Moselle Heights Cycle Route – Castles and Fortresses Loop
- start: Traben Train Station
- destination: Traben Train Station
- medium
- 29,63 km
- 3 hours 15 minutes
- 585 m
- 404 m
- 94 m
- 80 / 100
- 40 / 100
Attention culture lovers: With the ruins of Grevenburg Castle, the remnants of Starkenburg, and the fortress ruins of Mont Royal, you can dive deep into the region’s rich history.
From Traben-Trarbach, the tour starts with the first climb up to Grevenburg Castle and the scenic viewpoint known as Himmelspforte (“Heaven’s Gate”). From there, the route continues along forest and field paths to Starkenburg. Behind the restaurant Schöne Aussicht (“Beautiful View”), a short detour leads to the site of the former Starkenburg Castle.
The trail continues along country roads and vineyard paths into the picturesque village of Enkirch, where you take the ferry across the Moselle. The second climb begins right after. Once at the top, the vast plateau of Mont Royal fortress ruins opens up – a detour here is well worth it before you roll back down into the Moselle Valley.
General information
Directions
From Traben train station, cross the Moselle river to Trarbach. After the bridge, turn left, then take the next right into Enkircher Straße. Turn left into Grabenstraße, then left again into Rathausstraße. Continue onto Schottstraße and after 200 m turn left onto an unpaved gravel path. Follow the serpentine path uphill until just before Grevenburg Castle – a short detour to the castle is definitely worth it!
Continue to the right on the paved path until the next opportunity where a natural trail branches off to the left. Follow this trail to the viewpoint Himmelspforte (“Heaven’s Gate”). From there, continue through the forest to just before the Bismarck hut, turn right onto a field path and follow it all the way to Starkenburg. Continue along the country road to Enkirch, until a field path branches off to the left. Follow the serpentine path down into the village.
In Enkirch, head towards the Moselle riverbank / camper van area, where the ferry crosses to Kövenig in summer. There, follow the road to Ferienpark Mont Royal. At the top, turn left onto the K64, then left again into a forest path behind the holiday park. Walk around the ruins of Fortress Mont Royal, passing the scenic viewpoint Eulenwerk.
The path ends opposite the airfield – cross the road and pass the airfield restaurant. The field track turns into a paved farm road, which leads to the Römerstraße. Turn right and follow it, then turn left into Kirchstraße, and finally into Obere Kaiserstraße, which leads back to the train station.
Safety Guidelines
Please note that this tour is not signposted. Also note: the ferry in Enkirch operates only from Easter to October. Outside of this period, the tour can be continued via a detour across the Reil bridge.
Equipment
For your own safety, always wear a helmet.
Tip
Make sure to plan a short detour to the Eulenwerk viewpoint on Mont Royal – and simply take in the stunning view!
Getting there
mit dem Auto nach Traben-Trarbach
Parking
Parken auf dem Parkplatz "Alter Bahnhof" oder "Trehl"
Public transit
mit dem Zug nach Traben-Trarbach, , Infos unter https://www.moselwein-bahn.de/
Literature
Flyer zum Mont Royal und der Grevenburg erhältlich unter www.moselregion.com
Maps
Topographische Wanderkarte 1:25.000
Wandergebiet Moselregion Traben-Trarbach Kröv
ISBN: 978-3-944-620-24-4
zu bestellen unter www.moselregion.com
Pavings
- Asphalt Coating (10%)
- Street (46%)
- Crushed Rock (33%)
- Path (1%)
- Hiking Trail (9%)
- Unknown (1%)
Weather
This tour is presented by: Moselregion Traben-Trarbach Kröv, Author: Wiebke Pfitzmann