We are dismayed to see the current images of the heavy rain disaster in Ahrweiler. We wish all affected residents and relatives all the best. On behalf of our readers, we would like to thank the emergency services on site!
In the midst of the picturesque backdrop of the Ahr Valley lies the Rhineland-Palatinate town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. The historical architecture dates from different eras. In the over 1000-year-old district of Ahrweiler, medieval flair prevails. The old city wall with moat, lovingly restored half-timbered houses and four imposing city gates – in Ahrweiler you unmistakably walk in the footsteps of the Romans. As in earlier days, numerous events such as winegrowers’ festivals and the traditional Christmas market invite you to celebrate and enjoy on the historic market square.
Recharge your batteries: Bad Neuenahr spa
Much younger than Ahrweiler is the Heilbad Neuenahr. Architecture and atmosphere are determined by the Wilhelminian period. Well-kept parks, the charming spa district with its magnificent villas and spa hotels as well as the Ahr river rippling through the middle of the village invite you to take a leisurely stroll. In the spa gardens, you can linger under old trees, enjoy the sight of colourful flower beds and the rising healing spring – Bad Neuenahr became known not least for the origin of the Apollinaris spring. In addition to relaxation and recreation, the spa gardens offer cultural highlights such as concerts, theatre performances and cabaret. And if you want to try your monetary luck, head to the former Kurhaus, which is now home to the casino.
Medical help can also be found in Bad Neuenahr: The health centre comprises 15 clinics in almost all disciplines. The Ahr thermal baths are an excellent addition to medical treatment. They live up to their reputation as one of the most beautiful thermal spa landscapes in Europe with an extensive wellness offer. Whether indoors or outdoors, swimming through bubbling thermal pools, in the sauna area or relaxing in one of the whirlpools – pleasant relaxation is guaranteed here. The ceremony ends in the restaurant with regional and Mediterranean delicacies.
Excellent wine gastronomy
Culinary cravings are satisfied throughout Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. The fine wines from the local viticulture are widely known. In the midst of the wildly romantic beauty of the Ahr Valley with its bizarre rocks, lush green meadows and extensive forests, fine wines have been grown for centuries. The work on the steep vineyard terraces is not exactly comfortable, but it is richly rewarded: The excellent wines have received many awards and are among the top wines in Germany. The focus is on red wine, and Pinot Noir in particular enjoys the very best reputation.
Both locals and visitors can enjoy the delicious wines on site – preferably with tasty cuisine. There are plenty of opportunities to do so: Numerous traditional and modern restaurants, rustic wine taverns, bistros and cafés invite you to enjoy a culinary experience with regional and international cuisine.
Hiking, cycling, climbing
Along the hiking and cycling routes there are also opportunities to stop for a bite to eat, rest and enjoy the charming landscape. There are plenty of hiking trails in the Ahr Valley, as it is one of the most popular hiking areas in Germany. At any time of the year, the unique natural landscape with its bizarre rocks and extensive meadows can be explored at your own pace. In spring, the awakening nature fascinates, in summer shady forest paths provide pleasant cooling and in autumn you can also get up close and personal with winegrowers during the harvest. Even in winter, the Ahr Valley enchants with a very special atmosphere.
In addition to beautiful hiking tours from the source of the Ahr to the mouth of the Rhine, hiking events are also offered in summer temperatures. For example, the Ahr Valley Summit Festival, the Wine Hiking Weeks and the AhrSteig Adventure Day will be convivial. And if you want to combine hiking with culture, you can opt for routes that include the Calvarienberg Monastery or the Roemervilla.
You can also get your money’s worth here by bike and mountain bike. Whether relaxing with the whole family on the almost flat Ahr cycle path or sporty and professional on challenging routes – all tours on foot or on wheels have one thing in common: they surprise again and again with spectacular views and far-reaching views. The 70 climbing stations of the forest climbing park in Bad Neuenahr and the rope park with its high ropes course also promise beautiful views. Both locations offer both beginners and experts a lot of climbing fun.
Idyllic castle ruins of Are
Not only children are enthusiastic about a trip to Are Castle, which towers majestically above the village of Altenahr. While the Counts of Are once resided there, the restored ruins are now a place that brings times long past back to life. Perfect photo motifs included. During the extensive renovation, even the well system was exposed, the shaft allows a deep view down to the groundwater.
If you want to enjoy a historical costume tour in addition to the phenomenal view of rock massifs, vineyards and Kreuzberg Castle, you should plan your excursion on the first or third Saturday of the month.
From the government bunker to the winegrowers’ museum
Plenty of cultural fare for the rare rainy days in the Ahr Valley: A section of the government bunker – once the most secret place in the Federal Republic of Germany – has been accessible to all visitors interested in the relics of the Cold War since 2008.
The fact that viticulture and agriculture were incomparably more arduous in earlier times than today can be seen during a visit to the winegrowers’ museum in Bachem. How did it manage to cultivate the steep vineyards without today’s technology? And what is a Jrondbottem? These questions and much more are answered vividly in the Old Backhouse.
If you want to learn interesting details about the country and people of this enchanting spot on earth, make your way to Blankenheim. The Eifel Museum provides plenty of background information and insights into the historical development of the region.
The Museum of Local History and Technology in Bad Bodendorf is also dedicated to local history and the linking of old and new. As a foretaste of the visit on site, numerous objects can be admired via the Internet platform. The new Schützenmuseum in Ahrweiler is taking a similar approach and integrating new media into its exhibition. Here you get insights into shooting that are otherwise only granted at shooting festivals.
Overnight stay in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler
The decision to spend a relaxing stay in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler has been made, but where can you spend the night? – There are many possibilities. Whether it’s a private holiday apartment, a hospitable guesthouse, a relaxed stay in a wellness hotel or a campsite close to nature – everyone will find their own night’s sleep to start the next, eventful day well rested.
