With its imposing rock face, Rotenfels forms a spectacular contrast to Rheinhessen’s gentle rolling hills. Although the massif already belongs to the Nahe region, it lies only a few kilometres beyond the Rheinhessen border near Hackenheim – and is far too extraordinary to be missing from a selection of the area’s most remarkable natural experiences.

The best way to experience Rotenfels is on foot. From the short IntroTour and the ClassicTour to the more challenging VitalTour, several hiking routes lead through the rocky landscape and to magnificent viewpoints across the Nahe Valley.

The distinctive landscape of the Rheinhessische Schweiz is particularly striking around the Siefersheimer Horn. The Hiwweltour Heideblick hiking trail leads through vineyards and nature reserves, across open hills and directly into the area's unusual heathland.

The scenery changes with the seasons: rare plants appear in spring, dry grasslands and herbs shape the landscape in summer, while the heather turns parts of the Horn pink and purple in late summer. Wide views across the Rheinhessische Schweiz accompany the route again and again.

From Bingen and Mainz to the south of Rheinhessen, the Rhine is one of the defining features of the region. Yet it is far more than a major waterway: river islands, floodplain forests, riverside meadows and natural stretches of shoreline create a surprising variety of landscapes.

The transition between land and water is particularly enjoyable to explore on foot or by bike. At times the view stretches far across the river, while elsewhere trails follow the water's edge or pass green Rhine islands.