Himmelreich hiking route – high above the Moselle village Graach
- start: Graacher Schäferei, parking lot "An der Traver Ruh" (alternatively: hiking parking lot "Auf´m Hahn")
- destination: Graacher Schäferei, parking lot "An der Traver Ruh" (alternatively: hiking parking lot "Auf´m Hahn")
- easy
- 7,43 km
- 2 hours 20 minutes
- 283 m
- 402 m
- 281 m
- 40 / 100
- 20 / 100
Easy hike of 7.5 kilometers in length. About half the route leads – high above the Moselle – through vineyard paths, the remaining part through light forests.
Graach is a village located directly on the Moselle in the Bernkastel-Kues holiday region, about 2 kilometers from the old town of Bernkastel. The "Balcony of Graach": the district Schäferei impresses with its spectacular view over the Moselle valley and its relaxed atmosphere. Theologically world-famous vineyard sites in Graach are Himmelreich, Dompropst, Josephshöfer, and Abtsberg. One of these vineyard sites – the "Graacher Himmelreich" – is also the namesake of this hike.
Insights into the hike:
On the wide, well-maintained paths, you can complete the hike without problems in just under 2 hours. Through forest and meadow paths, you go through the Moselle landscape – along the way, you pass a take-off site for paragliders and rest opportunities with beautiful views. The view of the Moselle valley is impressive. It’s worth stopping and enjoying the view in all directions.
General information
Directions
From the hiking parking lot, start the hike by following the trail signs downhill to the district Schäferei. The path leads you behind the village sign to the right up into the forest. Shortly before the larger road (new B50), which you can see straight ahead, take the path to the left into the forest and follow it for about 1 kilometer. Upon reaching a paved road, keep right and after about 100 meters leave it again to the left onto a forest path. After about 400 meters, you can enjoy the great view of the Moselle valley while sitting on a bench at a small wayside cross. Continue to the right where after 150 meters the paragliders' take-off site is located. Above this place, which is well signposted as a right turn, benches and seats invite you to a nice rest.
The view of the Moselle valley is also very impressive. Following the signs, passing the shelter and the shooting house, you will reach the hiking parking lot 'Auf'm Hahn' (also a possible starting point for this hike). There, keep left and after 100 meters take the next left path into the forest again. This part of the forest is called Staudt. Now you make your way back along the edge of the slope. Following the signs, after about 2 km you will have returned to the district Schäferei. There it is worth stopping at the winery 'Philipps-Eckstein' or 'Kemmer’s Panorama Hotel' before taking on the last ascent through Schanzenstraße to the hiking parking lot 'An der Traver Ruh'.
Safety Guidelines
Safe, easy circular route, no special safety instructions.
Equipment
Hiking or trekking shoes, possibly packed lunch.
Tip
Schäferei is a district of the Moselle village of Graach, which is situated high above the Moselle. Here you can enjoy a stop during the hike: at Kemmer’s Hotel or at the Philipps-Eckstein winery.
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 Traver Ruh"; alternatively: hiking parking lot "Auf´m Hahn".
Public transit
Bernkastel-Kues: Taxi Edringer: 06531 - 8149, Taxi Priwitzer: 06531 - 96970, Taxi Reitz: 06531 - 6455
Nearest/primary stop: Graach B53/Campingplatz
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
Ferienland Bernkastel-Kues GmbH
Gestade 6
54470 Bernkastel-Kues
Tel. 06531/50019-0
Municipality and Tourism Office Graach
Hauptstr. 94
54470 Graach
Tel.: 065 31 - 25 41
Weather
This tour is presented by: Ferienland Bernkastel-Kues, Author: Lisa Gerber