Lenus-Mars Trail
- start: Among the Vineyards, 56253 Treis-Karden
- destination: Am Goldberg, 56829 Pommern
- medium
- 4,79 km
- 1 hour 40 minutes
- 160 m
- 273 m
- 88 m
- 60 / 100
- 60 / 100
The 5.1-kilometer Lenus-Mars Hiking Trail connects the towns of Karden and Pommern. Information signs provide interesting and informative details about the excavations and the settlement at the temple complex. Wooden sculptures of Celtic warriors, a Roman woman, and a late-antique Castor line the path as you ascend. Information signs in Karden (at the end of “Unter den Weinbergen” Street) and in Pommern (“Am Goldberg” Street) display a map showing the trail’s route. There are places to stop for refreshments in both towns.
On the Martberg, between Pommern and Karden, about 180 meters above the Moselle, there was a fortified, city-like Celtic settlement (oppidum). At the center of the settlement, a Gallo-Roman temple complex developed, reflecting the eventful history of the Moselle region through a process of cultural fusion between the Celts and the Romans.
The sanctuary was dedicated to the god Lenus Mars, to whom the Martberg owes its name.
During the heyday of this religious complex (around 200 AD), numerous temple structures stood here. After years of excavations, parts of the temple complex have been reconstructed. Guided tours of the temple complex, including a view of the interior paintings of the main temple, are available year-round.
The numerous artifacts—including thousands of Celtic and Roman coins, as well as weapons and jewelry—also provide insight into religious practices from 2,000 years ago. Selected finds are on display at the Stiftsmuseum.
The temple complex and the Lenus-Mars Trail are equipped with informational signs that provide details on archaeological research findings and reconstructions related to the Celtic oppidum and the fortifications.
General information
Directions
Hiking Tips
Circular Hike Between Karden and Pommern (9.5 km)
The hike leads from Karden along the Lenus-Mars Trail, past the temple complex, to Pommern. Here, an exhibition at the community center, Am Spilles, provides information about the archaeological site and the artifacts found there. The route first follows the Lenus-Mars Trail, then continues on to Fahrlei (a beautiful viewpoint) and along the Moselhöhenweg (a trail branching off from the Lenus-Mars Trail in the forest) back to Karden. In Karden, the Celtic-Roman section of the Stiftsmuseum displays the archaeological finds from the Martberg.
This hike can also be started from Pommern.
From Pommern to Moselkern (20 km, including a visit to Eltz Castle)
The hike begins in Pommern and follows the Lenus-Mars Trail past the temple complex to Karden. Via St. Castor Street and Burg-Eltz-Weg, the hike continues along the Boxwood Hiking Trail (sure-footedness and sturdy footwear required) to Müden and on to Moselkern. Here, you have the option to visit Eltz Castle in the Elz Valley (a 1-hour walk to the castle; see hiking map). Trains run hourly from Moselkern back to the starting point in Pommern.
Equipment
The hiking trail is open year-round. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
Tip
A visit to the Gallo-Roman temple complex on the Martberg near Pommern is well worth it. You can also stop by the Martberg Café during opening hours.
Martberg opening hours: May–end of October, Saturday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Getting there
Treis-Karden and Pommer can be reached via Federal Highways B 49 and B 416.
Highway exits:
Kaifenheim or Kaisersesch - A 48
Boppard - A 61
Parking
Free parking is available next to the train station building in Karden, on Moselstraße in Treis, or in the parking lot/Mosel Vorgelände in Pommern.
Public transit
You can travel to Treis-Karden and Pommern by Deutsche Bahn from Koblenz and from Trier.
Maps
Topographic Hiking Map: Ferienland Cochem and Treis-Karden, scale 1:25,000, price €7.90 Topographic Hiking Map: Moselsteig Zell-Koblenz, scale 1:25,000, Price: €5.90 Maps available at the Treis-Karden Tourist Information Office.
Additional Information
Treis-Karden Tourist Information
87 St. Castor Street
56253 Treis-Karden
Tel. 0049 2672 - 9157700, Fax 0049 2672 - 9157696
Hours:
May–October: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
November–April: Mon–Thu 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Pavings
- Hiking Trail (24%)
- Path (43%)
- Crushed Rock (34%)
Weather
This tour is presented by: Tourist-Information Treis-Karden