Moselsteig Trail Side Trail Meulenwaldto(u)r Schweich
- start: Car park at the Heilbrunnen hiking portal, Am Heilbrunnen (up to the edge of the forest), 54338 Schweich (49.83544 N, 6.72989 E)
- destination: Car park at the Heilbrunnen hiking portal, Am Heilbrunnen (up to the edge of the forest), 54338 Schweich (49.83544 N, 6.72989 E)
- medium
- 10,57 km
- 3 hours 5 minutes
- 280 m
- 315 m
- 154 m
- 80 / 100
- 40 / 100
The Meulenwald forest, whose foothills almost reach down to the banks of the Moselle at Schweich, is the patron for this detour and allows hikers to immerse themselves in fascinating worlds
"Enjoy the diversity of hiking with all your senses". This is certainly a main slogan of the Meulenwaldto(u)r Schweich.
. On the one hand, the wide-open Moselle valley with its lively cultural landscape formed by the glacial valley, and on the other hand, the quiet Eifel side, along the Quint stream, with its wild and romantic stories.
Enriched by the Baumweltpfad (Tree World Trail), which features exotic 100-year-old trees and hidden lakes reminiscent of the time of the charcoal burners, the premium trail leads up to the highlight - the Meulenwald-Moselblick viewing platform, with its very special atmosphere. On the way down, the “Heilbrunnen” (healing fountain), as a regional place of pilgrimage, offers a place for contemplation and gratitude.
General information
Directions
Almost as if the Eifel wanted to dip its toe into the Moselle, the “Rotenberg” near the town of Schweich, the “gateway to the Middle Moselle”, stretches with its striking sandstone rock right up to the banks of the Moselle, making it the gateway to the Meulenwald forest.
However, the certified premium circular hiking trail is extra impressive because of its diversity. At the starting point of the “Meulenwaldto(u)r Schweich”, visitors experience the far-reaching view over meadow landscapes into the Moselle valley, which is characterised by infrastructure.
Afterwards, the hiker is immersed in a wild and romantic landscape steeped in legend, the Meulenwald forest (forest area 2012)!
From the Quint forestry office, the eventful Tree World Trail also follows the hiking tour. Not only do a large number of exotic trees grow on this path, some of which are over 100 years old, but the forestry office staff also tell exciting and interesting stories about the forest in a way that is suitable for children and easy to understand.
In contrast, the side of the ridge facing away from the Moselle and the next section of the detour are quiet and with plenty of water. At the “Kaiserhammerweiher” there is nothing left to remind us of the industrial history of the 17th century “Quint smelter”, to which the reservoir owes its origin and also its expressive name.
From here, the path climbs steadily along a quarry --- if you are prepared to take a small detour at the beginning, you will definitely be rewarded--- up to the three springs of the “Meilenborn”, a remnant of the history of the numerous coal piles of the “Meulenwald” forest area, which still covers 7000 hectares.
Past the idyllically located “Buchenheld” rest area --- and, moreover, the highest point of the tour --- the path leads hikers to the perceived highlight of the premium tour, the viewing platform “Meulenwald-Moselblick” with its special atmosphere.
To the left, the hiker can see the foothills of the “Wittlicher Senke”, and to the right the wide Moselle valley. It takes a lot of imagination here to think that the primeval valley of the Moselle once ran from Trier into the Wittlicher Senke or towards Föhren. It was only later that the Moselle succeeded in digging its way through at Schweich, decisively opening up the “gateway to the Middle Moselle”.
After this wonderful rest, the trail descends along narrow paths past former quarries in Schweich to the regional pilgrimage site “Heilbrunnen”. The mineral spring, discovered in 1602, is still a place of reflection and silence today.
Anyone interested is more than welcome to pay a visit.
The Meulenwaldto(u)r now hurries towards its destination. However, the hiker reaches the newly created biotope and recreational area of the city of Schweich below the Heilbrunnen shortly before reaching the destination. Here, in summer, a refreshing water foot pool invites you to relax your feet in the cool water and recharge the batteries before you blissfully cover the last few metres to the start and finish portal.
Equipment
Sturdy footwear is essential.
Tip
Food tip: After this varied hike, the desire and appetite for culinary delights is sure to increase. The town of Schweich with its numerous wineries and restaurants invites you to stay and enjoy.
Public transport tip: The start/finish portal of the Meulenwaldto(u)r near the Heilbrunnen site is also easily accessible from Schweich railway station, 700 metres away, and the subsequent Moselsteig access route.
Getting there
By car, you can reach the start/finish portal at the Heilbrunnen site via the L 47 Trier-Quint to Föhren. At the Schweich junction, the Heilbrunnen site is also indicated.
Parking
The car park at the Heilbrunnen site has a capacity of approx. 20 car parking spaces.
Public transit
Public transport tip: The start/finish portal of the Meulenwaldto(u)r near the Heilbrunnen site is also easily accessible from Schweich railway station, 700 metres away, and the subsequent Moselsteig detour access route. DB train line Trier-Koblenz: www.bahn.de
Bus route 221,22: www.vrt-info.de
Pavings
- Hiking Trail (50%)
- Path (22%)
- Crushed Rock (24%)
- Unknown (5%)
Weather
This tour is presented by: Verein Römische Weinstraße e.V., Author: Jochen Conrad