MOSELLE RIVER TRAIL | Esterbauer cycling guide

cycling guide

FROM METZ TO THE RHINE

The Moselle River offers everything one could expect from a typical European wine-growing region. Countless orderly rows of grapevines cover much of the steep slopes that rise from both sides of the river. Nestled among the many vineyards lie timeless quaint villages and hamlets. Charming old stone or half-timbered houses meet the eye in every direction. Many of these buildings are used to press, store and serve the delicious white wines that the region’s mild climate helps produce. As the region’s inhabitants like to say, “There’s always time for a glass of wine.” And at the end of the day, find restful accommodation in an old half-timbered farmhouse snuggly set between the vineyards. As if the idyllic verdant landscape were not enough, the river is lined with imposing castles and the ruins of old fortifications, each of which has its own story to tell. Learn the strange tales and legends that have become part of the valley’s long and colourful history. That history does not, of course, begin with the Romans. But it is they who left many of the oldest and most impressive edifices. Their splendid palaces, amphitheaters, public baths, bridges, aqueducts and many other structures bear witness to the knowledge and skill they brought to this corner of central Europe. After the arrival of Christianity, it was the Frankish kings and the Archbishops of Trier that ruled the land, and built many of the castles, churches, cloisters and monasteries that today recall the Moselle’s long and rich history.

The Moselle river trail from Metz to Koblenz covers about 307 kilometres on the right bank and about 314 kilometres on the left bank. Additionally there are a further 125 kilometres of alternative routes and excursions.

The Moselle River offers everything one could expect from a typical European wine-growing region. Countless orderly rows of grapevines cover much of the steep slopes that rise from both sides of the river. Nestled among the many vineyards lie timeless quaint villages and hamlets. Charming old stone or half-timbered houses meet the eye in every direction. Many of these buildings are used to press, store and serve the delicious white wines that the region’s mild climate helps produce. As the region’s inhabitants like to say, “There's always time for a glass of wine.” And at the end of the day, find restful accommodation in an old half-timbered farmhouse snuggly set between the vineyards. As if the idyllic verdant landscape were not enough, the river is lined with imposing castles and the ruins of old fortifications, each of which has its own story to tell. Learn the strange tales and legends that have become part of the valley’s long and colorful history. That history does not, of course, begin with the Romans. But it is they who left many of the oldest and most impressive edifices. Their splendid palaces, amphitheaters, public baths, bridges, aqueducts and many other structures bear witness to the knowledge and skill they brought to this corner of central Europe. After the arrival of Christianity, it was the Frankish kings and the Archbishops of Trier that ruled the land, and built many of the castles, churches, cloisters and monasteries that today recall the Moselle’s long and rich history.

The Moselle river trail from Metz to Koblenz covers about 307 kilometers on the right bank and about 314 kilometers on the left bank. Additionally there are a further 125 kilometers of alternative routes and excursions.

Extract from the guide