Tour suggestion: Border Path Route near Morscheid

From the parking lot, go over the service road on the opposite side of the street heading south straight ahead until you reach the Morscheid border path. Here, we turn at the forest edge toward the valley. Via a forest path and a paved service road, we come to a natural path that leads us along an old border line over an embankment through the deciduous forest until we stand above Sommerau amid the vineyards. Here we have a view of the village and the medieval castle ruins. After leaving the vineyards, we cross a paved road, walk through a forest section until we reach an open field near a barn. The field path and a small trail lead us to a large hole, the "Kirchenloch." This is a former slate quarry. Switchbacks then take us further down to a small stream. After crossing the stream at a former ore pit (Erzkaul), we come to the Ruwer-Hochwald bike path. We follow this to the Ruwer bridge, then turn right through a small forest section along the Ruwer. Below Marienlay Castle we cross the K 65 and follow a rock path past slate quarries until we reach the Saar-Hunsrück Steig again. Uphill, through an old vineyard with beautiful viewpoints, we hike past the village of Morscheid. After crossing the K 65 again, we go through a forest area, pass another quarry, climb a steep staircase, and hike over a forest path above Riveris to the access path that leads us back to the starting point.

Basically, entering the forest and walking the hiking trails is at your own risk. Seasonal or weather-related conditions require increased surefootedness on certain sections of the trails. Therefore, wear clothing and hiking shoes with appropriate soles adapted to the season and weather. You are in the drinking water protection area of the Riveris reservoir. Please observe the relevant instructions for this area.

Sommerau Castle Ruins: Sommerau Castle was built on a rock spur, which was surrounded by the Ruwer on three sides. This approximately 45 m long rock tongue was pierced at the narrowest point to use the gradient of the Ruwer to drive a mill. This created a cirque and drained the former valley loop. The ruins are now privately owned, but freely accessible and can be used for a rest.

Marienlay Castle: Built between 1922 and 1927, Marienlay Castle has since shaped the local landscape halfway between Waldrach and Morscheid. Slate from the then still existing local mining was used as the building material. Since the construction of the castle, large wineries have been located here, which have been in the hands of the traditional company "Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt" since 1999. The castle can be visited by prior appointment. For information, please visit www.kesselstatt.com.

This route is a tour suggestion that is not completely signposted. Please note that you should take map material with you or download the track if necessary.