Moselsteig Detour: Briedeler Schweiz

The detour into Briedeler Schweiz begins at Balduinsplatz and initially leads into town toward the main street. The path then heads steeply uphill along Sündstraße, passing below the church and cemetery on the outskirts of town. One hairpin turn later, you’ll reach the edge of the forest and the start of the Way of the Cross. In the forest, the narrow path leads steeply uphill, passing several Stations of the Cross. Then the detour branches off from the Way of the Cross and continues through the forest slope, though not quite as steeply. Soon you’ll reach the first viewpoint, the Hindenburglay. Here, not only does the beautiful view from the rocky outcrop overlooking the Moselle Valley invite you to linger, but the delicately designed pavilion is also a wonderful spot for a short rest.

The climb isn’t quite over yet. First, however, the tour takes you along a path that descends slightly for a short distance and then continues through the forested slope with minimal changes in elevation. Interesting slate rocks to the left and right of the path catch your eye. After one last steep uphill section, you’ll reach a saddle. From here, a side trail branches off to the Beinter Kopf. The flat path over the ridge is a quick walk. An information board tells you about the history of this spot, where a Roman mountain sanctuary once stood. Rest areas, benches, and a shelter offer the chance to take a refreshing break. Be sure to climb up to the rock outcrop, as the view of the Moselle and Zell is one of the most beautiful along the river!

After returning to the saddle, the second part of the ascent begins. The path winds steeply up the ridge. Hiking among the rocks, it’s not hard to see how this side trail of the Moselsteig—known as Briedeler Schweiz—got its name. At the end of the uphill section, the trail ends and continues as a path to the “Schöne Aussicht” (Beautiful View)—and it’s breathtaking! From here, at an altitude of nearly 400 meters, the view extends not only into the Moselle Valley but also offers a panorama stretching far into the Eifel (on a clear day, all the way to the Nürburgring). The open shelter and other rest areas offer another chance to catch your breath. You’ve now completed the climb and just under half of the trail. A 0.4-kilometer access path leads you to the Bummkopf parking lot, which also serves as a starting point for the loop trail.

The trail continues leisurely along a flat forest path to the Wilhelmshöhe viewpoint. This is the perfect spot if you prefer a sunny place to rest. The view of the Barl district of Zell on the plateau across the way is truly impressive. If you let your gaze wander to the left along the Moselle, you’ll see Briedel far below and, further away on the other side of the Moselle, Marienburg Castle perched on the hill. Your vantage point here is so high that you can look beyond the Marienburg Pass toward Bullay and the rest of the Moselle as it winds toward St. Aldegund. A few minutes further through the forest brings you to the Sündhaus, a small chapel situated in a very idyllic spot here and marking the end of the Way of the Cross, which the detour already accompanied for a short stretch at the beginning.

The trail leads to the nearby road but leaves it immediately and then follows the edge of the forest, which repeatedly offers views of the Hunsrück Plateau. The descent begins along a well-maintained forest trail. First, you’ll follow a small stream valley and then switch to a hillside path that descends steeply, ending at a rest area on the outskirts of Briedel. Passing through Kaiserlay (a rest area with a cabin), you’ll reach the point on the Way of the Cross that you recognized from the outward journey. From here, the trail leads steeply downhill into the village and back to the starting point at Balduinsplatz.

Your safety is our top priority. By preparing well and following the safety guidelines below, you’ll create the best conditions for a safe outdoor experience.

Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of drinking water and drink regularly. Especially during hikes and bike rides along the Moselle, the heat can be intense in the summer.

Ticks

Check your body thoroughly after your trip and use a suitable insect repellent if necessary.

Oak processionary moth

Avoid contact with oak processionary moth caterpillars and their webs. The fine stinging hairs can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Check the Weather

Check the current weather forecast before starting your hike or bike ride. In case of thunderstorms, heavy rain, or strong winds, you should postpone your trip or end it early.

Stay on the marked trails

Stay on the marked hiking and biking trails. This helps protect nature and yourself, and avoids unnecessary risks.

Forest Fire Risk

Pay special attention to the current wildfire risk, especially during the summer months. Avoid open fires and smoking in the forest and in areas with dry vegetation.

Dogs

Please keep dogs on a leash whenever possible and be considerate of wildlife, grazing animals, and other visitors.

Emergency

In an emergency, you can reach emergency services throughout Europe by dialing 112. Provide your location as precisely as possible and, if possible, use your cell phone’s location feature.

Sturdy Footwear

Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear on hiking trails. Nature trails, slate paths, and steep vineyard trails can be slippery, especially after rain.

Headwear

Wear a hat in warm weather. There are very few shaded areas, especially on the open trails through the vineyards.

Sun protection

Apply plenty of sunscreen with an appropriate SPF and protect yourself from intense sunlight.

B 53 between Zell (Mosel) and Traben-Trarbach

Parking is available along Moselstraße, right next to the starting point at Balduinsplatz

Other starting points: P Bummkopf and P Sündhaus (both on K 52)

Bus Route 720 (Bullay – Traben-Trarbach), Briedel B 53 stop (from the stop, it’s just a few meters along Moselstraße to the starting point at Balduinsplatz). For more information, visit: www.vrminfo.de.

"Seitensprünge Volume 2" — 17 Premium Circular Hikes from Bernkastel-Kues to Koblenz by ideemedia

Authors: Ulrike Poller, Wolfgang Todt; Publisher: ideemedia; 160 pages; Format: 11.0 x 16.4 cm; ISBN: 978-3-942779-60-9; €12.95

Moselsteig Recreation Map - Map 2: Trier - Zell (Mosel) (Stages 5–14), ISBN: 978-3-89637-420-2

Hiking Map "Zeller Land" ISBN: 978-3-944620-12-1

Disclaimer

All trails in the Zeller Land region are carefully maintained. However, trail conditions, closures, or weather conditions may change at short notice. Use of the hiking and biking trails is at your own risk. Please check the current conditions before starting your tour and choose a route that matches your personal fitness level and experience.

Mosellandtouristik GmbH

Kordelweg 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues; Phone: 06531/97330

www.moselsteig.de

Zeller Land Tourismus GmbH, Tourist Information

Balduinstraße 44, 56856 Zell (Mosel); 06542/96220

www.zellerland.de