The Moselle Trail
- Walk from inn to inn through the Moselle Valley; Germany’s wine paradise
- Follow the Moselsteig; voted one of Germany’s ‘Most Beautiful’ walking trails
- Explore towns sprinkled with half-timbered houses, Roman ruins and castles
- Hike on peaceful trails through forest and vineyards, high above the river
- Stay in family-run wineries where you can relax with a glass of local Riesling
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in TrierWelcome to Trier, Germany’s oldest city! Easily accessible by train from Frankfurt (3.5 hours) or Luxembourg (35 minutes) airports. Trier was established by the Romans and to this day it is a treasure trove of Roman ruins.
Wander the old town and visit the Porta Nigra, the last of the city gates, and the Kaiserthermen, the imperial Roman baths. If you would like to explore Trier further, we recommend adding an additional night here to explore further. Aside from its Roman origins, it is also the birthplace of Karl Marx and home to the oldest cathedral in Germany, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hotel Porta Nigra is ideally and centrally located, opposite Trier's landmark, the Porta Nigra. It is a true traditional house and with its location in Paulinstraße it is perfect for exploring Germany's oldest city.

The Hotel Aulmann is located in the heart of Trier, very close to the historic old town and just a few minutes' walk from the main sights. Trier Cathedral is only a six-minute walk away, and the famous Porta Nigra is just 900 metres away. Experience comfort and hospitality in a prime location!

This 4-star Superior hotel is situated in Trier’s pedestrian zone, a 5-minute walk from Trier Cathedral. The Relaxarium spa features a sauna, Roman steam room, Laconium steam room and an ice grotto. A rich breakfast buffet is served each morning. Good coffee, delicious cake and snacks can be enjoyed in the bar during the day, cocktails are served in the evenings.
Upgrade Hotel
And so begins your Moselle Trail adventure. Fuel up on a typical German breakfast of eggs, fresh bread rolls, cheese and ham. Today’s trail is undulating and varied, but highly rewarding. Ascend steep open trails, through forests and past orchards. Pause along the way to catch your breath and take in panoramic views of the lush Moselle Valley beneath you.
Walk to the small town of Schweich. Nestled on the bank of the Moselle, Schweich is a historic Roman wine route town. Why not visit the Niederprümer Hof, a former farm which is now a cultural centre, complete with a wine cellar where you can enjoy a wine tasting or two.
Ascent/Descent: 560m (1840 ft) / 570m (1870 ft)

The family-run Hotel Grefen offers a peaceful retreat for leisure walkers, surrounded by nature and picturesque walking paths. The comfortable rooms and friendly atmosphere provide the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the stunning Moselle landscape. Within a 10-minute walk you can reach the banks of the Moselle for a relaxing evening stroll.

Hotel zur Moselbrücke in Schweich offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere with beautiful views of the Moselle River. The hotel features modern rooms, delicious regional cuisine, and a relaxing environment for a restful stay. Ideally located, it provides easy access to nearby vineyards, charming towns, and scenic walking trails along the Moselle.

This family-run hotel is located in the centre of Schweich, the gateway to the Middle Moselle, where you will find rest and relaxation. In the hotel's own restaurant you can savour and sample regional specialities.
Ascend the slopes of the Moselle river bank on a serpentine trail as it winds uphill. You are surrounded by panoramic views of the glistening Moselle river and its meadows covered with vineyards. Enjoy a picnic at one of the benches along the way, the perfect spot for a breather. Finally come to the Huxlay Plateau before descending through vines to Mehring, an authentic Moselland town.
Spend the evening sampling local regional dishes at one of Mehring’s restaurants. Hearty, meaty food is the order of the day, washed down with a glass of delicious white wine.
Ascent/Descent: 320m (1050 ft) / 330m (1080 ft)

Weingut und Gästehaus Sebastiani in Schweich offers a delightful stay surrounded by beautiful vineyards and the serene Moselle landscape. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and the chance to taste exquisite local wines produced by the family-run winery. Its peaceful location provides the perfect base for exploring the region’s charming villages and scenic trails.

The cosy guesthouse and restaurant is situated in a quiet location near the centre of Mehring - the beautiful wine and holiday resort on the picturesque Moselle.

Weingut Weber-Loskill in the heart of the Moselle region offers a perfect combination of traditional winemaking and modern hospitality. The family-run winery offers in a long tradition of growing grapes and making wine, especially Riesling. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms with stunning vineyard views. The peaceful location provides an ideal base for exploring the scenic Moselle Valley and its charming villages.
After a short stretch through the town, the ascent begins. Today’s highlight is without a doubt the 20m high observation tower. From here you can enjoy the wonderful Five Lakes View, so-called as the Moselle river appears to be 5 separate bodies of water.
The trail continues through a sea of vineyards down to the village of Leiwen. Why not visit the Sektgut St. Laurentius where you can sample a selection of highly-regarded sparkling ‘Sekt’ wines.
Ascent/Descent: 430m (1410 ft) / 430m (1410 ft)

Hof Sonnental in Leiwen provides a tranquil getaway surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the scenic Moselle landscape. All guest rooms are individually and stylishly furnished and offer you a comfortable ambience. The family-run guesthouse offers a rich breakfast with home-made delicacies and local produce.

The Alexanderhof offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Moselle Valley. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. With its prime location, it’s an ideal base for discovering the region’s charming villages and vineyards.

Genießen Sie in dem Weinhaus einen moseltypischen Urlaub. Nach Ihrer Wanderung können Sie in der Straußenwirtschaft den Tag bei einem Glas Wein ausklingen lassen. Durch die günstige Lage, erreichen Sie auch das Ortszentrum in nur wenigen Schritten.
Today’s stage offers far-reaching views even beyond the Moselland. Walk through renowned wine-growing areas such as ‘Trittenheimer-Apotheke’ and ‘Neumagener Rosengärtchen.
Finish the day in Neumagen-Dhron, home to the ‘Stella Noviomagi’, a Roman-style wine boat which has been built to original plans. Take a cruise on the river Moselle and experience the valley from another perspective.
Ascent/Descent: 330m (1080 ft) / 330m (1080 ft)

Situated on the Moselle, this historic estate was built in 1730 by the Baron of Warsberg. Since 1840, the beautiful manor house has been owned by the Krebs winegrowing family

Hotel Lekker in Neumagen-Dhron offers a charming blend of modern comfort and regional hospitality. With stylish rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal place for both relaxation and exploration. Situated near the Moselle, guests can enjoy scenic views and easy access to the area’s vineyards and historical sites. Spend the night in this historical villa from the year 1700.

Stay at the historic Lehner-Veit winery, which is located in the beautiful Moselle town of Piesport on the Moselle. The family's wine-growing tradition dates back to 1653.
After a leisurely breakfast, ascend through a maze of carefully maintained vineyards. Be sure to pause on the way up to catch your breath and take in the surrounding valley views. Continue through mixed beech forests, across meadows and past stone walls before reaching a Roman-era spring. Enjoy a refreshing drink straight from the source!.
Tonight you will be staying in Kesten or Osann-Monzel (depending on availability). Both are small wine towns, nestled on the sunny left bank of the Moselle.
Ascent/Descent: 430m (1410 ft) / 370m (1210 ft)

This modern hotel with a family atmosphere offers comfortable facilities, a family-owned, traditional wine estate, a show distillery and a sauna. The restaurant serves fresh and local produce.

The winery, which has been family-run since 1688, is located on the outskirts of the wine-growing community of Osann-Monzel, which lies above the steep Moselle slopes of the Middle Moselle. They have a few comfortable guest rooms, allow you the wonderful experience of staying on this historic wine estate.

Marietta Guest House in Osann-Monzel offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stay. The cosy rooms, along with the friendly hospitality, make it an ideal retreat for those seeking comfort and tranquility. Adjacent to the wine press is the Guest House was completed in 2009 to a 4-star standard.
Leave the wine paradise of Kesten or Osann-Monzel by way of the Baroque church of St. Nikolaus and make your way through extensive vineyards to a viewpoint where you can catch a glimpse of the week’s objective; Bernkastel Kues and the emblematic castle ruins of Burg Landshut. Steep vineyards and jagged rock dominate the landscape here. Continue through woodland to reach Bernkastel Kues, your final destination.
An historic market town filled with colourful half-timbered houses, it’s the perfect place to finish your tour. Enjoy a well-earned meal and toast a glass of Riesling or locally brewed beer to your Moselle adventure.
Ascent/Descent: 430m (1410 ft) / 430m (1410 ft)

Burgblick-Hotel in Bernkastel-Kues offers a perfect blend of comfort and tradition, with stunning views of the iconic Castle Landshut. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and a hearty breakfast to start the day. Ideally located, the hotel is just a short walk from the historic town centre and the picturesque Moselle River.

Gasthaus Huwer in Bernkastel-Kues is a charming family-run guesthouse offering a warm and cosy atmosphere. Known for its delicious regional cuisine and welcoming service, it’s a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploration. Located in the heart of the town, it provides easy access to local attractions, wine tours, and the scenic Moselle.

The Moselhotel Römischer Kaiser in Bernkastel-Kues combines historic charm with modern comfort, offering stunning views of the Moselle. Breakfast includes buffet, continental and vegetarian options. Ideally located at the entrance to the historic old town, it’s the perfect base for exploring the region.
From Bernkastel– Kues, you can easily reach any other German destination or airport by train. If you have more time to explore, why not consider one of our other walking tours in Germany.
This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at a bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This tour is perfect for long-distance trail connoisseurs, or those looking for a classic hotel-to-hotel itinerary with varied landscapes of vineyards, forests and river valleys with excellent waymarking. Graded easy to moderate, you should be happy to walk on steep ascents/descents of approx. 400m a day and be sure-footed. Relax at the end of the day in authentic, family-run hotels, guesthouses and unique wineries-the best way to get to know the hospitality and culture of the Moselland.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This trip is graded ‘easy to moderate' overall. The longest day is 19km, and the average daily ascent/descent is around 500m. The trails are undulating with some steep sections. You should be in good physical fitness and have a head for heights to fully enjoy the walking on this tour. The terrain is a mixture of wide forest paths, trails through fields, and narrow hiking trails. Some trails can become slippery after rain, so we recommend boots/shoes with a good soles and walking poles. Very occasionally, you will be walking on pavement and paved quiet country roads. There are some rocky sections which have handrails to aid ascent/descent. There is also one short, easy section of ‘Via Ferrata’ (optional with the official trail next to it) which can be completed without Via Ferrata equipment. If you prefer to avoid this, there is an alternative route right next to it.
You should be in good physical fitness and have a head for heights to fully enjoy the walking on this tour. The trails are undulating with some steep sections.
Spend 7 nights in good quality 2-3* standard small hotels and privately owned wineries. We have chosen properties that we believe give the best insight into the hospitality and culture of the region, as well as giving a warm welcome to walkers. Staying in a winery or ‘Weingut’ in German, is a particular highlight, unique to wine-growing regions. Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Germany (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows. A list of our preferred/usual accommodation choices is given below, however these are subject to availability and particularly in peak season can be very much in demand. If unavailable then we will book you into accommodation of the same or a higher standard.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers and a supplement is payable as some of the costs are not shared. Single rooms are available should some of your party wish to have their own room and a single supplement is again then payable.
Meals
7 Breakfasts are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way; there are plenty of biergarten and kiosks to satisfy your thirst and appetite! Dinners are not included but available at all overnight accommodation or close by.
The route is well waymarked. We also provide you with detailed turn-by-turn route notes and maps. You will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way. You can simply download the GPX tracks to your phone for offline use and off you go!
- 7 Nights in hand-picked 2-3* star small hotels, guesthouses and country inns
- 7 Breakfasts
- Daily door to door luggage transfers
- Detailed route descriptions with maps and a comprehensive pre-departure information pack
- Access to our smartphone App
- 24/7 telephone support from our German and UK offices
- Flights and travel to Trier and from Bernkastel-Kues
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel Insurance
- Taxi transfers or public transportation if you wish to shorten a walk
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the program
- Additional nights during the holiday
You can start this walking tour anytime between March and November. Availability in the autumn can be tricky, due to the grape harvest. If you wish to travel in the months of September/October, we recommend booking as early as possible.
The weather in the Moselle region is changeable. Very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms. Therefore you should be prepared for all weather eventualities. Check the weather report each day locally before setting off for your hike.
From Luxembourg airport you can take a direct bus or train to Trier which takes appr. 1 hour (frequency; every three hours). Mobiliteit for timetables and tickets. From Frankfurt take a train via Koblenz to Trier, which takes approx. 3.5 hours (frequent departures). Check www.bahn.de for timetables and tickets.
Take the bus (every 30 minutes) from Bernkastel Kues to Wittlich train station. From here you can take a train to any other German destination or airport, or continue on to other European destinations.
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.
Wine Tastings
Wine tastings are possible at the wineries you will be staying in. The proprietors require advance notice and any tastings should be requested in advance. Along the trail you may also pass wineries and shops that offer wine tastings, these can usually be done spontaneously. Usually, there is a small fee if no purchases are made.
In your information pack you will find a detailed packing list which includes walking boots, walking poles and waterproof clothes amongst other things.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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