06) Exploring the Grapevines and Orchards: A Hiker’s Paradise
- O Peregrino
- May 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Beer Culture: Germany is known for its beer, with more than 1,500 breweries and over 7,000 different types of beer. The country also hosts Oktoberfest in Munich, one of the world's largest beer festivals.
With this article you will get to know a small 9 km long hiking trail between Hagnau and Meersburg. The bus from Friedrichshafen to Hagnau needs 24 minutes.
Hagnau on Lake Constance - a small town with a big history. This is also a history of fruit growing and wine, which has been cultivated on the slopes of the town for decades. With the Hagnau winegrowers' cooperative, we have a unique producer association, and our delicious wines are appreciated by connoisseurs all over the world.
Favored by the climate and blessed by the location - few places are as beautifully situated on Lake Constance as Hagnau. Strolling along the shore, strolling, swimming... water in its most beautiful forms, for young and old. But the lake can not only be experienced here, but also enjoyed: several fishing families have been going out for generations to catch whitefish, char and more. What sounds idyllic can be quite dangerous in a storm. But it's worth it: what is found in the nets is also supplied to local hotels, restaurants and inns. Fancy some freshly caught fish?
Source (German only): Hagnau - Official Page
Meersburg is a town in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg. On the shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee), it’s surrounded by vineyards. Medieval Meersburg Castle houses the Fortress Museum, showing a medieval living room and castle dungeon. Nearby, New Palace has baroque architecture and frescoes. Above town, the Droste Museum displays poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff's personal writings and belongings.
Source: Google
Meersburg: Official Page (German, English, French & Spanish)
On a radiant summer morning, Jürgen, a sprightly 66-year-old, and his son Huayna, a vigorous 29-year-old, set out from Hagnau on the shores of Lake Constance. The sun's golden rays glistened on the lake’s surface, casting a warm, inviting glow over the picturesque landscape.
Jürgen and Huayna began their walk through the verdant fruit and wine plantations that stretched as far as the eye could see. The rows of grapevines, heavy with clusters of ripening grapes, stood in neat lines, while apple and pear trees bore the weight of their bountiful harvest. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fruit mingled with the earthy aroma of the vineyards.
As they walked along the well-trodden path, Jürgen told Huayna stories and described the seasonal rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting. Huayna listened attentively, absorbing the wisdom and nostalgia in his father's voice.
They paused occasionally to sample the fruits hanging within reach. The juicy apples and plump grapes were a testament to the rich soil and meticulous care that went into their cultivation. Each fruit tree, each grapevine was a reminder of the region’s agricultural heritage.
The path meandered through the vineyards, offering stunning views of Lake Constance. The water sparkled under the sun, and sailboats glided gracefully across its surface. Jürgen and Huayna stopped at a lookout point, where they could see Meersburg in the distance, its medieval castle standing proudly against the skyline.
“Look, Huayna,” Jürgen said, pointing to the castle. “That’s where we’re headed. It’s been there for centuries, watching over the lake and the town.”
Huayna nodded, feeling a deep connection to the history and beauty of the place. “It’s incredible, Dad. I’m glad we’re doing this walk together.”
As they continued, they encountered other walkers and cyclists, all enjoying the idyllic
scenery. Some greeted them with friendly nods and smiles, and Jürgen exchanged pleasantries with a few familiar faces. It was a close-knit community, bound together by the land and its bounty.
They reached a small, family-run winery along the way. The owner, an old friend of Jürgen’s, welcomed them with open arms. They were invited to sit under a shaded pergola, where they sampled a selection of wines made from the grapes that surrounded them. The crisp, refreshing Riesling and the robust, full-bodied Pinot Noir were the highlights, each sip telling a story of terroir and tradition.
As they neared Meersburg, the path took them through a stretch of forest that provided a cool respite from the sun. The dappled light filtering through the leaves created a serene atmosphere, and the sound of birdsong accompanied their conversation.
Finally, they emerged from the forest to find themselves at the edge of Meersburg. The town’s charming cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses welcomed them. They made their way to the castle, where they stood in its ancient courtyard, gazing out over the lake.
“Thank you for this walk, Dad,” Huayna said, placing a hand on Jürgen’s shoulder. “It’s been wonderful.”
Jürgen smiled, his eyes reflecting the joy of the day. “It’s been my pleasure, son. There’s something magical about sharing these moments and stories with you.”
As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the lake and the vineyards, Jürgen and Huayna made their way to a cozy café in Meersburg. Over coffee and pastries, they reminisced about their journey and looked forward to more adventures together, knowing that this walk through the plantations was a memory they would cherish forever.
Watch the video in full screen here!
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Published: 08/15/2024
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