© Saar-Obermosel-Touristik e.V./ Hans-Peter Merten, Saar-Obermosel-Touristik e.V

Moselsteig Side Trail König-Johann-Runde

  • start: old city wall in the center, 54450 Freudenburg
  • destination: old city wall in the center, 54450 Freudenburg
  • difficult
  • 11,85 km
  • 4 hours
  • 320 m
  • 440 m
  • 210 m
  • 100 / 100
  • 80 / 100

On the trail of medieval nobility.

This Premium hiking trail (as certified by the German Hiking Institute) connects the historic castle complex in Freudenburg town centre with diverse landscapes, endless views, sandstone rocks and the Eiderberg nature conservation area. The 12-kilometre-long hiking trail takes its name from King John the Blind of Bohemia, the Earl of Luxemburg, who built a castle complex in Freudenburg in the 14th century. This varied hike begins and ends at the old town walls of Freudenburg. From there the trail leads on through a varied landscape with a number of viewpoints and vistas all the way to Luxemburg and France. Other highlights en route include the castle, which sits on imposing sandstone rocks, as well as Leukbachtal valley with its several small cascading waterfalls and historic mills. In the “Kollesleuker Schweiz” (Kollesleuken’s own little Switzerland, named after the beauty of the region), coloured sandstone rocks rise steeply in diverse forms and colours. Nature lovers can delight in rare orchids on the 440-metre high Eiderberg, which is a natural conservation area.

General information

Directions

The König-Johann Circular Trail starts at Weiherplatz in Freudenburg. The starting point for the hike is by the restored city walls next to a fountain and seating. After taking some steps downhill you will find yourself on a section of path surrounded by untouched nature. The slightly undulating path leads past the rock face on top of which you can see the houses of the old town centre of Freudenburg. At the Freudenburg castle ruins, the hiking trail goes through the castle moat to a bench where you can enjoy a first glimpse into the Leuktal valley. Continuing along the path to the top of the castle, then downhill, you will reach the valley of the Freudenburg stream. At the new footbridge you will see a cluster of tables and benches ideal for a well-timed rest. The next section of the trail is flat and leads through the Herrenwald forest to a barbecue hut where you can stop for a break at canopy-covered benches. After crossing Gartenstraße, the side trail leads back into the forest. After taking a sharp turn to the right, the trail leads past the Wenigbach stream, which has cut its bed deep into the rocks in this area. This beautiful section of the trail is disrupted only by the bridge at the Ewigbach stream crossing. Just beyond the bridge a panoramic view opens up across the Leuktal valley up to the peaks of the Saargau ridge. The bench here marks the beginning of a section of path which encounters a variety of different forest formations. The stream to the left forms the state border with Saarland. Initially level, then moving downhill, the side trail leads down into the Leukbachtal valley. At the edge of the wood you are met with a wonderful view of the imposing unteren Stegmühle manor building. After crossing the road, and passing the mountain hut, the trail runs through the romantic Leukbachtal valley. When you come to the stone bridge you can take a detour to witness the wild beauty of the Ewigbachtälchen valley, where the stream’s valley ends in an imposing rocky backdrop after approx. 200 m. Continuing on a gradual downhill with the floodplain of the Leuk on the left and the rock formations of the coloured sandstone on the right, a view of Kollesleuken is revealed from a mushroom-shaped rock. Through the meadow valley by the Herrenmühle mill across the Leuk you will reach the left bank of the stream. A slightly undulating section of path leads through a beech forest and past rock formations. Footbridges have been built at different locations between the mill pond of the Hackenberg mill and the rock faces. The newly redesigned Mühlenplatz in Kollesleuken is a perfect place to stop for a break. Further along, the path leads past the edge of the woods, offering beautiful views into the Leuk’s meadow valley. Now the trail starts its first climb, leading along a forest trail, then on an uphill path towards the Klingerheck wooded area. After following an even gradient through the tall beech forest, another path section begins before you emerge from the wood to see a rest stop. You will reach the L 131 below the Eiderberg. Be careful when crossing the street. After passing a hedge with wonderful panoramic view of the Saargau ridge, the trail starts to get really steep again. Now you’re in the Eiderberg nature conservation area. This section of the trail is home to rare plants that come out in the early summer. The highest point of the Eiderberg is also the highest point of the König-Johann Circular Trail hike. From up here you can enjoy a panoramic view like no other, with views to Saarland, the Saargau and across the Saar to the Osburger Hochwald (the Osburg Upland Forest). Still in the natural conservation area, the path leads past ancient stone bridges and then downhill into the district of Freudenburg. Past the Jewish cemetery and along Kelterplatz, it’s just a few metres back to the starting point at Weiherplatz.  

Equipment

Please ensure you are wearing sturdy shoes and have packed sufficient provisions.

Tip

Don’t miss a short detour to the little Ewigbachtälchen valley!

Getting there

From Saarburg follow the B 407 to Trassem. Then continue via Landstraße in the direction of Freudenburg.

Parking

Free parking is available in Freudenburg town centre.

Public transit

You can reach the city of Saarburg by train via the Saarbrücken-Trier line. Bus route 203 goes from there to Freudenburg at regular intervals.

Literature

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 €

Additional Information

Saar-Obermosel-Touristik e. V.

Saarstr. 1, 54329 Konz, Tel. 0049 6501-6018040

Graf-Siegfried-Str. 32, 54439 Saarburg, Tel. 0049 6581-995980,

www.saar-obermosel.de

Pavings

  • Path (52%)
  • Hiking Trail (21%)
  • Asphalt Coating (9%)
  • Crushed Rock (16%)
  • Street (2%)

Weather

This tour is presented by: Saar-Obermosel-Touristik e.V , Author: Mosellandtouristik GmbH

Next steps
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