Germany’s Swabian Tuscany — Württemberg Wine Country

‘Wonderful is Bacchus' gift, balm for the torn heart!’ is how the poet Friedrich Schiller described wine. Born in Marbach am Neckar, Schiller was a wine lover by nature, for Marbach lies at the heart of the 11,000-hectare (27,180 ac) wine region of Württemberg. A region that is also called the Swabian Tuscany. Why? Sunny terraces full of vines, a Mediterranean climate, quaint villages and towns with a unique flair, lush green riverbanks and lots of historical treasures await you here. Let yourself be enchanted by the Württemberg landscape and get to know the culture of the Besenwirtschaften in the most beautiful way: on foot.

The character of a good wine is shaped by the weather, the cellar master and the soil. In Württemberg, the geological conditions play into the hands of the winegrowers; from heavy gypsum keuper to loess, and from shell limestone and sandstone to volcanic rock, the soil variety is particularly high.

The region is also very diverse in other respects. It’s not without reason that numerous poets, thinkers and painters have been inspired by the wine landscape. Theodor Heuss, the first president of the Federal Republic of Germany, is said to have written his speeches inspired by a glass of Lemberger and the poet Friedrich Hölderlin also appreciated this corner of southern Germany.

In this Collection, I present seven hikes that you can take as day Tours and the lengths of the routes vary. There are frequently worthwhile sights along the way so be sure to plan enough time for them. Refreshment stops are planned for each Tour, but sometimes only at the end. If you like, you can find a good glass of wine almost everywhere.

You can get to any starting point or back to your destination by public transport. The larger cities in the region, like Stuttgart or Heilbronn, are good central starting points.

You can hike in the Württemberg wine region all year round. Spring starts early and you can enjoy the mild climate and the many hours of sunshine in summer. In autumn, just before the grape harvest, the landscape is particularly beautiful. The vines hang full of juicy berries and the leaves gradually change colour to a bright orange – a unique natural spectacle.

Let yourself drift like the waters of the Neckar, Enz or Bottwar through Württemberg's fabulous landscape. Enjoy the breathtaking views and admire the picturesque half-timbered houses in historic towns. Soon, you’ll understand why the Württemberg wine region is so unique.