Start at Hattenheim station. The "yellow R" of the approach path to the Rheinsteig leads over the railway crossing into Waldbachstraße up to the playground at Leimersbach. In its valley hollow, continue uphill. Where the path crosses the access road to the Molitor winery, the view opens for the first time to the Taunus ridge and the famous Steinberg, the favored vineyard of the Cistercian monks. In the distance, the tower on Hallgarter Zange peeks out from the forest.

Follow the Leimersbach to the next farm road, which leads right to Domäne Neuhof. Just after crossing the brook, pass through the gate arch and now you stand in the Steinberg. Follow the wall uphill. With every meter of elevation, the panorama splendidly presents itself over the slopes of the middle Rheingau and beyond into the Rheinhessen hill country. Shortly thereafter, the winery of the State Wineries is reached. The modern building provides a pleasing contrast to the historic half-timbered house behind it. Most of the cellar with the wine tanks lies underground. Only the grape reception station with its glass front hints that you are in front of one of the most modern wineries in Europe.

Now, parallel to the state road, on a meadow and forest path, head to Eberbach Monastery. You reach the site at the western parking lot of the ensemble, which was made world-famous not only by the film "The Name of the Rose." In earlier times, the Cistercians operated the largest wine trading empire of the then world from here. Even today, the state winery Kloster Eberbach is the largest winery in Germany. An information board at the parking lot outlines the course of the monastery trail, which officially begins here. In a wooden box, you will find a stamp. The first stamp documents: "I'm off now." The green-blue logo with stylized church windows promises that you cannot get lost along the way. That is good because after the start, all attention belongs to the ascent.

The climb is steep – praying with your feet probably has to do with penance. At the Steinberg wall, the route goes into the bushes and leads up to the (long toppled) Unken tree. A memorial plaque commemorates the Hessian interior minister Herbert Günther and his hiking club "Smoking Sock." An impulse by Madeleine Delbrèl invites inner reflection. After a short rest, continue, finally on a root path to the Hallgarter Zange. At 580 m above sea level, the highest point is reached. During the season, a cozy tavern is open. Outside the Zange tower, climbing enthusiasts ascend, and in the climbing forest, you could swing through the treetops like Tarzan. But you want to be on a pilgrimage trail.

The descent to the Pfingstbach meadows is the most remote section of the trail. The route runs through light coniferous forest, then again through deciduous forest, uses a piece of the access road to the Zange – and then turns after the basalt quarry into the upper Pfingstbach valley. At the idyllic rest point with the rest bench, you feel far removed from the world's problems. Shortly thereafter, the recreational area at the Pfingstbach meadows is reached. A Kneipp basin refreshes the feet, two fish ponds provide variety for the eye, and resting benches invite relaxation.

On the following forest road, it is not far to the signpost "Kornsmühle." Here, the circular route leaves the monastery trail and leads straight into the vineyard area. At the next fork (sign "Pfingstbach meadows"), keep half-right towards the forest edge. From here, go along the forest edge down towards Friesenthal. Where a bit further down you meet the Rheinsteig again, the water tower of Vollrads Castle pokes out from the vineyards on the right. Here, you must decide if there is still time for the detour. It is worth it – after all, the castle houses one of the oldest wineries in the world. Those in a hurry go straight down to Mittelheim and pass under the tracks to the left to the station. Everyone else strolls down the street to Winkel after visiting Vollrads and also reaches the station below the tracks to the left.

Hattenheim Station / Alternatively, there is a large parking lot at the Rhine riverbank near the wine barrels. From here, it is a few minutes' walk to the station.

Access via Rheingau line / Vias Frankfurt - Wiesbaden - Koblenz

Eltville-Hattenheim Station

www.rheingauer-klostersteig.de