Moselsteig Detour Karlskopf Panorama Route

The Karlskopf Panorama Route starts at the sports field in Pellingen. At the same time, this is the highest point of the circular route, meaning that no matter which direction you hike, you initially go downhill. The first destination is the Höthkopf monument. After halfway circling the sports field, the route follows the edge of the new residential area. Here, it becomes clear how the path got its name. The panorama is breathtaking. The view stretches northwest all the way into Luxembourg. The heights of the Eifel are also at your feet. Nestled in between is the Moselle valley. You can even spot the river itself. Between Wasserbillig and Konz, it appears as a silver ribbon.

You shouldn't miss the detour to the viewpoint at the Höthkopf monument. At the monument itself (a war memorial), you have a 180° panoramic view, which you should enjoy on the benches or at the rest area. For this panorama alone, you should bring binoculars to better recognize the many mountains of the Eifel on the horizon.

Back on the detour loop, the path descends steeply until just before the B 268 road. The short section on the farm road parallel to the street is quickly covered. Then the route follows a winding path through an open bush and hedge landscape. This section through the bushes is short and, as is fitting for this path, ends at a bench with a view into the Konzer valley. The Konzer district of Krettnach and the surrounding vineyards are just as much in view as a section of the further route.

The route initially follows a forest track at roughly the same altitude, but soon descends steeply on a path. Through a dry valley, you reach the first vineyards of Krettnach. You continue descending towards the village, then cross to the southern side of the valley. The meadow path follows a pleasant profile along the forest edge for quite a stretch. Here you reach the junction to Krettnach. If you want, you can descend into the village via the marked access path.

Now follows the first ascent of the route. Initially still through vineyards, then on a path through the forest. The slope is very even, so you can find your hiking rhythm. The effort is worth it because at the top, in an open meadow area, a magnificent panorama awaits you.

Gently descending, you pass the memorial cross on the Karlskopf and the transmission mast. Here, the character of the path changes. The path leads downhill through oak forest, around a side valley, and then steeply downhill until you reach the edge of the vineyards. Here you find a rest area with views into the Konzer valley and the vineyards. The following section alternates between various vineyard paths, opening continuously new perspectives on the vineyard landscape. At the Oberemmel Mary Chapel, the ascent begins. It is initially quite steep up to the forest edge. To catch your breath, you should take another look back into the Konzer valley there.

Along the forest edge and later in the forest, the slope remains moderate. Only after circling a side valley does it become steeper. The path through the Douglas fir forest then leads directly uphill without major detours. At the top, you reach the Schanzenhütte in Pellingen. There are also barbecue facilities at the shelter. From here, it is only a few meters to the parking lot at the sports field where the detour ends.

Sturdy footwear is recommended.

The magnificent panorama from the heights around Pellingen is difficult to capture in words or pictures. Therefore, you should definitely bring binoculars on the hike!

The panorama can be comfortably enjoyed from the new panoramic swing near the chapel in Oberemmel.

B 268 between Trier and Zerf. The parking lot at the sports field (signposted) can then be reached via the forest road.

Parking directly at the starting point at the sports field.

A second starting point is in Konz-Krettnach at the community center. There are sufficient parking facilities available there.

Pellingen is served irregularly during the week. There is no bus service on weekends.

Information on current public transport schedules can be found at www.bahn.de or www.vrt-info.de

"Moselsteig Detours 1 – The Most Beautiful Circular Routes between Trier and Bernkastel-Kues" by ideemedia

Authors: Ulrike Poller, Wolfgang Todt, Publisher: ideemedia, 144 pages, Format: 11.0 x 16.4 cm, ISBN: 978-3-942779-59-3, €12.95

The hiking map "Holiday Region Saar-Upper Moselle" at a scale of 1:35,000 is available for €8.95 at the tourist information centers in Konz and Saarburg.

Or order the map directly from our online brochure shop.

Saar-Upper Moselle Tourism Association

Saarstr. 1, 54329 Konz, Tel. 06501-6018040

Graf-Siegfried-Str. 32, 54439 Saarburg, Tel. 06581-995980,

www.saar-obermosel.de

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Moselland Tourism GmbH

Kordelweg 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues, Tel. 06531-97330

www.moselsteig.de