Mertesdorf Panorama Trail (ME 1)

The trail begins at the entrance to Mertesdorf, which is also where the Ruwer Riesling Adventure Trail starts. Ample parking is available about 100 meters further on, on the left side, near the Ruwertal outdoor pool. You can hike the trail in either direction.

At the starting point, you’ll find an information board with all the useful details about the trail. If we then follow the trail clockwise, our first—and quite steep—climb lies directly ahead of us. We follow the main street, then take Eitelsbacher Weg into Wenigbach Street and follow the trail markers. You can take your first short break at the “Ewischboor.” The fountain in the old town center at the end of Oberstraße originated from a watering hole back when Mertesdorf was still a small settlement. One might assume that the name “Ewischboor” refers to the fact that the fountain always has water and the spring never runs dry. But the spelling “Ewischboor” suggests that it likely refers to the uppermost fountain (in the local dialect: “ewischte Boor”).

The trail continues past the statue of Our Lady, which is located in a niche in the steeply rising vineyard wall of the Herrenberg, into the Mertesdorfer Herrenberg vineyard. At the next rest area, there is information about the cross-terracing that was installed in the neighboring vineyards as part of the 2022 land consolidation project.

Above the vineyards, the trail continues, offering a breathtaking view of the wine-growing village of Mertesdorf. It passes by information points featuring a bee display case and a traditional orchard meadow. These rest areas are not only important habitats for insects and birds but also learning spaces for young and old alike when it comes to viticulture, fruit growing, and agriculture. Here, visitors can observe the blooming, growth, and flourishing of fruit trees throughout the seasons; here, grandparents can tell their grandchildren when and how to harvest, how fruit is processed into juice, or that the worm in the fruit serves a purpose.

The trail continues through a shady deciduous forest to the station dedicated to “Wild Herbs and Flower Strips.” The newly planted flower strip here represents an easy-to-implement contribution to preserving biodiversity in the local flora and fauna.

As the trail continues, we cross the K77 and K140 toward Kasel and walk along the upper vineyard path toward Johannishütte. Here we enjoy the best views stretching far into the Ruwer Valley and over the heights of the Hochwald, toward the neighboring communities of Kasel, Waldrach, and Morscheid. We continue toward Mertesdorf, where we reach the rest area of the Ruwer Riesling Adventure Trail at Lorenzberg. Here we’ll learn all about the formation of the Ruwer Valley and the terroir and climate along the Ruwer River. At this point, it’s also possible to extend the hike and follow the signs for the Ruwer Riesling Adventure Trail toward Kasel. Staying on our ME1 route, the trail now leads us back into town, down the street “Auf Krein,” until we turn left and take a short, idyllic detour across the Ruwer. At the Karlsmühle, an information board provides details about the Roman heritage in the Ruwer Valley. The route then continues along the Ruwer-Hochwald Bike Trail back to the starting point.

The 8-kilometer trail can be hiked year-round, subject to possible restrictions due to force majeure, such as ice, snow, or storm damage. The trail is classified as moderately difficult due to several inclines. The hike takes about 2.5 hours.

Sturdy footwear is required.

Enjoy and Experience — Treat yourself to an excellent Ruwer wine at one of the wineries along the trail.

Coming from Trier, take the L149 through the Ruwer Valley to Mertesdorf. Coming from the BAB 602, take the Kenn exit toward Trier-Ruwer, then take the L149 to Mertesdorf.

Free parking at the Ruwertal Outdoor Pool parking lot (49°46'21.0"N 6°43'15.4"E). Alternatively, if starting in Waldrach, use the parking lot at the Family Center/Kegelbungert (49°44'58.5"N 6°44'32.7"E) or, if starting in Kasel, the parking lot on Hauptstraße/Dorfplatz (49°45'45.3"N 6°43'37.2"E)

www.vrt-info.de

Stadtwerke Trier Verkehrs GmbH Lines 30 and 86