
Germany
Germany - Guided hiking tour along the Moselle
Germany - Guided hiking tour along the Moselle
Duration
7 days
Start/End
Cats (Mosel)
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
From your hotel in Kattenes you hike on dream trails high above the Moselle: the Hatzenport loop, the Kobern castle path, the boxwood path to Eltz Castle, the Cochem knights’ loop and the Würzlaysteig. Steep vineyards, Riesling and five hikes of 13 to 16 km.
The guided hiking tour along the Moselle River takes us to one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. The Moselle, the longest tributary of the Rhine, has carved a picturesque valley into the slate over time, creating some of the steepest vineyards in Europe. Thanks to the mild climate, Riesling grapes thrive here, along with other white and red varieties. During our guided hike in the romantic Moselle Valley, we will experience a diverse landscape characterized not only by vineyards and steep cliffs, but also by beautiful mixed forests and expansive meadows and fields on the high plateaus. We will also have the opportunity to explore the many idyllic side valleys with their charming streams. The Moselle region also has much to offer in terms of cultural history. Traces of the Celts and Romans are still clearly visible, and medieval castles and fortresses stand guard on the hillsides. Furthermore, the region impresses with its remarkable flora and fauna. Thanks to several environmental protection projects, many endangered animal and plant species have returned to the region. Highlights include the red-winged grasshopper, the swallowtail butterfly, the Apollo butterfly, the common blue butterfly, the cirl bunting, as well as the emerald lizard, the wall lizard, and the rare Rhenish cinquefoil. All of this makes a guided hiking tour through the Moselle Valley an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
Approximately 1.5 hours walking time
During our communal dinner, our hiking guide will present the program for the coming days. Those arriving early have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Kattenes with our tour guide starting around 2:30 pm. One of the highlights is the gorge-like Valley of the 13 Mills, where well-preserved 19th-century mills can still be admired. In recent years, many have been painstakingly restored and equipped with information panels. Another remarkable highlight is the altar in St. Anne's Church, hewn from a single stone – one of the last three such altars in Europe, dating from 1667.
Arrival
Day 1
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
Approximately 1.5 hours walking time
During our communal dinner, our hiking guide will present the program for the coming days. Those arriving early have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Kattenes with our tour guide starting around 2:30 pm. One of the highlights is the gorge-like Valley of the 13 Mills, where well-preserved 19th-century mills can still be admired. In recent years, many have been painstakingly restored and equipped with information panels. Another remarkable highlight is the altar in St. Anne's Church, hewn from a single stone – one of the last three such altars in Europe, dating from 1667.
Day 2
Hatzenport dream round
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
approx. 13 km / 4 h walking time / 400 m ascent / 400 m descent
On the second day, we'll take a circular hike in Hatzenport. A short train ride will take us there. We'll start by walking uphill along a narrow path and will eventually be rewarded with a fantastic view. Along the way, we'll enjoy impressive vistas of the Moselle Valley, Hatzenport, and St. John's Church. We'll hike on some rather rustic paths, reach the striking Rabenlay viewpoint with its breathtaking panorama, and finally explore the fascinating Schrumpftal valley with its enchanting charm. Back in Kattenes, there's an optional opportunity to sample various Rieslings at an organic winery.
Hatzenport dream round
Day 2
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
approx. 13 km / 4 h walking time / 400 m ascent / 400 m descent
On the second day, we'll take a circular hike in Hatzenport. A short train ride will take us there. We'll start by walking uphill along a narrow path and will eventually be rewarded with a fantastic view. Along the way, we'll enjoy impressive vistas of the Moselle Valley, Hatzenport, and St. John's Church. We'll hike on some rather rustic paths, reach the striking Rabenlay viewpoint with its breathtaking panorama, and finally explore the fascinating Schrumpftal valley with its enchanting charm. Back in Kattenes, there's an optional opportunity to sample various Rieslings at an organic winery.
Day 3
Dream Trail Kobern Castle Trail
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
approx. 16 km / 4.5 h walking time / 400 m ascent / 400 m descent
Today we'll take the train to Kobern and begin our hike on the narrow, winding path at the rectory. Along the way, we'll already be treated to beautiful views of the Moselle Valley. Reaching a high plateau, we'll immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of viticulture. The trail leads us down into the valley to the Gerlachsmühle mill and on into the enchanting Keverbach Valley with its idyllic woodland and babbling brooks. Passing the hamlet of Solligerhof, a diverse landscape unfolds, offering panoramic views, flowering hedgerows, and cool, mature forests. A particular highlight is the Matthias Chapel with its exceptional architecture, reminiscent of churches in Spain or Portugal. The hike concludes with a visit to the ruins of Niederburg Castle, a well-preserved castle complex above Kobern. There will be an opportunity for refreshments in Kobern before we return to the hotel by train.
Dream Trail Kobern Castle Trail
Day 3
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
approx. 16 km / 4.5 h walking time / 400 m ascent / 400 m descent
Today we'll take the train to Kobern and begin our hike on the narrow, winding path at the rectory. Along the way, we'll already be treated to beautiful views of the Moselle Valley. Reaching a high plateau, we'll immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of viticulture. The trail leads us down into the valley to the Gerlachsmühle mill and on into the enchanting Keverbach Valley with its idyllic woodland and babbling brooks. Passing the hamlet of Solligerhof, a diverse landscape unfolds, offering panoramic views, flowering hedgerows, and cool, mature forests. A particular highlight is the Matthias Chapel with its exceptional architecture, reminiscent of churches in Spain or Portugal. The hike concludes with a visit to the ruins of Niederburg Castle, a well-preserved castle complex above Kobern. There will be an opportunity for refreshments in Kobern before we return to the hotel by train.
Day 4
On the boxwood path to Eltz Castle
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
approx. 14 km / 4.5 h walking time / 500 m ascent / 500 m descent
On day four, we'll hike from Karden to the Boxwood Trail, Eltz Castle, and finally to Moselkern or Müden. Our hike begins in Treis-Karden, and we'll take a short, steep path into the heart of nature, where wild boxwood stands are particularly impressive. Along the edge of the hillside and through steep vineyards, we can enjoy views of the Krailsbach Gorge. A special highlight awaits us at Eltz Castle, a landmark of German history. This high medieval castle lies hidden in the Elzbach Valley and captivates visitors with its imposing architecture. After a photo stop, the hike continues along the Elzbach stream, past the Ringelstein Mill, and ends either in Moselkern or the wine village of Müden.
On the boxwood path to Eltz Castle
Day 4
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
approx. 14 km / 4.5 h walking time / 500 m ascent / 500 m descent
On day four, we'll hike from Karden to the Boxwood Trail, Eltz Castle, and finally to Moselkern or Müden. Our hike begins in Treis-Karden, and we'll take a short, steep path into the heart of nature, where wild boxwood stands are particularly impressive. Along the edge of the hillside and through steep vineyards, we can enjoy views of the Krailsbach Gorge. A special highlight awaits us at Eltz Castle, a landmark of German history. This high medieval castle lies hidden in the Elzbach Valley and captivates visitors with its imposing architecture. After a photo stop, the hike continues along the Elzbach stream, past the Ringelstein Mill, and ends either in Moselkern or the wine village of Müden.
Day 5
Cochem Knights' Round Table
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
Approx. 16 km / 5 hours walking time / 700 m ascent / 700 m descent
On day five, we take a short half-hour train ride along the Moselle River to hike the Cochem Knights' Trail. The hike begins with a steep climb to the Pinnerkreuz (Pinner's Cross). There, a fantastic view of Cochem Castle awaits us. Along the path through light oak forests, following the Endertbach stream, impressive vistas and tranquil spots to linger are constantly offered. A break at the 13th-century Winneburg Castle ruins allows us to step back in time to the age of knights. The second half of the circular hike leads through picturesque forests and offers more breathtaking panoramic views. At Hubertushöhe, we can once again enjoy the view of Cochem Castle, one of the most beautiful vantage points on the Moselle. The castle was renovated in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style after having been previously destroyed.
Cochem Knights' Round Table
Day 5
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
Approx. 16 km / 5 hours walking time / 700 m ascent / 700 m descent
On day five, we take a short half-hour train ride along the Moselle River to hike the Cochem Knights' Trail. The hike begins with a steep climb to the Pinnerkreuz (Pinner's Cross). There, a fantastic view of Cochem Castle awaits us. Along the path through light oak forests, following the Endertbach stream, impressive vistas and tranquil spots to linger are constantly offered. A break at the 13th-century Winneburg Castle ruins allows us to step back in time to the age of knights. The second half of the circular hike leads through picturesque forests and offers more breathtaking panoramic views. At Hubertushöhe, we can once again enjoy the view of Cochem Castle, one of the most beautiful vantage points on the Moselle. The castle was renovated in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style after having been previously destroyed.
Day 6
Würzlaysteig
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
approx. 14 km / 4 h walking time / 400 m ascent / 400 m descent
On the penultimate day of the trip, we start at the hotel and hike the first part of the trail to Löf. The hike offers stunning views of the Moselle Valley and diverse landscapes with unique flora and fauna. From Löf, the train takes us to Lehmen. The second stage of the Würzlaysteig trail leads us back to our hotel. The Ausoniusstein viewpoint is the highlight of the tour.
Würzlaysteig
Day 6
Hotel Langen, Kattenes
approx. 14 km / 4 h walking time / 400 m ascent / 400 m descent
On the penultimate day of the trip, we start at the hotel and hike the first part of the trail to Löf. The hike offers stunning views of the Moselle Valley and diverse landscapes with unique flora and fauna. From Löf, the train takes us to Lehmen. The second stage of the Würzlaysteig trail leads us back to our hotel. The Ausoniusstein viewpoint is the highlight of the tour.
Day 7
departure
In the morning it's time to say goodbye. For those who would like to stay longer on the Moselle, we can provide tips on places worth visiting (e.g., Trier, Germany's oldest city) or further hikes.
departure
Day 7
In the morning it's time to say goodbye. For those who would like to stay longer on the Moselle, we can provide tips on places worth visiting (e.g., Trier, Germany's oldest city) or further hikes.
Services
What's included
Overnight stay and half board at the Hotel Langen in Kattenes (3 stars)
1 Picnic “Hiking & Enjoyment”
5 hikes with transfers and tour guide
VRM train ticket incl.
Group tour with min. 8 / max. 16 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Tips
Single room supplement €100
Double room for single occupancy €200
Additional nights available upon request
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
For this trip you need a reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness. You can expect five guided hikes with walking times of approximately 4 to 5 hours, distances of 13 to 16 kilometers, and ascents and descents of 400 to 700 meters in altitude on trails high above the Moselle River, some of which are steep and rocky.
You'll stay in the same hotel in Kattenes all week with half-board and hike with a daypack. You'll travel to the trailheads by train.
Dates and prices
Group dates
