Discover Etgert: local history and hiking trails

Etgert is defined by two clear themes: its local history and the hiking routes through the landscape around the Massingsmühle. Its coat of arms features a red lion and oak leaves; in the surrounding area, visitors can explore forests, a rushing stream and named trails. The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination also offers further nature, culture and activity themes.

Local history and heraldic symbols

Etgert has belonged to the Mark Thalfang since the 12th century. This longstanding historical association gives the village a distinctive historical anchor. Its coat of arms also tells of connections significant to Etgert: the red lion represents the Wild- and Rheingrafen (Counts of the Wild and Rhine). The oak leaves refer to an old oak tree at the entrance to the village and also to the oak forests surrounding the agricultural land.

The two coat-of-arms motifs have distinct meanings: the lion represents the Wild- and Rheingrafen, while the leaves refer to specific trees and forests. As you explore Etgert, you can therefore look beyond its local history and notice the connection between its heraldic symbols and the landscape. The Etgertersägemühle, a listed cultural monument, also lies north of Etgert.

Landscape and hiking routes

The Massingsmühle is a campsite in a natural Hunsrück valley crossed by a rushing mountain stream. The Etgerter circular trail is directly accessible from the Massingsmühle. The area around the Massingsmühle is also connected to the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, the Hölzbachklamm gorge and the Ausonius circular trail. These different route connections give hikers several names and themes to consider when planning; check local trail conditions before setting out.

When travelling to the Massingsmühle, access is important: visitors reach it from the B 327 via an access road about 1.1 kilometres long. The campsite is not accessed through the village of Etgert. Check the access road before travelling, as access arrangements may change. This helps you plan your arrival without confusing the location of the Massingsmühle with the village centre.

Bernkastel-Wittlich as a wider travel destination

The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination brings together the volcanic Eifel, the Moselle Valley and the Hunsrück, with its many forests and meadows. The region’s range of activities extends from swimming, cycling and hiking to water skiing, hang gliding and winter sports. Bernkastel-Wittlich also includes ten nature reserves and six landscape conservation areas; the number of such areas may change. This regional variety offers a broader framework for holiday planning than Etgert’s local and trail-related themes.

The 816-metre-high Erbeskopf is a popular hiking destination and offers a variety of winter sports. At Erbeskopf, the National Park Gate provides information about nature and the environment. It includes an interactive multimedia exhibition focusing on forests and moors. The wider destination thus offers both outdoor activities and visits with a natural history focus.

Culture, wine and a cycling route in the region

Cultural attractions in Bernkastel-Wittlich also offer a range of experiences. The pilgrimage church of Maria Heimsuchung in Klausen was consecrated in 1502; people still make pilgrimages to Klausen every year. The Zylinderhaus covers 90 years of German automotive history and displays more than 100 cars, motorcycles and vans. The Cusanus birthplace in Kues houses a museum and an event space; a permanent exhibition is dedicated to Nicholas of Cusa.

For wine enthusiasts, Bernkastel-Kues offers another regional experience: the Vinothek in the historic vaulted cellars of St. Nikolaus Hospital offers tastings of wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer. The selection includes 100 wines, from Qualitätswein to ice wine. For a different way to explore the region, the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route runs 58.5 kilometres from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues along a disused railway line. A cycling bus takes riders from there back to the starting point; the return journey can be booked in advance. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Merschbach, Malborn, Gräfendhron, Breit, Heidenburg, Dhronecken, Horath, Berglicht.

View the wider travel overview: Thalfang Am Erbeskopf.