Location and landscape
Grenzach-Wyhlen lies in the High Rhine region of Baden on the Swiss border, and stretches from the Rhine to the Dinkelberg plateau. The municipality rises from about 250 metres above sea level in the Rhine valley to around 516 metres on the Dinkelberg. The transition includes a comparatively steep south-facing slope with vineyard areas.
Climate
The climate is described as oceanic with continental influences. The average annual temperature is about 10 °C, and annual rainfall is around 900 to 1,000 millimetres. Key factors include the south-westerly location, proximity to the Upper Rhine Graben, and protection provided by the Vosges and the Jura.
Hornfelsen
The Hornfelsen is a 352-metre-high limestone hill on the Dinkelberg at the edge of the Upper Rhine Graben. The Muschelkalk formation was previously used as a quarry. About 75 metres of wall remains and parts of a ditch have been preserved from a former fortification complex.
Viticulture
On the lower slope of the Hornfelsen lies the southernmost vineyard site of the Baden winegrowing region. The vineyard located below the rock face was initially overgrown before local residents resumed viticulture there. The vines are planted on terraces; among other things, a harvest in 2024 by the Lang family and voluntary helpers is documented. The Grenzacher Hornfelsen is cultivated as a red wine from Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). For the 2024 vintage, ripening took place in wooden barrels at the Bezirkskellerei Markgräflerland in Efringen-Kirchen.
Municipal history
Grenzach-Wyhlen was formed on 1 January 1975 through the merger of the previously independent municipalities of Grenzach and Wyhlen.
