Vineyards shape Hallau, but the village can also be discovered through its nature, history and architecture. Located between the High Rhine and the Black Forest, Hallau is surrounded by the vineyards, fields and forests of the fertile Klettgau region. There are different ways to enjoy a stay here: follow paths through the landscape, learn about wine and explore the village’s historical traces.
Vineyards and paths in the Klettgau
Hallau has 150 hectares of contiguous vineyard land, the largest area in German-speaking Switzerland. Hallauerberg is also a prominent part of the wine-growing landscape: it is considered the largest vineyard in Eastern Switzerland. The Grenzwandern hiking route starts in Hallau, climbs towards the vineyards and passes St. Moritz mountain church. Its highest point is on Hallauerberg. The route combines exercise with a walk through wine country and a view of the church.
The Hallau nature trail offers another way to discover the Klettgau. This 2.6-kilometre educational trail runs west from the «Tisch + Bänk» picnic area to «Teissen». Along the way, 50 information panels give the German and Latin names of trees and shrubs, explain their uses and medicinal properties, and describe the animals that depend on them. The trail offers views across the Klettgau; in clear weather, the Alpine panorama stretches from the Austrian Alps to the Bernese Alps. After repeated restoration work, frogs, toads and newts have once again found a spawning site at Rötiweiher.
Village history and architecture
Hallau’s village character is shaped by stately houses, fountains, charming lanes and squares. The main street, which has an almost small-town feel, is lined with the imposing town hall and welcoming inns. Visitors interested in the village’s history can find exhibitions on local history, agriculture and crafts at the Hallau Local History Museum. The Weinkrone Wine Museum presents the history of regional winemaking in a historic winegrower’s house.
St. Moritz mountain church was built in 1491 after farmers discovered graves with grave goods in St. Moritzfeld, which belonged to the village chapel. Archaeological investigations inside the church uncovered graves dated to the 7th century. The church is usually open for visits and quiet contemplation; access may vary on certain days. If you are planning a visit, it is therefore worth checking access in advance.
Experience wine and plan your visit
The Hallauer Reben guided tour follows well-maintained paths through Hallau’s vineyards, led by an expert guide. You’ll learn about viticulture and winemaking, and a glass of Hallau wine is included in the tour. The Weinkrone wine shop offers 55 wines from 25 wineries in the Schaffhausen Pinot Noir region for tasting and purchase. This links the landscape with winemaking and its products, without requiring you to choose just one way to visit.
There is also a way to explore Hallau’s vineyards on a nature tour, which follows a specially selected route through the vines. The tour uses special all-wheel-drive vehicles pulled by tractors, with comfortable, cushioned benches. Each vehicle has room for 60 guests and is wheelchair accessible. Keller’s tourism business offers Hallau wines made from grapes grown in its own vineyards.
You can also plan your visit around the Hallau Autumn Festivals. They take place every October and have been held in Hallau since 1935. If you’d like to time your trip to coincide with the festival, check the dates for that year’s event.
Getting there and getting around
From Schaffhausen, take the train to «Wilchingen-Hallau», then the bus to «Hallau, Gemeindehaus». For a cycling trip, a route leads from Hallau towards Wilchingen.
Discover more destinations: Schaffhausen, Trasadingen, Beringen, Schleitheim, Neuhausen Am Rheinfall.
Return to the main travel overview: Schaffhausen.
