Graacher Schanzenweg high above the Moselle village Graach
- start: Graacher Schäferei, parking lot "An der Traver Ruh"
- destination: Graacher Schäferei, parking lot "An der Traver Ruh"
- easy
- 5,76 km
- 1 hour 55 minutes
- 248 m
- 431 m
- 277 m
- 80 / 100
- 20 / 100
Hike around a historic fortification established at the end of the 18th century. Hardly any inclines, the route follows field paths and trails.
Short (5.5 km) but very scenic hike high above the wine village Graach. The Graacher Schanzen are a fortification built in 1794 by the Prussian army above Graach to repel the French revolutionary troops. After the Prussians withdrew, French troops occupied the site and quickly (by 1797) expanded it to a larger fortress, the Mont National, intended to house 120,000 soldiers and 150 cannons. Work was stopped with the Treaty of Campo Formio. Today, the Graacher Schanzenweg leads over the still existing remains of the fortification and offers beautiful views of the Moselle Valley.
Insights into the hiking tour:
There is much to see along the route—the path passes the Maria Zill viewpoint, the Hochmosel crossing, and the Graacher Schanzen.
General information
Directions
The Graacher Schanzen route starts at the hiking parking lot "An der Traver Ruh," located slightly above the "Graacher Schäferei." The "Graacher Schanzenweg" leads you about 50 m above the parking lot—at the curve—straight into the forest. After a few meters, you turn right onto a small path. Concrete stepping stones help to cross the damp ground. At the end of the path, you cross another hiking trail. On the forest path, you reach a narrow, winding trail along the slope edge. There, in case of rain, the shelter "Maria Zill" offers a place to rest. The lookout point of the same name with many benches follows soon after. The view over the Moselle Valley is magnificent. On the left, you can see Bernkastel-Kues and the wine village of Mülheim. On the right, you look at the localities Graach with the Graacher Schäferei, Wehlen with the distinctive Moselle bridge, and Zeltingen-Rachtig with the large dam.
After resting, the path leads downhill back to an excursion restaurant. Then it goes uphill again on a forest path. You reach a junction you passed at the start of the route. Straight ahead, you hike up to the resting place "Eiserne Weinkarte" right next to the "B50 neu." Through the underpass, you safely reach the other side of the route and turn left. After about 100 meters parallel to the route, the path veers diagonally into a meadow area. You follow the signs to the forest edge at "Graacher Schanzen." A small path then takes you crisscross over part of the former fortification, of which banks and ditches still remain today. At the end of the path, you cross the B50 again, but now over a wildlife bridge. A path leads downhill through the forest. An asphalt road signals the end of the hike. Now downhill through the curve section, and the starting point of your hike is reached.
Safety Guidelines
Easy hike on good, safe paths,
Equipment
Sturdy footwear (hiking or trekking shoes) and backpack provisions.
Tip
Beforehand, for example, in Bernkastel-Kues, buy backpack provisions and then take a break at the shelter "Maria Zill": the view of the Moselle here is simply magnificent!
Getting there
Coming from the B 53, through the wine village Graach and the vineyards up to the "Graacher Schäferei," high above the Moselle.
Parking
Graacher Schäferei, parking lot "An der Traveer Ruh"
Public transit
Bernkastel-Kues: Taxi Edringer: 06531 - 8149, Taxi Priwitzer: 06531 - 96970, Taxi Reitz: 06531 - 6455
Nearest/primary stop: Graach B 53/Campsite
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
Graach Municipal and Tourist Office
Hauptstr. 94
54470 Graach
Phone: 065 31 - 25 41
www.graach.de
Weather
This tour is presented by: Ferienland Bernkastel-Kues, Author: Lisa Gerber