A ridge-top stretch of the Moselhoehenweg above Germany's oldest city, Trier, following vineyard-edged plateau paths high above the Moselle with long views down over the river bends and, near the trailhead, the Roman remains of the Porta Nigra and the Roman Bridge.
The Trier section of the Moselhoehenweg starts near the Porta Nigra on Simeonstrasse in the centre of Trier, directly reachable from Trier Hauptbahnhof on foot or by local bus; no permit is required. The stage covers roughly 15-18 kilometres to Schweich, climbing onto a ridge with high points around 300-350 metres above the river and staying largely at that elevation rather than repeatedly ascending and descending, which keeps the overall effort moderate despite the distance; the path follows vineyard-edged plateau tracks and forest lanes, firm underfoot in dry conditions but capable of turning muddy after rain, with no scrambling or exposure beyond the occasional open vineyard edge. Shade alternates between open vineyard stretches and short wooded sections along the plateau. Near the start, the route passes directly by Trier's Roman remains, including the Porta Nigra city gate and, a short detour away, the Roman Bridge over the Moselle, before climbing away from the city into quieter vineyard and farmland country with long views down over the river's bends; Schweich, at the far end, makes a practical turn-around or stage-end point with train and bus connections back to Trier. There are no refuge huts along the ridge, so hikers should carry food and water from Trier, though Schweich offers cafes and a station for resupply or an early exit.
| Distance | About 15-18km for this section; the full Moselhoehenweg runs roughly 185km on each bank |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5-6 hours |
| Trailhead | Train to Trier Hauptbahnhof; regional train or bus back from Schweich |
| Best season | April to June and September to October |
| Address | Trailhead near Trier Porta Nigra, Simeonstrasse, 54290 Trier, Germany |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Ridge trail above the Moselle, Trier to Schweich, Trier-Saarburg district
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- 2 litres of water
- Trail food
- Map or GPS track
Weather through the year in Rhineland-Palatinate
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Rhineland-Palatinate.
Location
Trailhead near Trier Porta Nigra, Simeonstrasse, 54290 Trier, Germany
49.7597, 6.6439 View on map
Highlights
- Roman landmarks at the start: Porta Nigra and the Roman Bridge
- Vineyard-edged plateau views over the Moselle's bends
- Germany's oldest city, Trier, as the trailhead
- Quiet farmland and forest ridge walking above the river
- Train and bus connections at both Trier and Schweich
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Porta Nigra before or after the hike, since it's directly on the route at the trailhead.
- Expect muddy sections on the plateau after rain.
- Carry food and water from Trier, as there are no shops directly on the ridge.
- Use the train or bus back from Schweich rather than retracing the route.
- Start early to make the most of daylight given the stage's 5-6 hour length.
When to visit
April to June and September to October give firm underfoot conditions and comfortable temperatures for the full-day distance.
Accessibility
The stage is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, following unpaved vineyard and forest plateau track for its full length. Trier's Roman monuments at the trailhead are accessible by paved city streets.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Trier section?
It's moderate; the ridge stays at a fairly constant elevation rather than repeatedly climbing, but the distance makes for a full day.
What Roman sites are near the trailhead?
The Porta Nigra city gate and the Roman Bridge over the Moselle are both close to the start in Trier.
How do hikers get back from Schweich?
Regional trains and buses connect Schweich back to Trier.
Is the path shaded?
It alternates between open vineyard sections and short wooded stretches along the plateau.
Can the stage be split?
There's no formal midpoint stop, so most hikers either complete the full stage or treat it as an out-and-back from Trier.