Discover Bernkastel-Wittlich

In Bernkastel-Wittlich, the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley and the Hunsrück, rich in forests and meadows, meet. Travel ideas range from hiking and winter sports to pilgrimage traditions and Roman finds, as well as wine tastings.

Erbeskopf and the Manderscheid Castles

At 816 metres, Erbeskopf invites you to go hiking and offers a wide range of winter sports. At Erbeskopf, the National Park Gate provides information about nature and the environment. Its interactive, multimedia exhibition focuses on forests and moors and complements the views of the landscape with information about its natural features.

In Manderscheid, the Manderscheid Castle Trail is a moderately difficult 5.4-kilometre circular hike around the castles; the stated duration is two hours. The two medieval castle ruins stand opposite each other on steep hill spurs above the Lieser. The Castle Via Ferrata offers another way to go around the castles: it has three stages, is about 4 kilometres long in total, and includes 1 kilometre secured with cables. On the outskirts of Manderscheid, in the Lieser Valley, you’ll also find the Burgweiher, a protected natural monument.

Cycling and Roman traces along the Moselle

The Maare-Moselle Cycle Route runs for 58.5 kilometres from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues along a disused railway line. For the return journey, a bike bus takes cyclists on the route from Bernkastel-Kues back to the starting point; the trip can be booked in advance. Check the timetable for your outing and plan your return booking accordingly.

The STELLA NOVIOMAGI Moselle boat trips start in Neumagen-Dhron. The approximately 45-minute audio tour also starts there, at the tourist information office. Its archaeological circular route is about 800 metres long and passes historic sites, monuments and finds. At the Noviomagi Museum, visitors can experience Roman times; original finds on display include clay vessels and stone fragments from funerary monuments. In Neumagen-Dhron, you can choose between a trip on the Moselle and discoveries of Roman history.

Pilgrimage traditions, museums and wine

The pilgrimage church of Maria Heimsuchung in Klausen was consecrated in 1502. Klausen continues to be a destination for pilgrims every year. In Kues, the Cusanus Birthplace is used as a museum and event venue; its permanent exhibition is dedicated to Nicholas of Cusa.

The Cylinder House showcases 90 years of German automotive history and more than 100 cars, motorcycles and vans. In the historic vaulted cellars of St. Nicholas Hospital, the vinotheque offers tastings of wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer. The selection includes 100 wines, from quality wines to ice wine.

Choose the right focus for your trip

For a direct comparison of timings, you can compare the Manderscheid circular hike with the audio tour: the 5.4-kilometre hike is listed as taking two hours, while the approximately 800-metre archaeological route takes about 45 minutes. The other activities offer different highlights: winter sports and hiking at Erbeskopf, cycling along the former railway line, pilgrimage traditions, museums or wine tastings. Think about which of these interests you want to shape your trip, and use them as a guide when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Reil, Bernkastel-Kues, Immert, Manderscheid, Traben-Trarbach, Morbach, Thalfang Am Erbeskopf, Wittlich, Kröv-Bausendorf, Flußbach, Oberöfflingen, Salmtal, Ürzig, Osann-Monzel, Dierscheid.

Go to the main travel overview: Rhineland-Palatinate.