Discover Aarbergen

There are several ways to discover Aarbergen: by riding a historic hand-lever trolley in the Aartal, following trails through forests and history, or viewing sculptures. This lets you combine nature experiences with culture and plan outings to suit your interests.

By Handcar and Along Historic Trails

Ride the historic hand-lever trolley in the Aartal between Aarbergen-Michelbach in Hesse and Diez in Rhineland-Palatinate. You must book a time in advance; confirm your booking with the operator before you arrive.

Another outing option is the Hennethal Landwehr. This educational trail, just under two kilometres long, passes through an area of historical, geographical and natural interest, with information boards along the way. The Landwehr is a wall-and-ditch system around 325 metres long, which most likely dates from the late Middle Ages. It was rediscovered in 2003 and lies at the highest point of the circular trail, on the “Platte”.

The circular trail starts at the car park on the L 3031, at the Hennethal exit between Kettenbach and Daisbach. It is 1,830 metres long, takes 45 to 60 minutes and has an elevation gain of 85 metres. It is rated easy to moderately difficult; sturdy footwear is recommended in wet conditions. This makes it possible to combine this historical discovery with a circular walk that takes a manageable amount of time.

Forest, Art and Horse Riding

The three-kilometre forest discovery trail has eleven stations and is suitable for visitors of all ages. Along the way, the stations offer insights into the forest’s connections and distinctive features. If you would rather combine your outing with art, you can view eleven sculptures by various artists on the sculpture trail.

Horse riding is also available in an indoor arena or outdoors. Annual competitions invite visitors to take part or watch. Ask the riding club about its current programme if you are planning to attend a competition.

The Broader Destination of Rheingau-Taunus District

For a wider regional perspective, it is worth exploring Rheingau-Taunus district. The district shares in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley through the municipal areas of Rüdesheim am Rhein and Lorch. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley’s cultural landscape is shaped by steep river slopes, steep-slope and terraced vineyards, numerous castles, historic townscapes and the Rhine.

The Upper German-Raetian Limes is another defining regional feature: it crosses Rheingau-Taunus district for about 35 kilometres and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2005. It runs for around 33 kilometres through the Rhein-Taunus Nature Park, where Zugmantel Fort is located; the fort was part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper German-Raetian Limes.

Wine and landscape are the focus of the 14 Riesling Loops. These circular trails are 4 to 8 kilometres long and run between Flörsheim am Main and Lorch am Rhein; their themes are Riesling, winegrowing and the cultural landscape of the Rheingau. Wine tasting is available without an appointment during opening hours at the wine shop in the former coach house in the courtyard of Schloss Vollrads. Check opening hours before your visit.

Cultural history also offers its own reasons to visit places in the district: A monument to the Spätlesereiter (late-harvest rider) in the courtyard of Schloss Johannisberg commemorates the discovery of late-harvest wine in 1775. The tower of Eltville Electoral Castle houses a Gutenberg memorial with an exhibition on the art of printing, as well as a historic collection on the town’s history.

The right-bank Rhine railway line may also be useful for getting around the region: it runs from Koblenz via Rüdesheim am Rhein and Wiesbaden to Frankfurt am Main. Lorch, Geisenheim, Oestrich-Winkel, Eltville and Walluf are therefore directly connected to Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance rail network. Check timetables and transport services with RMV.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

Allow 45 to 60 minutes for the Landwehr circular trail; the handcar ride must be booked in advance. Regional destinations such as the wine shop and the towns along the Rhine railway line have their own opening hours and timetable considerations.

Discover more destinations: Walluf, Niedernhausen, Waldems, Oestrich-Winkel, Bad Schwalbach, Geisenheim, Lorch, Schlangenbad

For the broader travel overview: Rheingau-Taunus district.