Discover Kenn: Moselle, vineyards and Roman history

Kenn combines a landscape on the Moselle with vineyards and Roman history. When approaching from the direction of Trier, the town is considered the gateway to the Roman Wine Route. The historic town centre developed on the remains of a large Roman estate. You can get to know Kenn through its vineyards, paths above the town and traces of its history.

Landscape and Wine Around Kenn

The Kenner Flur along the Moselle is farmland interspersed with gravel and sand. On the slopes above Kenn, the landscape rises from vineyards through orchards to the forests. Quiet vineyard paths above the town are ideal for leisurely walks. Local vineyards include Kenner Held and Maximiner Hofgarten; both belong to the Probstberg collective vineyard.

The Roman Wine Route stretches from Kenn to Leiwen and includes 19 holiday resorts. Its area accounts for 20 percent of the Moselle wine-growing area, or 2,000 hectares; this figure may change over time. In the region, wine tastings at nearby wineries are among the experiences available. In many Moselle towns, seasonal wine taverns serve vintners’ dishes with matching wines; individual businesses and their opening seasons vary.

Roman Past and the Herrenbrunnen

A large Roman estate stood in Kenn at a place called Canna, meaning “reeds.” The historic town centre developed on the remains of this estate. The Herrenbrunnen probably dates from around 1500, features Late Gothic stylistic elements and is the oldest surviving village fountain in the Trier-Saarburg district.

The local history museum is a fully furnished farmhouse with more than 800 exhibits on rural life in the 19th and 20th centuries. The local history museum is currently closed; check whether access is possible before visiting. Kenn therefore brings together distinct historical themes: the Roman origins of the town centre, the fountain’s Late Gothic features and the museum’s history of everyday rural life.

Cycling, Activity and Relaxation

Kenn has direct access to the Moselle Cycle Route. Cycling trips to Trier are also a good excursion option. For leisurely walks, quiet vineyard paths above the town lead through wine country. This makes it possible to plan cycling and a slower pace of exploration as distinct options.

The Kneipp water-treading pool in Kenn offers a peaceful way to relax and unwind. The Bernhard-Becker recreation area combines a playground, football and basketball areas, and space for skateboarding and roller skating. Anyone weighing up quiet and activity when planning their day will find both as clearly distinct options: peaceful relaxation by the pool and several activity-focused areas at the recreation site.

More Cultural and Route Ideas in Trier-Saarburg

The wider Trier-Saarburg destination also offers further routes and cultural attractions. The Tälchen Tour starts and ends in Konz and is listed as a moderately difficult circular route covering 37.28 kilometres; it takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Large sections of the enclosing walls and a residential tower have been preserved at Saarburg Castle. Several viewing terraces and the tower offer panoramic views of the Saar Valley.

In Tawern, the Roman road settlement of Tabernae is considered the town’s origin. It was established shortly before the turn of the era on the main Roman road from the Moselle via Metz to Rome. The pavilion houses an authentic model of the settlement at a scale of 1:75; the large reconstructed temple complex of Tawern is also located in the forest. The free ARGO app lets visitors view the temple complex on site at its original size and in a 360-degree augmented reality presentation.

Discover More Destinations

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Back to the main travel guide: Trier-Saarburg.