Martinsthal lies in the Walluf Valley and is surrounded by vineyards. Three specific themes can help you decide whether the town is right for your trip: Rheingau wine, seasonal offerings and public art. This gives you different ways to explore Martinsthal, through both its landscape and the artworks and offerings that reflect its connection to wine in various ways.
Wine in the Landscape and Art
Permanent public artworks include the Stehkragenwinzer figure in the market square and a bronze group of wild boars. The figure evokes a winegrower, while the group refers to the Martinsthaler Wildsau vineyard. The theme of wine is therefore reflected not only in the valley setting, surrounded by vineyards, but also in an artistic motif. The two works offer different perspectives: one through the figure in the market square, the other through its connection to a specifically named vineyard. Those interested in local art will find a cultural highlight here alongside the landscape.
Seasonal Offerings and Leisure Activities
From April to October, winegrowers and local operators in Martinsthal invite visitors to enjoy Rheingau wines and food from their own kitchens. The offerings are complemented by boules, table tennis and play areas. This means there are outdoor activities to choose from as well as wine and food. The wine and food offerings are seasonal and may change, so check before your visit whether a suitable option is available on your chosen date.
For planning purposes, these offerings differ from the town’s permanent features: the valley setting, vineyards and public artworks are not season-dependent, whereas the wine and food offerings are. If these are important to your trip, take the April-to-October period into account and check your specific date in advance.
Culture in the Wider Destination of Eltville am Rhein
The wider destination of Eltville am Rhein offers other historical and horticultural highlights. The Electoral Castle is Eltville’s historic landmark; it includes the castle tower, courtyard, moat and official garden. The museum in the tower is open to visitors. The observation platform in the castle tower can be reached by climbing 123 steps and offers views over Eltville, the Rheingau, Rheinhessen and as far as the Rhine-Main region. Eltville is also home to the late Gothic parish church of St. Peter and Paul. Built around 1350–1440, it houses important works of painting and sculpture. Remains of Eltville’s town fortifications have been preserved at the lower end of Leergasse; the fortifications were built after the town was granted its charter in 1332. The rose garden offers a highlight of its own: its profusion of blooms is especially striking in the moat and along the banks of the Rhine. Unusual Japanese rose varieties grow in the Japanese bed in the rose garden, within the moat.
Discover more destinations: Erbach, Rauenthal, Hattenheim.
To the overview of the wider destination: Eltville Am Rhein.
