In the Footsteps of the Romans

This magnificent hiking route is certainly not an easy one. After all, it is important to master no less than 600 vertical meters over a distance of a good 20 kilometers. Even experienced hikers should plan 5 to 6 hours for this tour.

But don't worry, what we will see along our route will make you forget all your efforts. We will also be taking a journey back 2,000 years or more.

History already greets us in Trittenheim: in the vineyards above the village are the Laurentius chapel from the 16th century and the famous Hinkelstein Eselstratt, a witness to the megalithic culture that disappeared in a long distant past. The Trittenheim Bridge, where the only surviving pair of ferry towers on the Mosel stand, is the starting point of our journey.

Heading up behind the ferry tower on the right bank of the river, the so-called " Apotheken-Weinlage", first leads steeply up to where a burial site from Roman times can be visited. Further on are the slate caves and a lookout point, from where we can enjoy an excellent view of the lovely Mosel landscape, be careful however, on the narrow path that requires some sure-footedness. We continue on an agricultural track, past a solar energy site, downhill to the "Martyrs' Chapel", the construction of which is said to be based on a Roman legend.

After about 5 kilometers we reach Neumagen-Dhron, which is called "Germany's oldest wine town". Not without reason, because around two millennia ago, the Romans, who had one of their castles here, were winegrowers in this place. The famous relief sculpture of the “wine ship”, whose cast has found its place at the Peterskapelle in Neumagen-Dhron, is a testimony to this. Further replicas of local finds from Roman times can be viewed along an archaeological path around the town center. The town also has a special attraction, the “Stella Noviomagi”, the working replica of the Roman wine ship. When the ship is not on the Mosel with passengers, it is moored in a small harbor.

Before the next strenuous section, we could gather our energies by savouring the local gastronomy, for example, in the restaurant "Römerkastell" (Pelzergasse 7), "Hotel Zum Anker", (Moselstraße 14), or "Käpt'n Cook" (Moselstraße 21).

We continue to the Mosel Bridge, where the "Römersteig" changes to a bike path on the other side. We hike around two kilometers along the banks of the Mosel River. Then we climb the steps of an old vineyard staircase and hike halfway through the famous vineyard "Piesporter Goldtröpfchen". On the outskirts of Piesport, Roman antiquity catches up with us again - there you can visit a faithfully reconstructed wine press from the 4th century AD. This and another wine press found in Piesport, as well as valuable additions to an ancient burial site, testify to the 2000-year-old wine-growing tradition of this place, which has remained unbroken to this day. In Piesport there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy excellent regional wines in an idyllic setting.

The last stage requires stamina again as it serpentines up the vineyards. The "Römersteig" leads us over the impressive rock massif of the "Moselloreley" to Minheim. We pass the small "Plague Chapel", which stands as a reminder of the epidemic in the early 16th century. After descending through the vineyards, we arrive at the destination of our 20-kilometer route. In the dreamy wine town of Minheim we can finally rest and contemplate the 2000 years of history we have just walked through.

In the summer months there is an opportunity to end the long hike by taking a ship from the Mosel fleet back to the starting point in Trittenheim.

Marker

Signs "Römersteig".

Route Character

Mostly comfortable vineyard trails, sometimes steep climbs over narrow paths and mountain trails that require sure-footedness and fitness.

Parking

A range of parking opportunities in the center of Trittenheim.