2 Best Sights in The Rhineland, Germany

From Ediger-Eller train station, head west into the hills instead of east into the village, and you'll find yourself on a hiking route among Europe's steepest vineyards. The path, which runs for 3½ km (2 miles) between Ediger-Eller and Bremm at an altitude of between 200 and 300 meters, comes with steel ropes for support (it's very steep in places) and provides stunning views up and down the Mosel. Look out for the romantic ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian convent; it's across the river just before the loop to Bremm. The path is reserved for those with a good level of fitness and in possession of sturdy footwear.

Winningen marks the start of several of the region's loveliest and most informative short walks: the educational Weinpfade (wine trails). There are five trails to choose from, with varying lengths from 4 to 9 km (2½ to 5½ miles), but the best introductory trail is the Domgarten-Weinpfad (Cathedral Garden Wine Trail). It starts and ends at the Weinhof (also a Tourist Information Office), leading up and through the vineyards that lie above the town. The beautiful, medium-difficulty, 4½-km (3-mile) circular route is lined with signs explaining the grape-growing and wine-making processes, as well as plenty of benches for enjoying the spectacular river views. The whole thing usually takes around two hours, excluding stops—and if you find you still have energy, there are four more trails to tackle.