Ruwer Riesling Trail

The trail begins at the entrance to Mertesdorf. Ample parking is available about 100 meters further on, on the left side, near the Ruwertal outdoor pool. Alternatively, you can also start the loop trail in Waldrach or Kasel. In Waldrach, it’s best to park at the Family Center / Kegelbungert in the town center and then follow the signs. In Kasel, you can park across from the village square / main street, and here, too, the trail is signposted all the way to the town center.

With all options, it’s possible to walk the trail in either direction.

If we decide to start in Mertesdorf, we’ll find the starting sign here with all the useful information about the trail, a map of the vineyards, and information about the nearby Grünhaus Castle. If we then follow the trail clockwise, we’ll face our first—and almost only—steep climb right ahead of us. We follow the main street, then Gartenstraße into the street “Auf Krein,” and arrive at the “Mertesdorfer Herrenberg” vineyard on the Lorenzberg. At the first rest area, you’ll find information panels on the topics “The Formation of the Ruwer Valley” and “Terroir—Influences Between Heaven and Earth.” The route continues toward the “Kaseler Nies’chen” vineyard, past the rest area with information on biodiversity in the wine-growing landscape and the Hitzlay Hut, which offers interesting facts about Ruwer Riesling.

Once you arrive in Kasel, you can continue along the trail toward the sports field or opt for the shorter route. However, it’s definitely worth continuing along the trail, because after just a few meters, the path leads past the “Lebensturm” to the station showcasing different vine training systems, which are clearly illustrated here. Through the village, we follow the signs to the “Kaseler Kehrnagel” vineyard. Here, the trail leads toward Waldrach, past stations with information on habitat conservation measures and land consolidation, which made this trail possible. In Waldrach, above the cemetery, the topic of “Wine & Religion” is explored in greater detail, and at Dr. Hammes Square, the connection between wine and health is discussed.

The route continues toward Kasel, back into the town of Kasel. From here, the trail continues along the lowest vineyard path toward Lorenzhof/Karlsmühle. Information about the Ruwer River and the Roman era can be found along this section. The final stretch runs for about 100 meters along the Ruwer-Hochwald Bike Trail back to the starting point in Mertesdorf.

The path is mostly paved. Please note that in case of ice or slippery conditions, there is no snow removal service available.

No special equipment is required.

Enjoy the view at the Hitzlay Hut between Mertesdorf and Kasel, and plan to take a short break here.

Coming from Trier, take the L149 through the Ruwer Valley to Mertesdorf. Coming from the BAB 602, take the Kenn exit toward Trier-Ruwer, then take the L149 to Mertesdorf.

Free parking at the Ruwertal Outdoor Pool parking lot (49°46'21.0"N 6°43'15.4"E). Alternatively, if starting in Waldrach, use the parking lot at the Family Center/Kegelbungert (49°44'58.5"N 6°44'32.7"E) or, if starting in Kasel, the parking lot on Hauptstraße/Dorfplatz (49°45'45.3"N 6°43'37.2"E)

www.vrt-info.de

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Combine your hike along the trail with a wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the wine-growing communities along the route, or explore the trail on a guided hike with a culture and wine ambassador. For more information, visit the Ruwer Tourist Information Office at https://www.ruwer-hochwald.de/weingenuss/ruwer-riesling-erleben/