Mertesdorf: Riesling, Trails and Water

Mertesdorf brings together winegrowing, active trails and water activities. Between traces of a long history of winegrowing, trails with different profiles and the outdoor pool, you will find several possible focal points for your trip. If you are looking for accommodation, first consider whether wine, cycling, hiking or swimming should shape your stay.

Riesling and the History of Winegrowing

Roman finds around Mertesdorf point to a history of winegrowing spanning almost 2,000 years. The village is considered probably the oldest winegrowing village in the Ruwertal. Riesling dominates along the Ruwer, growing in mineral-rich soil in the narrow river valley. In the wider Trier-Saarburg destination, steep vineyards, forest and meadows alternate across the Ruwer landscape; the area is well suited to hiking.

The Maximin Grünhaus winery in Mertesdorf grows Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc across 34 hectares. Wine tastings are available by prior arrangement, including in English or French. Confirm the date and preferred language before you arrive. This allows you to plan a wine tasting as a specific part of your trip rather than assuming it will be available as a spontaneous activity.

Trails through Vineyards and the Ruwer Landscape

The Mertesdorf Panorama Trail (ME 1) runs mostly along natural paths and vineyard tracks, offering views of Mertesdorf and Kasel. Along the way, you will also find information about Mertesdorf’s historic water supply. The route starts and ends in Mertesdorf Grünhaus. There is a car park opposite the Mertesdorf outdoor pool; check the parking situation before you arrive.

With ten stops, the Ruwer Riesling Experience Trail focuses on winegrowing along the Ruwer. It is designed to be accessible, has few inclines, and offers seating and rest areas. These features give you specific points to consider if you are looking for a route with information about winegrowing and places to take a break.

There is also a clearly described option for cyclists: the Ruwer-Hochwald Cycle Route is around 48 kilometres long, has an average gradient of about one percent, and is considered suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. More than 90 percent of the route follows the former Ruwerbahn railway line. The former Hochwaldbahn station in Mertesdorf is right on the cycle route. Its length, average gradient and former railway alignment give the tour a distinct profile compared with the hiking trails.

Water and Activities to Enjoy Together

The Ruwertal outdoor pool in Mertesdorf has a 50-metre swimming pool and diving facilities. It also features a non-swimmers’ pool with a 25-metre water slide and waterfall, a separate children’s pool and beach volleyball. You can take a break on the kiosk terrace; there are also more than 250 parking spaces. This means swimming is another possible focus for your stay, alongside wine and trails.

Roman Traces and Architectural History

Among the archaeological remains in Mertesdorf are the surviving remnants of a Roman stone mill. Another connection to the Roman past is the relief Winzer im Weinkontor, discovered in Mertesdorf. It probably dates from the second century and can be viewed at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum in Trier.

Schloss Grünhaus is also part of the village’s history. The residential building probably retains a late Gothic basic structure and was altered in 1638. Schloss Grünhaus is privately owned and cannot be visited; check this restriction again before planning a visit.

Tailor Your Stay

The activities and trails appeal to different interests, without forming a fixed programme that combines them all. If you plan to include a wine tasting, confirm the date and language well in advance; if you want to use the Panorama Trail, keep its start and end point and the parking situation in mind.

Discover more destinations: Kasel, Detzem, Krettnach, Ralingen, Trier, Schoden, Schweich, Greimerath.

For the wider travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.