Calmont Klettersteig Hike : Go Through Europe’s Steepest Vineyard – 2024

Looking for detailed directions on how to get to the Calmont Klettersteig and an honest report on what the experience is like for average hikers (like me – not a climber!)? Look no further, I’ve got you covered.

I recently discovered a hidden gem of a hike in Germany – the Mosel River’s Calmont Klettersteig and I’m a huge fan of this relatively easy hike.

TL;DR For 4.75 mile hiking loop on the Calmont Klettersteig through the steepest vineyard in the world with breathtaking views + travel guide with best places to stay and eat.

A “klettersteig” is also known as a “via ferrata” (in Italian) and it’s basically a hike with short sections that are assisted with metal ladders, cables and rungs attached to the rocks on the trail.

My Video of the Calmont Klettersteig in Germany

Calmont Klettersteig Hike (Bremmer Calmont)

The “klettersteig” sections are not too difficult, but definitely a thrilling addition to the hike. Even my mini-doodle made it up (with a little boost from me on the metal ladders)!

As someone who usually gets vertigo on hikes in the Alps or Dolomites (and I’m far too timid to try the via ferratas there), I can promise you that this was pure fun and a little bit easier than the other great klettersteig in the area, Boppard’s Mittelrhein Klettersteig.

And the best part? There are plenty of wine tasting areas along the trail (including a wine vending machine!), but I recommend saving that for after the hike. Trust me, you’ll want to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor weekend getaway, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover the best hotels to make the most of your time on the magnificent Mosel River.

Who is this hike for?

• People who want a bite sized taste for a klettersteig
• People wanting practice for a big summer via ferrata trip
• Newbies working up the courage to try the Mittelrhein Klettersteig next
• This Moselsteig Klettersteig hike is for you if you love steep paths and breathtaking views with pit stops for local wines.

Who is it not for?

• If you hate inclines, this is not the hike for you
• Children under 5
• Hiking with large dogs
• Someone looking for a death defying via ferrata – it’s chill here

The terrain is so steep that the owner of the vineyard has to get his friends to help him harvest each year. In America, this would be called a wellness retreat, but here in Germany it’s just what you do for your classmates.

More Mosel Valley Hidden Gems

More Underrated Mosel River Destinations:

• How to visit Geirlay – Germany’s second longest suspension bridge.
• How to visit Urzig – another klettersteig on the Mosel River.
• 17 Best Things to do in Cochem – The pearl of the Mosel Valley.
• Best Things to do in Beilstein – The Sleeping Beauty Village of the Mosel

Calmont Klettersteig Map

Calmont Höhenweg Loop on the Moselsteig

Free Google Map Mosel Calmont

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse or fingers to zoom in and out. Click on the icons to get more information. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the written index. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your google maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open google maps, click the menu button, and go to “your places”/ “maps.”

📹 Web Stories. Check out behind the scenes with my dog Ruby! She earned the nickname “Kletterhund” from other hikers. She’s such a good girl!

Calmont Klettersteig Trail Guide

Trail Guide: Calmont Klettersteig – Höhenweg. Mosel River Valley Germany

Distance: 4.75 miles, 7.6 km. Loop

Elevation: 1325 ft up, 1275ft down

Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate and slightly technical. Metal rungs and ladders on steep rocky trails but without any real rock climbing.

Start/end point: Ediger-Eller. You can reverse the trail and start in Bremm.

Calmont Klettersteig Komoot: Map with GPS

Kid-friendly: yes, 5+ (depending on their balance)

Stroller-friendly: not even a little bit

Dog-friendly: Only small dogs you can carry up a ladder

Fees: none

Camino de Santiago: Yes – short stretches on the Mosel route of Camino

Something Good to Eat: Wajos – The perfect ending to a perfect hike on the Calmont Klettersteig This riverside lounge serves amazing wines, some beers and has a kitchen with burgers and more. Comfy chairs and yard games and little playhouses for the kids make it a great hangout. Maybe your friends don’t like to hike and can meet you here at the end for a chill time.

🥾😓 Feeling Overwhelmed Planning a Hike? Use my custom-built online Hiking Time Calculator for Non-techie People.

The 24 stage, 365 km Moselsteig long distance hiking trail meanders along the Mosel River from the corner of Luxembourg-France-German border to Koblenz, Germany.

IMHO, the Calmont Klettersteig is the most exciting section.

Calmont Klettersteig Trail Report

4.75 miles of views, cables and vineyards

You’ll start up this rocky path right from the riverside village of Ediger-Eller. The signs point out local history and even have bike repair shops listed with phone numbers.

In late May the path is lined by rosehips and raspberries as you wind your way upward to the Klettersteig path.

You’ll pass by wine tasting huts located right on the trail and walk past gates directly into the vineyards, the broad leaves brushing your arms.

This part of the Mosel is very steep and vineyards cut vertically and horizontally across the cliffs.

The loop is best done with the klettersteig first and then finish with the mystical höhenweg and ending at the riverside for a glass of wine.

The Calmont Klettersteig is about 2 miles across with multiple ladders and a few cable assisted sections to get to Bremm.

Either stop for refreshment in the village or do a wine tasting, but resume the trek by turning uphill at the church. Then go past the wine automat and up a mosquito-filled creek bed to the höhenweg.

You’ll have soft wooded trails and impressive views here near sunset and great lighting of the famous kloster ruins and horshebend in the river.

Before heading down the rocky path back to Ediger-Eller, you’ll pass by a 2000 year old Roman chapel. It is divine.

Who is This Guide NOT for and What are the Alternatives?

Seeking an adventure isolated from people? The ends of this trail can be crowded during the high season. The mid sections will likely be fairly relaxed.

I went on Father’s Day to the Calmont Klettersteig which is a national drinking/hiking holiday for German families and it wasn’t too bad. I really only saw 2-3 other groups of hikers once I hiked out of the villages.

The calmont hike and calmont vineyard is also not suitable for strollers. There are sections that would be great for backpacking your kid with a pack.

Skip the hike but get the views:

🚠 SUMMER CHAIRLIFTS
An easy & relaxing Way to experience the German OUTDOORS 🚠
It doesn’t have to be HARD to explore the magnificent Outdoors. The Boppard and Assmannshausen chairlifts offer stunning views of the Rhine River, while the Cochem chairlift takes you over vineyards and the Moselle River.

1️⃣ On the Upper Middle Romantic Rhine UNESCO site:
the Boppard Chairlift, Rüdesheim cable car and Assmannshausen chairlift offer stunning views of the Rhine River.

2️⃣ Flying over the Moselle River:
the Cochem chairlift takes you over vineyards and slate blue craggy mini-mountains.

Just like an e-bike, a bit of technology can make exploring nature more accessible to everyone. 

The Crossroads of Adventure, Culture and Cuisine

Don’t be fooled – the Calmont Klettersteig isn’t all about aggressive climbing! In fact, there’s plenty of culture to be found here. The stunning Bremmer Calmont region, including the steepest vineyard in Europe, was even featured in National Geographic Magazine by the incredible drone photographer, George Steinmetz.

With 2000 years of history to discover, this adventure offers a unique blend of culture and outdoor exploration. The vineyards in the region were first developed by the Romans, so you know you’re in for some amazing Rieslings. Come experience the beauty and history of the Calmont Klettersteig for yourself.

Hiking with your Dog on Calmont Mosel Klettersteig

My goldendoodle Ruby earned her trail name from another hiking family on the Calmont Klettersteig. Kletterhund!

However, if you cannot carry your dog in your arms, I would not recommend you bring your dog. My husky would run himself off the cliffs and I couldn’t carry him up the 8 ft upright metal ladder.

Getting to the Calmont Klettersteig Route

4.75 miles of Breathtaking Views of the Mosel River

The Calmont Klettersteig winds through impossibly steep vineyards on the south bank of the Mosel River between the half timbered villages of Bremm & Ediger-Eller Germany.

It’s a perfect day excursion from the air hubs of Frankfurt or Luxembourg or a 1.5 hour car trip from the Kaiserslautern military area.

Parking Klettersteig Mosel Calmont

Parking likely will fill up in Erdiger-Eller or Bremm Germany, especially in summer so get there early. You can access the trail on either side, but I prefer Erdiger-Eller due to the super chill lounge at the end of the hike.

By Train

The best way to access the Calmont Klettersteig route is by train. This region is served by the DB Bahn train system.

The train runs to nearby charming Cochem for a true taste of the Mosel valley charm.

Download the DB Bahn app and you’ll find the best timetables. The train runs typically 1-2 times per hour. You can purchase tickets on app or at the local kiosk at every train station. There are toilets onboard. If you get caught not paying for a ticket there is a 60 euro fine.

Trailheads in Bremm and Ediger-Eller

Trail Signage is abundant to get to the Calmont Klettersteig from the train and parking lots.

From the Ediger-Eller train station walk directly to the Ediger-Eller trail head within a few minutes following the ample signs.

If accessing the trail in Bremm (walking the other direction), the Neef train station is a 25 minute walk from the Bremm trailhead.

Tips for Visiting the 1250 ft high Calmont & its Wineries

Where else in the world can you engage in perfectly healthy activities like hiking and indulge in local wines served from a vending machine at the same time?

Calmont Klettersteig Bremm Wine Automats!

You’ll need an ID to swipe due to the drinking age of 16 in Germany, but grab your local wine from the wine automat near the Bremm trailhead.

Give yourself the opportunity to hike atop the Calmont near sunset if you can. The light is stunning and passing by the Roman chapels and view of the ruined nunnery really are special.

The Calmont Klettersteig hike itself should only take 2 hours – so there’s plenty of time to do a wine tasting on the trail. Preferably after you complete the lower “klettersteig” section which is more technical and before the rambling, easy “höhenweg” section atop the Calmont.

The winery Weingut Franzen offers delicious wines produced right here on the Calmont Klettersteig. Email them at [email protected] to arrange a tour or tasting.

5 Best Things to do in the Area Beyond Hiking

There is more than just hiking in the Mosel Valley.

For even more amazing views visit the Aussichtsturm Prinzenkopf – a gorgeous observation deck close to ample parking.

1. Soak up the Riverside Wine Culture Ambiance on the Klettersteig Calmont

Check out one of the many, many local lounges alongside the river serving snacks and delicious plates with their local wines. My favorite is Wajos in Ediger-Eller due to its plentiful lawn games to keep the kids entertained while tired hikers can sit back and relax.

2. Go Canoeing

Get up the Road to Cochem 25 minutes drive or train for a guided canoe tour with plenty of stops at wineries and lunch included with a local guide program.

3. Go Wine Tasting – Calmont Wine

Only 15 minutes up the road from the Calmont Klettersteig is the Weingut Basten with a half day guided wine tasting tour with small plates. Learn about the wineries and taste the results of the vines you just climbed through.

It’s perhaps the steepest vineyard in the world and perfect for wine tasting.

4. Check out Germany’s Oldest City

If you’re curious about the oldest Roman city in Germany, you should check out the lovely Trier also located on the Mosel River. There are many things to do in Trier, from ancient amphitheaters to 2,000 year old gates.

5. Bike and Boat Tour of Mosel River

Enjoy a picnic and Bike and boat tour of Mosel on this tour near Cochem. It includes a wine tasting also.

Bremmer Calmont History

Located in Cochem-Zell in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate – the Calmont is in the heart of the Mosel Wine River Region.

One of the interesting points of is Kloster Stuben. It was an Augustinian nunnery that hosted the world’s largest “Staurothek” for 600 years.

According to Christian history, parts of the cross Christ was crucified on were held in this reliquary. Further into the hike, you’ll even pass by an ancient Roman chapel on the top of the Calmont.

Where to Stay Near the Calmont Klettersteig

Stay in a Castle Hotel of Course!

Check out the links here from Booking – I always use them for my city and multi-day hikes because they are trustworthy and helpful to keep organized.

German castle hotels dot the entire country making for a unique hotel experience. Close to the Mosel River, the Rhine River has castles about every 2.5 km in the UNESCO Upper Middle Rhine Valley Gorge.

After the hike here you can drive 30 minutes to the Rhine River gorge and stay at one of the many luxurious Castle Hotels on the Rhine or you can sleep in the back of your SUV with a sweet mattress.

Rhine River Castle Hotels

Best Castle Stay: Rheinfels Castle Hotel

Romantik Schloss Hotel Rheinfels Wellness hotel and restaurant overlooking the scenic Sankt Goar on the Rhine River. Burg Rheinfels hotel features private rooms overlooking the Rhine River.

Oberwesel Castle Hotel Stay

Burghotel auf Schönburg sits atop Oberwesel like a star upon a Christmas tree, full of joy, wine and beauty.

They’ve even got a torture museum in addition to the river view rooms and delicious restaurant. There are 18 medieval towers and so many other cool things to do in Oberwesel.

Monastery Hotel

This delightful Springiersbacher Hof farm stay within a monastery boasts an outdoor pool and is right in the heart of Ediger – Eller for an excellent homebase. Hike there from the previous section and stay 2 nights.

The second day head out for this incredible klettersteig loop and stay there the second night before embarking on the rest of your journey on the Moselsteig.

Bremm Hotel With Free Bikes

If you want to make Bremm your homebase, the Kleines Winzerhausen hotel offers free bicycles so you can take a load off your knees while taking a day to explore these quaint wine villages and the klettersteig.

Tips for Hiking

Best Time to Hike the Calmont Klettersteig

The best time to visit the Mosel valley is April through November.

Mother’s Day….or Fathers Day is ideal.

The spring time or October would be best due to blossoms and foliage and hotels and castle hotels operating fully. More importantly there will be less tourists so you can soak up the dreamscape in solitude.

However the trails are accessible year round.

If planning this as a winter (or late fall, early Spring) hike, carefully consider your daylight hours. There are signs of wild hogs or “boar”.

They can get fussy with their territory or babies and potentially charge your shins at dusk or in the evening.

Weather Bremm Germany

It’s pretty mild here in southwest Germany. This valley gorge can get filled with fog and rain, so take appropriate rain gear and footwear for traction if the weather calls for rain. It lies at the intersection of the Hunsrück and Palatinate forests and usually is much more mild in temperature and snowfall.

The other consideration to take seriously are floods and mudslides. These gorges are steep, so If the weather report has 4-5 days of rain in a row after a month of not having much rain at all, ditch your plans, it’s not worth it.

The landscape might not absorb water and trees will be at risk of falling branches on the trails and your head, and the stony paths will be slippery.

To make lemonade, the warming weather means there’s rarely snow on the ground and January hikes are relatively pleasant. I wore a fleece and trail running shoes in January. It’s possible to do as a winter hike (I did!) but many hotels and restaurants will be closed for vacation.

Gear for Calmont Klettersteig Germany

These paths are slightly technical. While they aren’t demanding like the alpspitze klettersteig, schwarzhorn klettersteig or zugspitze klettersteig, there are some slippery places demanding good balance.

For the via ferrata Germany, a decent trail or running shoe would work. Boots would work as well, but please avoid wearing non technical sandals or slippery bottomed shoes. It’s a gentle hike and perfect for wearing a hiking dress so you can visit the wineries in style after your hike.

You DO NOT NEED any ferrata gear for the Calmont Klettersteig.

However, you may want a dog carrier backpack to get your small or medium dog up and down the 2-3 ladders.

I used my arms, but there was a moment I wished I had something more secure.

If you’ve got any kind of knee pain on the downhills, using a pair of trekking poles can be really helpful.

You’d want to have rubber tips though. Part of the trail is on pavement so the metal tips will be annoying and the rubber helps.

Bring your own water as buying water in Germany is insanely expensive both at restaurants and at convenience stores, if you can even find it.

If you do order water, you’ll likely get the carbonated version unless you ask otherwise.

Every German child’s backpack is outfitted like a VSCO girl with a reusable water bottle. Water fountains are not a thing. Curious about how to clean a hiking backpack? I’ve got you covered in this Deuter backpack cleaning tutorial.

Recommended Resources

All 24 sections of the Moselsteig Long Distance Hiking Path Section 7 & Section 8 Blog post

How to use Komoot – Tutorial for a European hiking & social GPS app

Classic Rick Steves Germany Guidebook – This brand is so awesome, explore European through the backdoor.

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I hope you enjoyed this Calmont Klettersteig hiking guide.

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