Romantik Blog
On the Moselsteig trail – from green vines to Romans to the Rhine.
The Moselsteig is a 365-kilometre-long declaration of love to the landscape between Perl and Koblenz. It winds its way along narrow paths through vineyards, follows old Roman roads, climbs up to viewing rocks and dips into Rhineland-Palatinate's wine-growing villages, which look as if time has stood still. Those who hike here not only take in the route, but also the stories along the way: from the Roman city of Trier to the Art Nouveau gem of Traben-Trarbach, from quiet side valleys to the mighty Deutsches Eck in Koblenz.
Discover the Moselsteig on the map
Key facts about the Moselsteig
- Length: 365 km
- Start & end: From Perl in Saarland to Koblenz
- Stages: 24 (between 11 and 24 km, can be combined individually)
- Special features: one of the most varied long-distance hiking trails in Europe: vineyards, rocky paths, riverside trails, culture
- Highlights: Porta Nigra in Trier, Calmont via ferrata near Bremm, Eltz Castle, Art Nouveau in Traben-Trarbach, Landshut Castle ruins near Bernkastel-Kues
Trier. A Roman city full of life.
Trier, one of Germany's oldest cities, lies at the source of the Moselle and the Moselsteig trail. Here, history is encountered at every turn: the mighty Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths, the amphitheatre – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But Trier is not just about the past; it is also a modern and lively city with cafés, wine bars and small shops. An ideal starting point for the first stages. If you want to stay overnight here, the Romantik® Hotel Zur Glocke is a unique hotel with a lot of history and warm hospitality.
Traben-Trarbach. Art Nouveau & Moselle wine.
Traben-Trarbach, once the centre of the international wine trade, lies in the heart of the Moselle Valley. Its former glory can still be felt today: magnificent Art Nouveau villas, wine cellars beneath the town and a bridge connecting the two districts. Traben-Trarbach is particularly enchanting in the evening, when the lights are reflected in the river. The Romantik® Jugendstilhotel Bellevue is the premier address here, a magnificent hotel on the banks of the Moselle that combines elegant style with wellness for weary hikers and culinary delights.
Saarburg & Trassem. Between waterfalls and vineyards.
A short detour from the Moselsteig trail leads to Saarburg. Here, in the middle of the old town, a waterfall plunges 20 metres into the depths, framed by colourful half-timbered houses and old mill wheels. The castle ruins tower above the town, offering a sweeping view of the valley. It is this contrast that makes Saarburg so unique. After a day full of discoveries in the town, the Romantik® Hotel Erasmus in Trassem is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Stylish rooms, a modern wellness area and a glass of regional wine on the terrace make for a particularly enjoyable end to the day.
Koblenz. Where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.
Koblenz, the lively city on the romantic Moselle, is a vibrant meeting place of history and modern lifestyle. Here, majestic nature meets urban flair: stroll along the river promenade, be enchanted by the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, and discover hidden old town alleys full of cafés, boutiques and modern street art. Culture lovers can immerse themselves in museums, castles and historic fortresses such as Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. After a day full of discoveries, it's worth taking a detour to the Sayn Butterfly Park before heading to the nearby Romantik® Hotel Villa Sayn in Bendorf. Stylish rooms and a glass of wine on the terrace round off the day perfectly.
Hotels on the Moselsteig
Germany
FAQ Frequently asked Questions and Answers
The Moselsteig is a 365-kilometre-long long-distance hiking trail along the Moselle and is divided into 24 well-signposted stages. It leads from Perl in Saarland via Trier, Bernkastel-Kues, Traben-Trarbach, Cochem and Ediger-Eller to Koblenz.
The hike begins in Perl, right on the border with France and Luxembourg, and ends in Koblenz, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine.
The Moselsteig trail starts in Saarland (first stage) and then runs through Rhineland-Palatinate, along the Moselle through well-known places such as Trier, Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel-Kues, Cochem and Ediger-Eller.
The stages vary in difficulty. Some, such as the Calmont via ferrata near Bremm, are steep and technical, while many others follow moderate paths through vineyards and Moselle valleys.
The stages of the Moselsteig trail are between 11 and 24 kilometres long. Many hikers choose daily stages, combine several sections or walk individual highlights such as Trier–Saarburg or Bernkastel-Kues–Traben-Trarbach.
Yes, the route is marked throughout with the yellow and red Moselsteig logo. The markings guide you safely through towns, villages and vineyards.
- Trier: Porta Nigra, Imperial Baths
- Calmont via ferrata near Bremm
- Bernkastel-Kues: medieval old town
- Traben-Trarbach: Art Nouveau villas and Moselle promenade
- Cochem: Reichsburg Castle
- Ediger-Eller: idyllic half-timbered houses
- Koblenz: Deutsches Eck
The best time to visit Moselsteig is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Autumn attracts visitors with the grape harvest, while spring sees the vineyards blossom. Summers can be very hot, and winters can be slippery in places.
No. The Moselsteig is a hiking trail only. Cyclists should use the Mosel Cycle Route, which runs parallel to it and mostly follows the river.
Many stages of the Moselsteig trail can be reached by train or bus. Cities such as Trier, Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, Traben-Trarbach and Koblenz are railway hubs.
Yes, our Romantik® hotels in Trassem, Traben-Trarbach and Trier look forward to welcoming you. In addition, almost every stage destination offers hotels, guesthouses, inns or wineries where you can stay overnight.
Yes, almost every stage destination offers hotels, guesthouses, inns or wineries. Accommodation in Traben-Trarbach, Trassem, Ediger-Eller, Cochem and Trier is particularly popular.
Yes, many hikers choose only individual stages, e.g. Trier–Saarburg, Bernkastel-Kues–Traben-Trarbach or Cochem–Ediger-Eller, which are well suited for day or weekend trips.
You should plan between 3 and 4 weeks for all 24 stages, depending on your fitness level and breaks.
Many stages are also suitable for families, e.g. around Bernkastel-Kues, Ediger-Eller or Traben-Trarbach. However, challenging via ferrata routes should be avoided.
Yes, dogs are allowed. Many accommodations are dog-friendly. However, you should pay attention to safety on steep stages or rocky sections.
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