When you think of southern Germany, chances are you picture mountains, pretzels, and beer.
Same here, until I spent a few days on the Baden Wine Route and realized it’s also one of the most varied and beautiful wine regions in Germany.
What I found was a great mix of relaxation, good food, and a bit of adventure, basically everything I want from a weekend away. Between Kaiserstuhl and Ortenau, Tuniberg and Gengenbach, I tasted wine with a view, visited modern wineries, tried regional dishes, stayed in small boutique hotels, and was surprised by how relaxed and diverse this part of Germany really is.
If you’re after a weekend trip that combines nature, good wine, and local flavor, these 9 experiences and scenic spots along the Baden Wine Route are a great place to start.
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This blog post was created in collaboration with Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH, the official tourism board dedicated to helping you discover the Black Forest and the beautiful Baden Wine Region in Germany as top travel destinations.
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The best wine region in Germany: the Baden Wine Route
If you’ve never heard of the Baden Wine Route before, no worries, I hadn’t either, so here’s a quick intro.
The Baden Wine Route is actually one of the oldest and longest wine routes in Germany, stretching for about 500 kilometers through the Baden wine region. It starts up north in the Rhine Valley near Laudenbach and ends down south in Weil am Rhein, right on the Swiss border.
Along the way, you’ll pass rolling hills, vineyards, charming wine villages, and plenty of chances to hike, relax, and of course, sample local wines.
The route takes you through eight wine-growing areas, including Kaiserstuhl, Tuniberg, Breisgau, and Ortenau. It’s easy to explore in smaller sections, perfect for a laid-back road trip or weekend break.
After spending a weekend there myself, I’d say it’s an ideal getaway if you’re into nature, good food, and a bit of movement, with a glass of wine here and there. The region is quieter than other parts of southern Germany, no towering peaks, but wide open views, green hills, and more than enough trails to keep hikers happy.
1. Texas Pass: scenic viewpoint on the Baden Wine Route
Your first stop on the Baden Wine Route is already a bit of a gem, especially if you’re a fan of great viewpoints like I am. The Texas Pass, tucked between Oberbergen and Kiechlinsbergen in the Kaiserstuhl region, offers a beautiful panorama.
You’ll be looking out over gentle vineyard-covered hills, small villages, and if the weather’s clear, all the way to the Vosges mountains in France. Late afternoon is an especially lovely time to stop by, when the light turns soft and golden.
For me, the Texas Pass was the perfect way to kick off this weekend trip. It felt peaceful, open, scenic and exactly the right mood-setter for the days ahead. If you feel like stretching your legs a little, you can link your stop here with a short walk or mini hike. Trails lead straight from the pass into the vineyards.
2. Mondhalde: The best sunset spot at Kaiserstuhl
If you’re in the mood for another scenic stop, head over to the Mondhalde. The pavilion up there sits slightly higher than the Texas Pass and offers wide-open views across the vineyards near Vogtsburg-Oberrotweil. When the sun starts to dip behind the hills, it’s really something.
You can park right at the viewpoint. While it’s no longer a hidden gem (especially around sunset), it’s still 100% worth the detour. It’s also a great place to bring along a little picnic and soak in the evening.
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3. Architecture meets Organic wine: Winery Abril
Even if you’re not big on wine (yet), Winery Abril is worth stopping by just for the architecture. It’s modern, minimal, and built right into the landscape in a way that makes the whole place feel calm and open. It’s no wonder they’ve been awarded the Weinsüden Architecture Award.
I joined a quick tour when I was there, followed by a relaxed tasting. All their wines are organic, and you can really taste the care that goes into them. I especially liked their Pinot Blanc super fresh and balanced.
The vibe was super easygoing. You can tell the people here love what they do, but there’s nothing stiff or showy about it. If you’re into sustainable winemaking, design, or just want a glass of wine in a beautiful spot, definitely swing by.
4. A touch of southern France: Lavender fields along the Baden Wine Route
A bit of Provence in the middle of Baden? Yep, it’s a thing. Right by the Kaiserstuhl, you’ll find beautifully fragrant lavender fields that bloom in deep purple between late June and mid-July, complete with buzzing bees and that unmistakable summer scent.
If you’re visiting in early summer, it’s absolutely worth a stop. But even outside of lavender season, the shop is a lovely place to browse or take a break.
5. Kaiserstuhl Burgundy Tour: wine hiking with a view
Imagine strolling through the vineyards, a glass of white wine in hand, the sun on your face, and every few hundred meters, a new stop with a fresh pour and a beautiful view. That’s the Kaiserstuhl Burgundy Tour in a nutshell a relaxed wine hike where scenic landscapes and wine tasting go hand in hand. It takes place once a year, usually in June.
The circular route is around five kilometers long and winds through the vineyards around Vogtsburg-Burkheim. Along the way, nine tasting stations are set up, with more than 25 winemakers pouring their best Pinots, from Grauburgunder to Spätburgunder. You’ll pass viewpoints with names like Burgunderblick, Vulkanschluck and Elsassblick and yes, they live up to the hype.
Your ticket includes a beautiful tasting glass and even a tractor shuttle in case you want to skip a stretch and ride instead. You’ll also find hearty local street food and non-alcoholic wine options and soft drinks along the route.
I loved the laid-back vibe. It’s easy to strike up conversations, try different wines, take your time and really get a feel for how slow and satisfying a weekend along the Baden Wine Route can be.
6. Planwagen Ride through the Tuniberg Vineyard
One of the most relaxing experiences I had along the Baden Wine Route as a wine region in germany was a ride on a traditional so-called Planwagen through the Tuniberg vineyards. Starting from Hotel Walter Hoch 5, we slowly rolled through the vines, taking in the soft hills, a light breeze, and a few sips of wine along the way. Casual, warm-hearted, and just really lovely.
You can book a tour like this directly through the hotel, perfect for couples, small groups, or special occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties. The vibe was personal and relaxed, and I learned so much from Martina about the region, wine growing, local challenges, and hidden viewpoints. It’s a wonderfully laid-back alternative to classic wine hiking.
7. Gengenbach: Half-Timbered Charm along the Wine Route
Gengenbach in Ortenau is the kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. Cobblestone alleys, colorful half-timbered houses, and a market square that feels like it’s straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. The moment you step through the city gate, it’s like walking onto a movie set. No surprise that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was filmed here.
Despite its postcard-perfect looks, Gengenbach never feels kitschy. You’ll find small shops, traditional cafés, cozy wine taverns, and gentle vineyards all around, inviting you to wander or just linger a little. It’s also the starting point for the next experience on the Baden Wine Route: the Gengenbach Wine Discovery Tour.
8. Wine Discovery Tour in Gengenbach
Not around at the right time for the Kaiserstuhl Burgundy Tour? No worries, I’ve got a great alternative for you that’s just as much fun and also is part of this wine region in Germany. The Wine Discovery Tour (German: Weinentdeckerreise) in Gengenbach takes you on a 5 km self-guided walk through the charming old town and surrounding vineyards.
You’ll start at Hotel Restaurant Sonne, where you’re handed a cooler backpack filled with everything you need: a wine glass, welcome sparkling wine, a snack pack, water, and six different wines, one for each stop along the way. You’ll also get a little speaker that plays charming audio snippets about the wines, grape varieties, and the region’s history as you go.
All the wines come from the local Gengenbach-Offenburg Wine Cooperative. Personally, I thought the views on this walk were even more beautiful than on the Kaiserstuhl tour. The vibe is more peaceful, too, since you walk at your own pace without the crowds. After about four hours, the tour ends with a relaxed multi-course dinner back at the hotel restaurant.
9. A forest escape: Hiking to the Gertelbach waterfalls
Need a little break from sipping wine? The Gertelbach trail is perfect if you’re in the mood for some fresh air, forest vibes, and a bit of a mini adventure. The circular route is around 9 km long and takes you through a wild granite gorge. Think wooden bridges, narrow trails, and a whole series of waterfalls tumbling over mossy rocks.
The Gertelbach stream drops about 330 meters in total, with the biggest cascade reaching over 60 meters. One of the best spots along the way is the Wiedenfelsen lookout, on clear days, you can see all the way across the Rhine Valley and into Alsace.
I loved how this hike had a bit of everything: cool shade, just enough challenge to get your legs working, and plenty of places to pause and take it all in.
How to combine these experiences for a weekend trip along the Baden Wine Route
If you want to pack as many of these highlights as possible into three days in this beautiful wine region in Germany, here’s a sample itinerary to guide your planning:
Day 1:
Arrival & check-in
Visit the lavender shop and walk along the lavender fields near Kaiserstuhl
Enjoy a relaxed covered wagon ride with wine tasting at Tuniberg
Dinner at the hotel of your choice
Day 2:
Stop at Mondhalde and drive the scenic “Texaspass”
Wine walk like the Gengenbach Wine Discovery Trail
Dinner at your hotel Sonne in Gengenbach
Day 3:
Hike to the Gertelbach Waterfalls
Dinner at Schloss Staufenberg restaurant
How to Get to the Baden Wine Route, a Must-Visit Wine Region in Germany
- The closest airports are Basel-Mulhouse or Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to the Baden Wine Route. Renting a car from the airport makes the rest of your trip seamless and flexible.
Where to stay on the Baden Wine Route
I stayed in three different places over the course of my weekend, each with its own vibe, and I’d book any of them again in a heartbeat.
Walter Hoch 5 is a beautifully restored former farmstead turned guesthouse, nestled among vineyards and orchards on the Tuniberg. It’s modern and minimalist with lots of wood and greenery, and has a real sense of place. You’ll feel instantly at ease and might even leave with something from their farm shop.
Hotel Sonne in Gengenbach blends traditional timber-framed architecture with modern comfort. The food’s excellent, and the location is perfect for exploring the old town. Around Christmas, Gengenbach transforms into a festive fairytale, the hotel even sets up cozy winter chalets in its courtyard, right next to the world’s largest advent calendar house.
Köpfers Steinbuck sits on a hilltop near Vogtsburg, with sweeping vineyard views and a focus on design and good food. The rooms are spacious and elegant, many with balconies or terraces. It’s a great pick if you want calm, style, and excellent regional cuisine in one.
Whether you’re hiking through the Gertelbach waterfalls, walking between vines with a picnic backpack, or sipping a glass of Grauburgunder with valley views, this wine region in Germany along the Baden Wine Route is made for slow moments, scenic detours, and indulgent little adventures. I loved the balance of movement, rest, and wine-filled joy – and honestly, I’m already planning my return.
I look forward to your feedback on Instagram.
Also, check out my other blog posts about Germany as a travel destination, such as my hike in the Bavarian Forest or 3 days in Bayreuth.
