Moselsteig Side Trail Extratour Zitronenkrämerkreuz

The Extratour Zitronenkrämerkreuz offers an interplay of unique river panoramas, sun-drenched vineyards, adventurous steep paths, quiet forest and meadow passages as well as wonderful views of the neighbouring low mountain regions Eifel and Hunsrück. Cultural gems such as the Roman aqueduct in Pölich or the Zitronenkrämerkreuz are further highlights of this multi-faceted tour.

Already at the starting point, the Huxlay Plateau with a small vine covered hut and a spectacular view of the Moselle Valley, is the first highlight. In the midst of slate slopes you hike on narrow paths, lined with dense vineyards and impressive views, to the Roman aqueduct – a true marvel of antique technology that still works to this day. Informative boards invite you to explore. Along the slope edge, the path continues parallel to the river bed to a deeply cut side valley which was formed by the ice ditch in the slate slopes. Now you reach an almost mystical path section, where the valley shows itself from its wild and primordial side. It's the prelude to a series of steep descents and ascents, from primeval forest-like ravine passages, bridges and footbridges and a variety of forest patterns. Then the path returns to the Moselle, to shortly thereafter vanish into the next ravine inland. You finally reach the Martins Cross which invites you to take a rest with a wonderful view high above the little village of Ensch.

Now, it gets really wild, and the rustic Krautenbach valley lures. After a short section on the slope edge with a view of the Moselle landscape, you soon disappear into a fully secluded world. This passage offers you pure nature. The romantic Moselle is never far away, suddenly endless vineyards appear, and the path opens up spectacular views along the slope edge. A dark hole in a wall of ivy interrupts the cosy Moselle idyll, and now you continue deep into the hinterland. Another high plateau with vitamin-rich orchard meadows and extensive pastures await you. The path now leads to the Reiterhof Lörscher (horse-riding centre), where you can treat yourself to refreshments and food.

With renewed strength you continue the tour through a forest to the Sauerbrunnen and the namesake of this tour, the Zitronenkrämerkreuz. It is said that in 1687, an Italian lemon trader from Lenno at Lake Como was bludgeoned to death on his trip to Trier. His relatives had the sandstone cross erected in his memory. You can take a short rest at the rest area before continuing over vast fields and meadow landscapes along the Moselle. Above the Huxlay Plateau the path again meets the picturesque river. On a true panoramic path which resembles a single sun terrace, you hike high above along the Moselle and along dense vineyards. The path leads via a bird and fruit tree path to a chapel, an insect hotel and finally the health and exercise park Mehring-Pölich. Over the so-called Himmelstreppe (Stairway to Heaven) you return to the starting point of the hike, the small hut at the Huxlay Plateau.

• Sturdy hiking footwear
• Appropriate weatherproof hiking gear
• Picnic lunch

Book recommendation: The cross of the lemon grower (The life and death of Ambrosius Carove 1) (german version)

By own car, via the A 1, exit Mehring, continue through Mehring to the Moselle Bridge. At the other bank of the Moselle, turn left into the Brückenstraße. The Brückenstraße is followed by the Linterstraße. There is parking here.

Hiking parking area Huxlay Plateau above Mehring. Due to the narrow slope road, especially during wine harvest, it is recommended to already park in Mehring and to hike up the plateau (approx. 200 m to the Huxlay Plateau). At the other entry points in Pölich, Schleich and Ensch, there are also parking spaces available in the villages.

By rail to Trier central railway station. From here, continue with the regional bus line 333 (Trier – Ruwer – Schweich – Mehring – Pölich, Schleich, Ensch). For more information and timetables please see the Transport Association Region Trier at www.vrt-ino.de.

Literature (only available in German):

"Seitensprünge" Band 1 - 10 Premium-Rundwanderungen von Trier bis Bernkastel-Kues von ideemedia

Authors: Ulrike Poller, Wolfgang Todt, Publisher: ideemedia, 114 pages, Format: 11,0 x 16,4 cm, ISBN: 978-3-942779-59-3, 12,95 €

Leisure Map Moselsteig Trail – Map 2: Trier - Zell (Moselle) (Stages 5 - 14), ISBN: 978-3-89637-420-2

Mosellandtouristik GmbH

Kordelweg 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues; Phone: +49 (6531) / 97330

www.moselsteig.de

Tourist information office Roemische Weinstraße

Brückenstraße 46, 54338 Schweich; Phone: +49 (6502) / 93380

www.roemische-weinstrasse.de