For summit climbers | Great Saffenburg circuit from/to Mayschoß

Sensational views on the Saffenburg circuit

The route lives up to its name: the Saffenburg is visible from almost every viewpoint. The hike leads to spectacular views: from the Saffenburg, from the Schwedenkopf, the Ümerich and the Mohrenkopf. A challenging circuit that offers new surprises around every bend. A highlight right at the start: the ruins of the Saffenburg.  From the plateau you get a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the course of the Ahr and the surrounding towns. Refreshment opportunities are available along the way at the Saffenburg shelter, in the local gastronomy, and at the winemakers and wine taverns in Mayschoß and Rech. The Saffenburg circuit is marked with its own trail sign.

Tip: There is also a small Saffenburg circuit (8.8 km) https://out.ac/Z3Bye, but this route has no separate trail sign.

And the tour lives up to its name: the Saffenburg can be seen from almost all vantage points.The hike leads to spectacular views: from the Saffenburg, the Schwedenkopf, the Ümerich and the Mohrenkopf.A challenging loop that provides new surprises around every bend in the trail.A highlight right at the beginning: the ruins of the Saffenburg. From the plateau you have a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the course of the river Ahr and the surrounding villages.You can stop for refreshments along the way at the Saffenburg refuge, in the local restaurants, at the winegrowers and wine taverns in Mayschoß and in Rech.The Saffenburg circuit is signposted with its own signpost.

Mayschoß-Saffenburg-Rech-Schwedenkopf-Ümerich-Mohrenkopf-Laacher Berg-Mayschoß

Ascent to Saffenburg 

The route starts at the train station in Mayschoß.  Already in the first kilometers, a highlight of the route is planned: the ruins of Saffenburg. High above Mayschoß, the oldest castle complex in the Ahr valley towers. The ascent through the vineyards to Saffenburg is rewarded with magnificent views of the valley and the surrounding towns. Past the Saffenburg shelter we reach the first viewing plateau: the view into the steep terraced vineyards around Mayschoß was awarded as the Most Beautiful Wine View Ahr 2020.  Over wide natural stone steps we reach the highest point of the castle complex. From here you can enjoy a sensational 360 ° panoramic view. 

Downhill to Rech

After a short rest in front of this magnificent view, we return to the main path and continue the hike downhill towards Rech. Past the Bear fountain the small wine village welcomes us with quaint half-timbered houses and winding alleys. Winegrowers' farms and wine taverns invite you to linger. The path leads through the village past the Catholic parish church St. Luzia and soon after we reach the Ahr river. After crossing the Ahr and the Ahrrot wine road, the path leads up into the vineyards. There we cross the Red Wine Hiking Trail. 

Ascent to Schwedenkopf 

The ascent past the Forsterberg hut to Schwedenkopf offers repeated great views of the Saffenburg and the Ahr valley near Mayschoß. Picnic places and benches along the way invite you to enjoy the magnificent view. After resting on the hiking lounger with a magnificent view at Schwedenkopf, the path continues to our next destination, the Ümerich. From Schwedenkopf we hike partly flat, partly downhill through a forest section and then emerge from the forest into the vineyards at Mönchberg. Below us lies the Red Wine Hiking Trail.  A magnificent view of the Saffenburg, Mayschoß, and the valley accompanies us as we circle around Mönchberg. The path now briefly runs downhill onto the Red Wine Hiking Trail, which we initially follow uphill to the Ümerich junction.

Detour to Ümerich and Mohrenkopf

First uphill we follow the path toward Ümerich. After a first viewpoint with a hiking lounger, it continues straight ahead to Ümerich. The narrow path leads over rocky sections. Surefootedness and sturdy footwear are required here. Upon arrival at Ümerich, the next surprising view opens up of Mayschoß, the Saffenburg, and the surrounding vineyards. The view extends to Altenahr to the Are castle. After a short rest, we take the same route back to the main path and continue to follow the signage of the Saffenburg circuit towards Laach. From here the path leads steeply downhill. At the first bend, we turn right for a short detour to Mohrenkopf. Over rocky steps we reach the small viewing plateau on a rock, Mohrenkopf. The view over the rocky landscape of the Middle Ahr is a delight! Returning on the same path back onto the Saffenburg circuit, the steep path continues downhill.

Laacher Berg 

Arriving in the vineyard locations above Laach, one of the most beautiful views of the Ahr valley opens up. The path through the vineyards passes bizarre rocks, reveals the view of the Ahr river course and the wine village Laach. After the next bend in the vineyard, we are again greeted with a completely new view of Mayschoß and the Saffenburg! Following the signage, after the next curve in the vineyard, we reach the first houses of Mayschoß. The path back to the starting point of the hike leads past the wine cooperative in Mayschoß.

Wine Cooperative Mayschoß-Altenahr

The world's oldest wine cooperative is awarded as a highlight of wine culture and has been repeatedly awarded as the best wine cooperative in Germany. The cooperative invites you to end an eventful day in the Ahr valley with excellent wines. 

Saffenburg Shelter 

Catering with a magnificent view: On all public holidays and weekends (Sat/Sun) in May, September, and October the shelter below the Saffenburg is staffed. Further information and opening times under . Next to the shelter, the climate-controlled wine vending machine of the wine cooperative awaits all hikers with chilled wines as well as grape juice and water. Shelter rental: Throughout the year, except for the days open for catering, the shelter on the castle ruins can be rented. The hut offers indoor space for 25-30 people, on the adjacent event area for up to 250 people. Info at https://www.wg-mayschoss.de/die-saffenburg/

Alternative route via Red Wine Hiking Trail/mountain path to Forsterberg hut 

At the ascent to Schwedenkopf, an alternative route to the Forsterberg hut can be chosen from the crossing with the Red Wine Hiking Trail. The alternative requires especially stamina, sturdy footwear, and surefootedness. The section over a steep mountain path is secured with a rope at the beginning. This alternative route is also signposted.

FOR LITTLE SUMMIT CLIMBERS: Family round via partial section to Saffenburg 

Absolutely worthwhile, even for young families, is the excursion to the ruins of the Saffenburg from the train station in Mayschoß. The return journey can be made the same way or via Rech and the Red Wine Hiking Trail. The round tour with return over the Red Wine Hiking Trail here: https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wanderung/ahrtal/rundweg-ab-bis-mayschoss-kleinerunde-um-die-saffenburg/7973072/

Mayschoß-Saffenburg-Rech-Schwedenkopf-Ümerich-Mohrenkopf-Laacher Berg-Mayschoß

Ascent to the Saffenburg

The tour starts at the railway station in Mayschoß. A highlight of the tour is already on the agenda in the first few kilometres: the ruins of Saffenburg Castle. The oldest castle complex in the Ahr valley towers high above Mayschoß. The ascent through the vineyards to Saffenburg Castle is rewarded with magnificent views of the valley and the surrounding villages. Passing the Saffenburg refuge, we reach the first viewing plateau: the view of the steep terraces around Mayschoß was recognised as the Most Beautiful Wine View Ahr 2020. We reach the highest point of the castle complex via wide natural stone steps. From here, you can enjoy a sensational 360° panoramic view.

Downhill to Rech

After a short rest in front of this magnificent view, we return to the main path and continue the hike downhill towards Rech. Past the Bären-Brunnen fountain, the small wine village welcomes us with quaint half-timbered houses and winding alleyways. Wineries and wine taverns invite you to linger. The route leads through the village past the Catholic parish church of St Lucia and soon afterwards we reach the Ahr. After crossing the Ahr and the Ahr red wine route, the path leads up into the vineyards. There we cross the Rotweinwanderweg trail.

Ascent to the Schwedenkopf

The ascent past the Forsterberghütte to the Schwedenkopf offers great views of the Saffenburg and the Ahr valley near Mayschoß. Picnic areas and benches along the way invite you to enjoy the marvellous view. After a rest on a hiking lounger with a magnificent view at the Schwedenkopf, the trail continues to our next destination, the Ümerich. From Schwedenkopf, we walk partly flat, partly downhill through a section of forest and then emerge from the forest into the vineyards at Mönchberg. The red wine hiking trail lies below us. A magnificent view of the Saffenburg, Mayschoß and the valley accompanies us as we round the Mönchberg. The path now leads briefly onto the red wine hiking trail, which we initially follow uphill to the Ümerich junction.

Detour to Ümerich and the Mohrenkopf

First uphill, we follow the path towards Ümerich. After a first viewpoint with a hiking lounger, continue straight ahead to Ümerich. The narrow path there leads over rocky sections. Sure-footedness and sturdy footwear are essential here. Once you reach Ümerich, the next surprising view is of Mayschoß, Saffenburg Castle and the surrounding vineyards. The view extends as far as Altenahr and Are Castle. After a short rest, we take the same route back to the main path and continue to follow the signs for the Saffenburgrunde in the direction of Laach. The path leads steeply downhill from here. At the first hairpin bend, we turn right on a short detour to the Mohrenkopf. We reach the small viewing plateau on a rock, the Mohrenkopf, via rocky steps. The view over the rocky world of the Mittelahr is a delight! The steep path continues downhill on the same route back along the Saffenburgrunde.

Laacher Berg

On arrival in the vineyards above Laach, one of the most beautiful views of the Ahr valley opens up. The path through the vineyards leads past bizarre rocks and offers a view of the course of the River Ahr and the wine village of Laach. After the next bend in the path, a completely new view of Mayschoß and Saffenburg Castle awaits! Following the signs, we reach the first houses of Mayschoß after the next bend in the vineyard. The path back to the starting point of the hike leads past the vintners' cooperative in Mayschoß.

Mayschoß-Altenahr winegrowers' cooperative

The world's oldest winegrowers' cooperative has been recognised as a highlight of wine culture and has received several awards as Germany's best winegrowers' cooperative. The cooperative invites you to round off an eventful day in the Ahr Valley with excellent wines.

Schutzhütte Saffenburg

Hospitality with a magnificent view: the refuge below Saffenburg Castle is open on all public holidays and all weekends (Sat./Sun.) in May, September and October. Further information and opening times can be found at . Next to the refuge, the air-conditioned wine vending machine of the winegrowers' cooperative awaits all hikers with chilled wines, grape juice and water. Hut hire: The hut on the castle ruins can be hired all year round, with the exception of days when it is open for catering. The hut can accommodate 25-30 people inside and up to 250 people in the event area in front of it. Information at https://www.wg-mayschoss.de/die-saffenburg/

Alternative route via the red wine hiking trail/mountain path to the Forsterberghütte

On the ascent to the Schwedenkopf, you can choose an alternative route from the Rotweinwanderweg crossing to the Forsterberghütte. This alternative requires a good level of fitness, sturdy footwear and surefootedness. The section over a steep mountain path is secured with a rope at the start. This alternative route is also signposted.

FOR LITTLE SUMMIT-TRACKERS: Family circuit via a section to Saffenburg

The trip to the ruins of Saffenburg Castle from the railway station in Mayschoß is absolutely worthwhile, even for young families. The return journey can be made along the same route or via Rech and the red wine hiking trail. The round trip with return via the red wine hiking trail here: Tour for little summiteers