This short hike was an approximately 10km long track around the village Muehlhausen in Baden Wuerttemberg in Germany. The hike was along the river Enz, along old and abandoned vineyards and finally back to the village and along still cultivated vineyards at the end of autumn 2020.
In this video, I go on a hike along the River Enz loops near Mühlhausen, a picturesque area in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The Enz River, a tributary of the Neckar, winds its way through rolling hills, vineyards, meadows, and forests, creating sweeping loops that shape the landscape. Hiking here offers a wonderful mix of river views, rural scenery, and gentle trails, making it a rewarding destination for anyone who enjoys being close to both nature and culture.
The Enz Valley is well known for its curving river bends, which create natural loops and meanders. From the higher slopes above the river, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the water winding through the valley, the surrounding villages, and the patchwork of vineyards and fields. These loops are a highlight of the region and give the hike a unique character.
The hike around Mühlhausen begins near the riverbanks, where paths follow the water’s edge. Walking here means listening to the sound of the flowing river, passing over small bridges, and sometimes encountering quiet fishing spots or riverside meadows. The river is calm and scenic, reflecting the hills and sky above, and in every season it offers a different atmosphere—fresh and green in spring, warm and lively in summer, golden in autumn, and calm in winter.
From the river, the trails often climb into the vineyard-covered hills above the Enz. These slopes are part of a long winemaking tradition in the region, and walking among the vines gives wide views back down into the valley. In autumn, the vineyards are especially beautiful, glowing in shades of yellow and red as the harvest ends and the landscape shifts toward winter.
The forest trails around Mühlhausen add variety to the hike. Tall pines and deciduous trees create shaded paths that contrast with the openness of the riverbanks and vineyards. In late autumn and winter, the forest grows quiet, the ground covered in fallen leaves, and the bare branches open up glimpses of the valley below. The mix of river, vineyards, and woods makes the hike diverse and engaging.
Along the way, small villages and cultural landmarks appear. Traditional houses, chapels, and old stone walls show the long history of settlement along the Enz. Many trails are also part of established hiking routes that connect towns and wine villages throughout the valley, so there is always a sense of being part of a wider cultural and natural landscape.
The views from the hills above the Enz loops are among the highlights of the hike. Standing above a bend in the river, looking down at the sweeping curve of water surrounded by fields, vineyards, and forests, is a moment that captures the beauty of this part of Germany. The loops create natural patterns that change with the seasons and the light, making every viewpoint unique.
Hiking here in late autumn has its own charm. The days are shorter, the air is cool, and mist often rises from the river in the mornings. The colours of the vineyards and forests are muted but atmospheric, giving the hike a calm and reflective character. The quietness of the season means fewer people on the trails, making it easy to enjoy the landscape in peace.
This video captures the impression of hiking along the River Enz loops near Mühlhausen: riverside paths, vineyard slopes, forest trails, and panoramic views over the winding river. It is not a step-by-step guide but an overview of the atmosphere and beauty of the region.
For travelers and hikers, the Enz Valley is an excellent destination to experience the charm of southern Germany’s landscapes. The combination of the curving river, wine culture, forests, and villages makes it varied and authentic. Whether for a short walk along the banks or a longer loop through the hills, hiking near Mühlhausen along the River Enz offers a rewarding glimpse of rural Germany.