RuT6 near Sommerau - History of Land Use in the Ruwertal Valley

From the starting point, we hike toward Sommerau and along the waterfall. When Sommerau Castle was built in the 13th century, the course of the Ruwer River was diverted, creating this natural landmark. Over time, the force of the Ruwer River has reduced the height of the waterfall, but it remains a beautiful natural spectacle. We continue along the vineyards up the steep slopes of the Ruwer Valley, enjoying the beautiful view of the village of Sommerau. The trail continues through green fields. Flat areas on the slopes, where the topsoil is thicker than on the slopes themselves, are suitable for agricultural use. The plots are mostly small, and the fences create a network of hedgerows that provide habitat for many plant and animal species.

The view of Neuhof shows us that flat and sufficiently large spring-fed depressions were already preferred sites for our ancestors to establish settlements. Obtaining drinking water for people and livestock was easy, and the gently sloping terrain was suitable for farming. We reach the Ruwer Valley again and pass the former site of the shoe factory in Gusterath-Tal. Here, the Gasthaus Reh offers a place to stop for refreshments. Afterward, we turn right onto the K64. Here, the narrow riverbed of the Ruwer is too narrow and marshy for agricultural use. As a result, the Bauchauenwald forest has been able to grow unimpeded for a long time. The brook lamprey finds its habitat in the quiet coves where sand and mud settle. Running parallel to the road here is the Mühlgraben, whose water has been powering the mill in Sommerau for a long time. Back in Sommerau, we find another place to stop for refreshments at the Sommerau Estate, located directly on the Ruwer-Hochwald Bike Trail.

As a general rule, entering the forest and walking on the trails is at your own risk. Depending on the season and weather conditions, some sections of the trails may require extra caution to ensure sure footing. Therefore, please wear clothing appropriate for the season and weather, as well as hiking boots with adequate tread.

Sturdy shoes and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Take a detour to Sommerau Castle, which stands on a hill in the middle of the valley! It has been involved in the history of the Ruwer in many different ways.

From the A1: Take the Reinsfeld exit onto the B52 toward Trier; after about 11 km, turn toward Waldrach, then continue toward Korlingen; before Korlingen, turn left toward Gutweiler and Sommerau. The parking lot is on the left just before the town.

From Trier: Head toward Korlingen and then Gutweiler; in Gutweiler, turn left toward Sommerau; the parking lot is on the left just before the town.

Free parking right at the entrance to town on the left.

Take bus lines 30 or 31 from Trier; for more information, visit www.vrt-info.de

The nature trail is funded as part of the Ruwer Waterways Project through the federal Riparian Zone Program, with support from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The goal is to preserve and develop the Ruwer River and its tributaries, along with their floodplains, over a stretch of approximately 186 km as a near-natural water and floodplain landscape within the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park.

A total of 6 themed hiking trails (Rut1–Rut6) are part of this project, offering hikers a vivid and informative way to experience the Ruwer River and its various uses up close.