 hours. Every 2 km. there are wine stalls of the participating wine company. You can take a glass of wine here (by using your vouchers or by paying) and have a pause on the straw bales. For non-wine drinkers, spring water is available.
Tip 1: Take some water yourself and something to eat. This is allowed. Of course, you can also buy something at the stands if you do not want to carry anything. Mind you: if you go to the party meadow afterward, you can not bring your own food and drinks. There is a checkpoint.
Tip 2: If you start immediately at 11.30 am you’ll arrive very early at the party meadow. The party has to grow. The advantage will be that you can choose a good spot to have enough space!
Party meadow
The walking route ends on the festival meadow with a view on Bad-Neuenahr. There is a dance floor, live music, and delicious food. Of course, the winegrowers are present again. You can take a seat on the large straw bales and if you like it, you can party until late that night.
Tip: If you are not able to walk the 8.5 km., you can also go directly to the party meadow. It’s accessible to wheelchairs. In that case, you’ll also have to buy a ticket.
Idea for visiting
Before you go home I recommend taking a look at the Regierungsbunker in Bad-Neuenahr. A remnant from the cold war that functioned until 2008. https://www.regbu.de/)
Have fun and let me know how about your trip.
For more information: https://burgunderfest.de/