Pölich: Wine, the Moselle and Roman traces

Around 85 hectares of vineyards, the Moselle at Pölich and an accessible Roman aqueduct make the village interesting in several different ways. There are also walking and cycling routes, a harbor facility and traces of several centuries of history. When planning your trip, it is worth first deciding what interests you most: wine, water, outdoor activities or history. This makes it easier to match local offerings with your choice of accommodation and the day’s plans.

Vineyards and Pölicher Held

The local wine-growing area is called Pölicher Held. Wine estates and seasonal wine taverns welcome visitors for wine and convivial gatherings. If you would like to experience wine as part of your stay, you can choose between these offerings and a guided walk: the local heritage association offers a traditional wine walk lasting approximately four hours. It takes place on recurring local dates, so check the current schedule in advance.

Roman aqueduct and local history

The Roman aqueduct in Pölich is a tunnel carved into the rock, about 430 meters long. After around 1,800 years, it still contributes to the local water supply. It is freely accessible, and visitors can walk through one section. A themed trail shows the aqueduct’s further course into the vineyards. Take care in the narrow tunnel, and check the access conditions before your visit.

The free ARGO app also brings the structure to life in a special way: it lets you view the aqueduct at its original size and as a 360-degree augmented reality display. Check whether the app is available before your trip. The village’s history also includes Roman and Merovingian traces, the former St. Maximin estate of the Kanzlerhof, dating from 1578, and a wayside cross from 1555.

Comparing hiking trails and cycling routes

The R7 is a well-marked circular trail just under 11 kilometers long. It starts at the Roman aqueduct in Pölich and connects the village with Ensch and Schleich. The Moselsteig runs above Pölich on the Huxlay Plateau and forms part of the 25-kilometer Schweich–Mehring–Leiwen stage. This gives you two distinct hiking options: a circular trail starting in Pölich and a section of a longer stage. Check the R7’s trail markers and conditions locally.

For cycling, a branch of the Moselle Cycle Route passes through Pölich, following Halfenstraße and the Moselle floodplain towards Schleich. Mountain Bike Route 1 runs partly through the Pölich area; access points above Pölich lead through the vineyards by the chapel or the barbecue hut. Mountain Bike Route 5, “Kult(o)ur,” also crosses the area in part. It starts at the old fire station below the Roman aqueduct. The routes therefore differ both in their course and in their stated starting and access points.

The Moselle, harbor and outdoor activities

Swimming, bathing and fishing are possible in the Moselle at Pölich. Check local conditions before swimming. Pölich harbor has 162 moorings and a wide concrete slipway. The Mehring-Pölich Health Park is located above the Pölich barbecue hut and the Huxlay Plateau. It is freely accessible and free to use. Its facilities include a 1,100-meter Finnish track with two 500-meter loops, a 100-meter sprint section and a surface made of wood chips.

Planning guided tours and travel

A regularly offered guided tour is titled “Moselle Slate – More Than Just Rocks and Stones.” It explains the Moselle landscape around Pölich and the importance of slate to local wildlife, plant life and the economy. Dates depend on local arrangements, so check the schedule in advance. This allows you to distinguish this themed introduction to the landscape from the walking and wine experiences.

Bus route 220 serves Pölich. It runs from Trier via Schweich to Pölich and continues to Neumagen-Dhron. Check the current timetable before your trip.

Discover more destinations

Greimerath, Wasserliesch, Kanzem, Detzem, Kelsen, Morscheid, Oberbillig, Wawern

For the broader travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.