Tawern: Roman temple in the forest and a wide valley

Tawern lies between the Moselle and Saar rivers in a broad valley that opens northeast towards Trier and the Moselle Valley. Its landscape includes Hardwald, Pflauberg, Metzenberg, Röhlert, Orschenberg, Lück and Rosenberg. The reconstructed Roman temple complex is located in the forest above the Vicus Tabernae. Tawern thus brings together a distinctive valley landscape and the history of a Roman settlement.

Vicus and temple precinct

The visible Vicus Tabernae is considered the core of today’s village. Tawern is thought to have originated around the turn of the era as a stop on the Roman road from Trier to Metz. At the beginning of the 1st century, a temple precinct was built on Metzenberg near a Roman road. In its first construction phase, five small temples stood side by side. The Roman temple complex was reconstructed between 1986 and 1999.

The upper terrace features a reconstructed Gallo-Roman ambulatory temple and an adjoining chapel. The largest temple housed a statue of Mercury slightly larger than life-size. The complex also offers an impression of ancient religious beliefs. From the roadside settlement of the Vicus to the temple buildings, Tawern’s Roman history can be encountered in various forms.

Hear the history and experience it in space

The audio guide explains Roman life and how the temple complex was used. The free ARGO app lets you view the complex in augmented reality. The two options have different focuses: the audio guide explores everyday life and function, while the app adds a visual presentation. You can tailor your visit to focus more on explanations or on the spatial experience, depending on your interests.

There is also a connection to pilgrimage outside the temple precinct: a Way of St James pilgrim stamp can be found in the tower room of St Peter and Paul. This small detail sits alongside the Roman traces as another aspect of Tawern’s local history.

Hiking trails and getting around

The temple complex lies on hiking trail G11. There is a forest car park for visitors; from there, the complex is about a 15-minute walk away. On 16 August 2026, the temple complex was freely accessible and could be visited at any time. Check this access information again before your trip.

The Roman tour passes through the Vicus roadside settlement and reaches the temple complex on Metzenberg. It offers views towards Trier and access to historic excavations at the temple site. The route continues through the Mannebachtal to the Talbachhütte. You can choose between focusing on the archaeological site and taking a tour that also includes the Vicus and the valley landscape. The Verkehrsverbund Region Trier (VRT) provides further information on bus services to and from Tawern.

A suitable base for your stay

The Roman Temple trekking site has wooden platforms for one or two tents, a rest area and a composting toilet. When choosing accommodation in Tawern, you can consider what you would like to focus on during your trip: the temple complex, the Roman tour, or both. The trekking site is a specific option for overnight stays in a tent; the facilities listed provide practical guidance.

Discover more destinations: Ockfen, Langsur, Ralingen, Mehring, Naurath, Gusenburg, Greimerath, Serrig.

See the broader travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.