Moselsteig diversion Bernkasteler Bärensteig

The Moselsteig diversion Bernkasteler Bärensteig starts in the heart of Bernkastel. Less than 100 m from the half-timbered marketplace, the approximately 6.5 km long loop begins at the striking and unusual double cross. And it gets going right away! Together with the Moselsteig, it first goes steeply uphill over cobblestones into the Kallenfels valley. The houses quickly lie below us, and then you only hear the small creek rushing on the path that continues steeply uphill through the forest. The "Förster Schell Pfad" sometimes runs directly along the water, sometimes a little above it through the oak-dominated forest. However, the slope only becomes slightly less steep. The creek is crossed over a wooden bridge. A place to catch your breath. About half of the ascent is roughly done.

The diversion continues to ascend, separating from the Moselsteig. The valley is now somewhat wider, and soon you can also look over a free meadow area near the forest edge. Soon the end of the climb is reached. At the edge of the large meadow, the path then continues almost flat for a short distance. The path reaches the green bridge of the new federal highway. Here, the trekking direction changes again and, via a driveway, the diversion turns back toward the Mosel. Because the path runs exactly over the ridge, the view is free on both sides. Especially to the south, you can look far into the Hunsrück. The village of Monzelfeld stands out, and the transmission mast on the "Olymp," which stands very close to the Mosel. At the forest edge, you reach the absolute highest point of the Bärensteig. At 421 m above sea level, you can make good use of the rest area, as the panorama is great.

The view remains during the descent along the meadow path now running at the forest edge. Then the path enters the forest, where a few more meters uphill must be managed. After crossing a forest meadow, the path goes downhill toward Bresgenruh. The spectacular viewpoint is quickly reached. The great view also offers a look at the river course between Zeltingen and Brauneberg.

The following section is simply wonderful. The forest path winds along the slope, lined with slate rocks and the most varied moss formations. You can enjoy this without effort due to the gentle gradient. The path reaches the Goldenes Kreuz (Golden Cross) viewpoint. From the rock formation, you can look into the densely wooded and deeply incised Tiefenbachtal. A golden cross stands above the abyss, which gave the rock its name. The path now becomes somewhat wider and is accompanied by mighty Douglas firs. Past the Matthiaskreuz, you reach a path running flat for part of the way, exactly at the height of the castle and the former youth hostel. Looking back from here, you can once again recognize the slate rock with the golden cross. A steep, rocky serpentine path follows, passing the Jodlerplatz (another viewpoint facing the castle). Through an old vineyard slope with slate dry stone walls, you arrive at the cemetery in the street bend. The cemetery is half surrounded. The path now leads through the vineyards above the rooftops of the town. Beautiful views open up of the castle and the church tower on the Mosel. Over a steep staircase and past the old synagogue, the Bernkasteler Bärensteig finally ends in the historic alleys of Bernkastel's old town. The car park on the Mosel or the bus stop are only a few steps away.

• sturdy footwear
• weather-appropriate, practical hiking clothing
• packed lunch

Although you have to overcome a large altitude difference on the Moselsteig diversion Bernkasteler Bärensteig, the path is especially recommended on hot, sunny days. The ascents are predominantly in the shade of the forest or the shady Kallenfels valley. After the hike, one of the many refreshment options in Bernkastel also offers cooling.

In winter, surprising views repeatedly open up from the forest slope above Bernkastel, which remain hidden under the leafy canopy in summer.

Bernkastel-Kues: via B 53

Bernkastel-Kues: large car park on the Mosel riverside (partly fee-based), additional parking spaces in the district of Kues

Bernkastel-Kues: Bus line 333, stop at Kues Forum or Bernkastel Schanzstraße

"Seitensprünge Band 2" - 17 premium circular hikes from Bernkastel-Kues to Koblenz by ideemedia

Authors: Ulrike Poller, Wolfgang Todt, Publisher: ideemedia, 160 pages, format: 11.0 x 16.4 cm, ISBN: 978-3-942779-60-9, €12.95

Freizeitkarte Moselsteig - Map 2: Trier - Zell (Mosel) (Stages 5 -14), ISBN: 978-3-89637-420-2

Mosellandtouristik GmbH

Kordelweg 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues; Phone: 06531/97330

www.moselsteig.de

Tourist Information Ferienland Bernkastel-Kues

Gestade 6, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues; Phone: 06531/500190 

www.bernkastel.de