Come here, walk away! — the German Wine Route through the Palatinate

Nothing works in Germany’s Palatinate region without wine. People love getting together for a chat and enjoy a refreshing spritzer from the Dubbeglas, often with a dangerously low water content. Any culinary experience is rounded off with a portion of Saumagen, a sausage-like dish: totally delicious once you've tried it.

On the German Wine Route hiking trail, I show you what’s probably the most classic region of the Palatinate. Following the vines of one of Germany's most famous wine-growing regions southwards, castles and fortresses, romantic wine-growing villages, rustic forests at the foothills of the Palatinate Forest, soothing thermal spas and a few other surprises await you. Of course, I’ve also emphasised culinary highlights, so your hike becomes a real epicurean Tour.

You should bring along basic fitness for the 100-kilometre (60 mi) long-distance hiking trail, but the ascent is modest compared to alpine Tours. Experienced hikers will have plenty of time for long breaks, a short exploration of the towns or a quick visit to the castles.

Wine needs a lot of sun. You'll get it too, so wear a hat and take plenty of water with you, especially in the summer months. If you have enough energy, you can also visit one of the many wine festivals that take place in pretty much every town during summer.

The region takes on a special charm in autumn, when the grape harvest begins. During this time, you can get fresh Federweisser everywhere – sweet, slightly sparkling and only a little alcoholic. From the end of September onwards, there’s a special play of colours with the vine leaves turning golden.

Consider the five suggested stages as a recommendation on my part. There’s a whole range of interesting accommodation along the way and you can also lengthen or shorten the stages by using trains and buses.

Enjoy the Palatinate on its lifeline! Alla Hopp!