Hiking Section 7 of Mosel Hike or “Moselsteig” from Mehring to Leiwen
Serious views with one massive climb with slight feels of the Alps.
I’ve always wanted to do one of Germany’s famous “wine hikes” but the timing or knowledge of when they are has kept me from finding one. But like most things hiking and outdoors in Europe, a big plan isn’t needed for a delicious culinary outdoor experience. The “Moselsteig” hiking trail winds 250 miles through some of the steepest vineyards in the world (and the almost Alpine like craggy cliffs next to them).
You’ll get a Nature and forest experience that ends each stage in an impossibly cute wine town filled with family wineries and their many Wine Probe Stube (wine tasting rooms). No event needed for delicious local wines and hiking one stage at a time, or combine a few of them and stay in local winery/guesthouses on a multi day trek.
tl;dr
A steep and incredible views-packed Section 7 of the 24 section “Moselsteig”, the long distance hiking trail from the French-German border through the horseshoe-bending Mosel River Valley to the Roman city of Koblenz.
Each hike includes detailed GPS guidance so it’s simple and not frustrating to find your way, food recommendations, and history highlights.
How This Mosel River Valley Trail Guide is Organized
- Trail Map Mosel River Valley Hike: Section 7 of Moselsteig
- Getting to the Mosel River Valley Hike Section 7 & Area Guide
- Trail Guide Mosel River Valley Hike: Section 7 of Moselsteig
- Tips for Hiking Mosel River Valley Long Distance Hike: Section 7 of Moselsteig
- Beyond the Best Hikes in Germany: Dolomites in Summer
- Recommended Books and Guidebooks for European Hiking
This post links to products and services we love, which we may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!! – Morgan
Trail Map Mosel River Valley Hike: Section 7 of Moselsteig – 9.4 Miles or 15 km
This hike is for you if you want to challenge yourself and have great views of the Mosel River Valley.
Trail Name: Mosel River Valley Hike: Section 7 of Moselsteig Mehring to Leiwen
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.”
Getting to the Mosel River Valley Hike: Section 7 of Moselsteig Hikes & Area Guide
Skip Directly to Trail Guide
German Word: Steig = Steep path.
The trailhead is at the bridge crossing over the Mosel River and you’ll head directly up the staircase.
The best way to access the Mosel River hikes is by train. The VRN bus system services this area from the city of Trier. From Leiwen back to your car in Mehring, the bus comes at :54 on the hour but check schedules as they may change.
You’ll likely not find directions on google maps, so it can be a bit confusing but buses typically run once per hour through these villages along the Mosel.
The easiest way is to use a car and park directly behind the Sportplatz in Mehring.
The Frankfurt Hahn airport is 50 minutes away by car and the Frankfurt International Airport is 2 hours away, both with bus access to this area by way of the city of Trier or bus and train from Koblenz. From Trier you can use the local bus system to get to these villages along the Mosel.
The Mosel River winds 338 miles from the western border of the Vosges mountains of eastern France and meets the River Rhine in Koblenz. Called the Moselle in France, it creates a natural border between the Hunsrück and Eifel mountain ranges within Germany.
To listen while you walk or bike along the Mosel, this audiobook will give you some background of the history of Germany.
Who is This Guide NOT for and What are the Alternatives?
This guide is not for strollers or small children, it’s a long day with ups and downs. If not enchanted with wineries but want more dramatic mountains the Italian Dolomites might be your preference.
If you are looking for an alternative in Germany, the gorgeous Rhine River offers vineyard and gorgeous river views hiking as well. It also has the possibility to hike from one castle hotel to the next castle hotel directly on the trail.
Mosel River Valley Hike: Section 7 of MoselsteigTrail Guide Mehring to Leiwen & Back with Bus
Komoot App with GPS Tracking: You get one free zone with this awesome app.
https://www.komoot.com/tour/632028807?ref=wtd
Location: Mehring, Germany, 1 Hour from Ramstein Air Base
Trail Guide: Mosel River Valley Hike : Section 7
Type of Hike: Point to Point, Return with Bus 220 departs at :54 back to Mehring
Distance: 9.4 miles
Elevation: 1300 ft up,1400 ft down
Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, All the action is up front then it mellows
Start/end point: Parking Lot
Kid-friendly: yes, 10+
Stroller-friendly: no
Dog-friendly: yes
Fees: No
Camino de Santiago: No
Something Good to Eat: Hotel zum Moseltal with friendly service right on the river.
Coming from Out of Town? Best Places to Stay
Budget
Going budget and have an SUV? It’s completely legal to sleep in your car (but only one night in each place) in Germany in a parking lot with a comfy SUV air mattress.
▶️ Stay in a Winegut (Winery) at Weingut***Pension Günther Scholtes
▶️ Have your own cute 3 Bedroom apartment at Ferienwohnung Cäcilia im idyllischen Haus Kommeles – Leiwen an der Mosel
▶️ Gorgeous chic apartment with homemade jam and wine at “REH”-sidenz Moselschleife
Tips for Hiking Section 7 of Moselsteig Trail Mehring to Leiwen & Back with Bus
These paths are pretty steep in the beginning so a good trail shoe or boot and trekking poles would be a good idea if you have any joint issues or prone to falls.
The tower for the 5 see views is under renovation due to rotted wood, bummer.
Despite being in the forest, please ensure proper sun protection during the summer months and protect your eyes from the damage inflicted by the sun.
Try to time your finish in Leiwen to half past the hour, that way you can catch the bus back to Mehring without waiting so long. The station is in the center of town at the water fountain.
Follow street signs to the “bushaltstelle”. When coming back to Mehring get off at the first stop, the “bridge” stop.
Bring your own water as the spring water is questionable and buying water in Germany tends to be rather expensive both at restaurants and at convenience stores.
It is never free to get tap water in Germany unless you have a serious hook up with a restaurateur.
Beyond the Best Hikes in Germany: Dolomites in Summer
If you’re looking for some amazing mountain adventures with WWI history, check out the Alta Via 1 Hike in the Dolomites. Hike and scramble over the path of the Alpini soldiers and explore the bunkers, via ferratas and outdoor museums at Cinque Torri.
You’ll be immersed in the history of the Italian Front during this gorgeous hike. It’s only possible in summer between mid-June and mid-September. It’s absolutely necessary to plan 6 months ahead of time to get lodging at huts directly on the high elevation trails.
It’s a 2-3 hour drive from Venice or a 7-8 hour drive from Ramstein Air Base. Here’s a detailed packing list of everything you would need to complete a 5 day hut to hut hiking trip to explore the Italian front of WWI.
Best Hikes in Europe
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy rambling around the Mosel River Valley.
Have you experienced a cool trail nearby? We would love to hear how it was over on our facebook group European Adventure Travel Planning.
Recommended Books and Guidebooks for Exploring Hut to Hut Hiking and Dayhikes in Germany and in Europe
Rota Vicentina Cicerone guidebook
Headed to the Dolomites in Italy? Alta Via 1 Cicerone Guidebook
with , Crave the Planet
▶️ P.S. If you like Crave the Planet you can help me do more by becoming one of my monthly supporters. When I get to $500/month in support, I’ll launch a $500 scholarship in the name of the patron who has donated the most by the time the goal is reached.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a passionate hiker and writer, physical therapist, and European Cornhole Commissioner. She is living near Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany and featured giving science-based hiking tips and advice.
When not out exploring the mountains or sea, she’s writing articles and gear reviews to empower Outdoor Journeys that include family and good food. She is actively involved in the community and advocating for connection and sustainability with her community projects at Cornhole Europa and Sustainable Investors Group.