Climate friendly travel
By train comfortably and without traffic jams to the Moselle.
In the Moselle region of Traben-Trarbach Kröv, the views are as breathtaking as the steep vineyard slopes: whether on a bicycle saddle, in hiking boots or from a panoramic bench - even the ancient Romans could not get enough of this landscape with its idyllic villages, proud castles and narrow river bends
Situated on the Middle Moselle between Koblenz and Trier, Traben-Trarbach with the pretty communities of Kröv, Reil, Kinheim, Enkirch, Starkenburg and Burg forms a unique vacation region for pleasure and outdoor lovers. Wherever you look, the sea of vines terraced on steep slopes is everywhere to be seen. There are many ways to enjoy this spectacular nature - for example, at a picnic, with a glass of Riesling in hand, of course.
According to the hiking map it takes about five hours for the twelfth stage of the Moselsteig. But anyone who sets out on the high-altitude trail from the half-timbered gem of Ürzig to the twin town of Traben-Trarbach will inevitably stop again and again, making it a day trip in no time at all. The imposing views of the Moselle valley are absolutely breathtaking, and the numerous rest stops and benches are tempting to take a break. In addition, there are always small detours, such as to a tiny chapel, a game preserve - and definitely to the Steffensberg, where the Moselle loop near Kröv lies perfectly formed at your feet. Here, between Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach, the river makes a sharp 180-degree turn and seems to almost circle the Wolf district with its famous monastery ruins.
A panorama so unique, that it adorned a special postage stamp in 2016. Even more beautiful when you can experience it live, the peaceful atmosphere with every step. Forests, meadows and vineyards nestle up against each other, sometimes going downhill through narrow serpentines, sometimes uphill along steep ascents - below you the leisurely cruising excursion steamers on the river. At some point, you will come across terrain steeped in history, the Mont Royal: The French Sun King Louis XIV had a gigantic fortress built here at the end of the 17th century. Its ruins remain, from which the Moselsteig finally leads to the destination of the 15-kilometer-long stage, down to the Mosel in Traben-Trarbach.
Through a bridge the two halves of the city are connected, Traben on the Eifel side and Trarbach on the Hunsrück side. Around 1900, it was the second largest wine trans-shipment center in Europe after Bordeaux. To this day, the state-recognized spa town delights visitors with an underground network of historic wine cellars - and with plenty of Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture. You can admire it on a stroll along the magnificent promenade and then swing a club on Germany's first mini-golf course, built in 1955. Or relax in the Moseltherme, a wellness oasis with swimming pool, sauna and all the trimmings.
Active people can let off steam on well-developed bike paths. Whether touring cyclists, mountain bikers or e-bikers - everyone will find the right route here. Tip: the new audio tour "Listening Points on the Moselle Cycle Path". Under the slogan "Hear, hear", cyclists can stop at a total of 40 scenic and culturally interesting stations and take a digital listening break. They can take part in the work of a lock keeper or immerse themselves in life on a Roman estate.
Always cycle on the sunny side - this is possible thanks to the small passenger ferry that between April and October chauffeurs passengers from Kövenig to Enkirch and vice versa. In general, the region is very bike-friendly. There are hosts with "Bed and Bike" certification who, in addition to parking facilities, also provide tools, maps & Co. and sometimes also offer luggage transfer.
Fancy a different perspective? Then a boat tour (with dinner and wine tasting) on the meandering Moselle is just the thing. Or a covered wagon tour through the region, which produces top wines every year. The mild climate and the friable, gray-blue clay slate, which stores the sun's heat particularly well, give the Riesling in particular its excellent aroma. Would you like a taste? The narrow streets of the winegrowing villages are teeming with wine taverns. They serve fine wines with typical regional specialties such as Gräwes (mashed potatoes and sauerkraut with onions) or Speckkuchen (bacon cake), including the quality wine "Kröver Nacktarsch," which is known far beyond Germany's borders - the name as hearty as the food. Various legends entwine around the great wine site - let them tell you on the spot.
Already the ancient Romans were taken of this enchanting spot on earth. With their viticulture, they shaped the cultural landscape that the poet and statesman Decimus Magnus Ausonius once described so wonderfully in his prose "Mosella": "You river, you are surrounded by vine-bearing hills, where Bacchus lets ripen beautifully fragrant wine, and green shores surround you, you river, which is completely dipped in green! It couldn't be more romantic.
By the way, you can find tips on how to travel comfortably and inexpensively on long-distance and local trains with Deutsche Bahn here.
Cover photo: Favorite place: Picnic with view of the winegrowing village Enkirch @ G.Weyrich
