Schellengang runs through a valley on the Rhine associated with the historic border between the Electorate of the Palatinate and the Electorate of Mainz. Riesling has been grown on the vineyard slopes for more than 500 years. Oberdiebach has been part of the UNESCO Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage Site since 2002. This offers a range of themes for your trip: the hiking landscape, the history of winemaking and local architecture.
Hiking between Rhine Views and Vineyards
Schellengang is an 11.3-kilometre premium hiking trail in Oberdiebach. Along the way, views alternate between the Rhine and its side valleys. The route passes through forests and open fields and crosses an area that is part of a grazing project. There is a rest area at FĂĽrstenbergblick. This means one route brings together a variety of landscapes and a designated place to take a break.
The connection to the history of winemaking is also tangible here: Riesling has been cultivated on the valley slopes for more than five centuries. The view of the vineyards is part of a landscape shaped both by winemaking and by its location on the Rhine.
St. Moritz: Architectural Forms from Several Eras
St. Moritz is a three-aisled Gothic hall church with five bays and a 5/8 apse. The lower level of the west tower is Romanesque. The building thus combines different architectural forms, with the Romanesque section of the tower standing alongside the Gothic church interior.
The history of the earlier building also stretches far back: the Romanesque pillar basilica that preceded St. Moritz was first mentioned in 1258. The church contains heavily restored wall paintings from the period when it was built—the first third of the 15th century—as well as others dating from around 1470 to 1480. There are also remnants of the choir stalls from 1508. Those interested in church art will therefore find several details from distinct periods here, rather than just one historical point of reference.
Nature and Conservation at Bischofshub
The rare wryneck occurs at Bischofshub. Its presence was documented in 2021; ecological changes may affect it. The care of the former vineyard areas also has its own history: a practice described in 2021 was grazing by GNOR using Exmoor ponies, which had been in place since 2010; goats were added later. Grazing practices may change.
Private Places and Practical Information
The garden at the Old Rectory in Oberdiebach is a private garden of approximately 1,000 square metres. It forms part of the heritage-listed Old Rectory, built in 1773. As the garden is private, check the current visiting arrangements before travelling if you would like to include it in your plans. FĂĽrstenberg Castle is also privately owned and is not open to visitors; check the access conditions on site before planning a visit.
For cyclists, there is a Turner Route location in Rheindiebach, on a meadow along the banks of the Rhine, next to the Rhine Cycle Route and near the barbecue hut. The location can be reached by bike from the Rhine Cycle Route without a detour. Conditions at the site may change; check them before setting out.
The Vierthälerbus offers free door-to-door rides between the surrounding communities, including trips to medical appointments, the hairdresser and shops. If you would like to include the service in your plans, check the current operating conditions in advance.
Mainz-Bingen as the Wider Destination
In the wider travel destination of Mainz-Bingen, the southern part of the district is shaped by the rolling hills of Rheinhessen, specialist fruit and vegetable crops including asparagus, and extensive vineyards. The district includes Rheinhessen, with 26,300 hectares of vineyards; it is Germany’s largest wine-growing region. Another regional hiking option is the approximately 75-kilometre RheinTerrassenWeg from Worms to Mainz. Oppenheim and Bodenheim are stopover destinations in the valley that make it easier to access the Rhine Terrace. These regional perspectives complement Oberdiebach’s local themes without replacing what makes the town distinctive.
Discover more destinations: Essenheim, Lörzweiler, Uelversheim, Dolgesheim, Appenheim, Gensingen, Stadecken-Elsheim, Nieder-Olm.
Back to the wider travel guide: Mainz-Bingen.
