Pilgrimage Loop
- start: Wayside cross Wittlich Senke, Maare-Mosel cycle path and Pilgrimage Loop
- destination: Wayside cross Wittlich Senke, Maare-Mosel cycle path and Pilgrimage Loop
- medium
- 31,55 km
- 2 hours 15 minutes
- 213 m
- 265 m
- 132 m
- 80 / 100
- 40 / 100
Along the Maare-Mosel cycle path, cycling experience loops invite you to discover more highlights of the region and guarantee an unforgettable cycling pleasure.
The Pilgrimage Loop invites you to a 'cycling tour with all the senses' and connects the Maare-Mosel cycle path with the Eifel Pilgrimage cycle path. The undisputed highlight of this loop is the largest pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Trier: Klausen with the pilgrimage church “Maria Heimsuchung”. From May to October, thousands of believers pilgrimage here annually, hoping for healing for body and soul. A detour on the Pilgrimage Loop offers you not only spiritual impressions but also anecdotes about answered prayers, authentic stories of human destinies, and the varied landscape – for an unforgettable cycling experience.
Impressions
General information
Directions
You start in Wittlich; it's best to park near the cinema and use the Maare-Mosel cycle path towards Bernkastel-Kues to reach the nearby starting point of the Pilgrimage Loop. The route initially leads out of the town on well-developed paths heading south to Altrich. Here begins the typical Vulkaneifel landscape – gentle inclines, alternating fields and meadows. A short stop at the parish church of St. Andreas in Altrich is worthwhile.
From Altrich, you head southwest. The path gently rises and leads over the B50 road and railway tracks until you reach open highlands leading to Klausen, one of the region’s most important pilgrimage sites. The distinctive destination is the pilgrimage church Maria Heimsuchung, which towers above the town.
From Klausen, you initially go slightly downhill, then through a quiet valley toward Osann-Monzel. The route runs along lightly trafficked country roads – partially along the pilgrimage path that gives this loop its name. Just before Osann, magnificent views open up over the Moselle landscape. Osann-Monzel itself is a well-known wine village with typical Moselle architecture – half-timbered houses, wineries, and vineyards.
From Osann-Monzel, head northwest over a ridge toward Platten. You ride through open countryside with wide views over the Moselle hills. In Platten, you will reconnect with the Maare-Mosel cycle path.
From Platten, follow the main route of the Maare-Mosel cycle path northwards over Wengerohr back to Wittlich. This section is mostly flat and runs along former railway lines – pleasant to ride and scenically appealing. Shortly before Wittlich, you pass the Sterenbachsee, a notable landmark. After a few kilometers, you reach the starting point of the round trip after a total of about 32 kilometers.
Equipment
No special equipment is required.
Tip
Along the route, you can expect many places to stop with culinary specialties.
Getting there
Access to Wittlich via the A1 / A48 motorway exit Wittlich-Mitte
Parking
We recommend the parking lot at Eventum and the Kinopalast Eifel Mosel Hunrück on Brautweg. (Day ticket: €2.00)
Public transit
All information on arrival by bus or train can be found at www.vrt-info.de or www.bahn.de.
Literature
South Eifel cycle map, free of charge at the tourist information office
Maps
South Eifel cycle map, free of charge at the tourist information office
Pavings
- Asphalt Coating (90%)
- Street (8%)
- Crushed Rock (2%)
Weather
This tour is presented by: Tourist-Information Wittlich Stadt & Land, Author: Nicole Baller / Tourist-Information Wittlich Stadt & Land