Napoleon Trail - Hiking in Kesten on the Mosel
- start: At the Sauerbrunnen
- destination: At the Sauerbrunnen
- easy
- 7,15 km
- 1 hour 54 minutes
- 168 m
- 264 m
- 111 m
- 40 / 100
- 20 / 100
Easy circular route just under 7 kilometers. Suitable for families and children. The highlight is the Sauerbrunnen, from which Julius Caesar is said to have drunk.
Historic hiking trail in the footsteps of Napoleon and Caesar.
The Napoleon trail in Kesten offers beautiful views of the Mosel valley alternating with shady forest sections. According to legend, Napoleon liked to stop in Kesten on his many travels and stayed overnight in a house next to the Himmeroder Klosterhof. No wonder: historic buildings and bay-windowed half-timbered houses give the wine village Kesten its special character.
Insights into the hiking tour:
From the wine village of Kesten, the trail initially climbs through the vineyards. From the hilltop, a beautiful view opens into the valley between Osann-Monzel, Maring-Novind, and Kesten. Through the forest, the route leads to the Roman Sauerbrunnen and from there back toward Kesten.
There are no dining options along the way, but there are nice places to rest, such as the barbecue area with benches at the Sauerbrunnen.
Impressions
General information
Directions
The Napoleon hiking trail starts from the village square through the narrow alleys of Kesten. From Moselstraße, take the second path to the left and then turn right into Paulinstraße. The next turn is between two farms. A narrow path leads you along rural Mosel gardens to a staircase. These lead into the vineyards. Upon reaching the hilltop, you are rewarded with a view of the beautiful valley between Osann-Monzel, Maring-Noviand, and Kesten. Facing the Mosel, continue walking through the vineyards. After about 3 kilometers, the Napoleon trail goes through the forest towards Sauerbrunnen. The Sauerbrunnen is still a visible trace of the Romans today. It is said that Julius Caesar already drank from it. The recreational area around the Sauerbrunnen, with a barbecue area and benches, offers a nice spot for a break before heading back down toward Kesten. Above the Kesten cemetery, a narrow staircase leads you into the village. Across the street "Am Herrenberg," go straight ahead into Moselstraße to the house where Napoleon is said to have stayed overnight. Next to it is the Himmeroder Klosterhof, a branch of the Abbey of Himmerod in the Eifel. The former monastery winery of the Cistercian order also served as a wine tavern for pilgrims on the way to Cologne. Continuing this tradition, overnight stays are still offered today in the privately owned monastery estate.
Safety Guidelines
Easy route on good paths (asphalt at the beginning).
Equipment
Sturdy footwear and hiking provisions (for resting along the way)
Tip
Next to the Himmeroder Hof in Kesten stands the house where Napoleon is said to have stayed overnight. Kesten has charming seasonal wine taverns (operated by winemakers).
Getting there
From Bernkastel over the bridge to Kues, left at the roundabout. Straight ahead, follow the L47 along the Mosel. Kesten is reached in about 5 kilometers.
Parking
Free parking is available in the center of Kesten. Moselstraße 2, 54518 Kesten
Public transit
Bernkastel-Kues: Taxi Edringer: 06531 - 8149, Taxi Priwitzer: 06531 - 96970, Taxi Reitz: 06531 - 6455
Nearest/primary stop: Kesten K 136
Literature
WanderGuide - the hiking guide in the Bernkastel-Kues holiday region. With description and map.
Maps
WanderGuide - the hiking guide in the Bernkastel-Kues holiday region. With description and map.
Additional Information
Bernkastel-Kues Holiday Region
Gestade 6
54470 Bernkastel-Kues
Tel. 06531/50019-0
www.bernkastel.de
info@bernkastel.de
Tourist Information Kesten
Moselstr. 2
54518 Kesten
Tel. 06535/949334
www.kesten-mosel.de
info@kesten-mosel.de
Pavings
- Asphalt Coating (92%)
- Hiking Trail (6%)
- Crushed Rock (1%)
- Unknown (1%)
Weather
This tour is presented by: Ferienland Bernkastel-Kues, Author: Lisa Gerber