Graach an der Mosel combines a history of winegrowing with hiking trails that reveal different sides of the Moselle landscape. On the Himmelreich hiking trail, vineyard paths alternate with open woodland; the Graacher Schanzenweg passes preserved fortification remains. There are also named vineyard sites, viewpoints and a wine hike with tastings. This lets you focus your trip on outdoor activities, scenery or wine while also exploring local history.
Wine Country and Village Character
Graach is a wine village on the Moselle. Its named vineyard sites include Himmelreich, Domprobst and Abtsberg. In the historic village center, Moselle-style half-timbered winegrowers’ houses and wineries shape the streetscape. The village thus brings together the winegrowing cultural landscape and a historic center. Wineries in Graach offer wine tastings by appointment. A wine hike follows the Eselspädchen trail, passes through the goat enclosure and includes tastings of ten wines from Graach winegrowers. The formats differ when planning your visit: for a tasting at a winery, you arrange an appointment; the wine hike combines the trail, goat enclosure and tasting in one offer.
Hiking and Views
The Himmelreich hiking trail is 7.5 kilometers long and is considered easy. About half the route runs high above the Moselle along vineyard paths, with the rest passing through open woodland. The start and finish are at the car park of the Graacher Schäferei, “An der Traver Ruh.” Auf´m Hahn is an alternative starting point. Information about trail access may change due to local access regulations; check the situation before setting out.
The Moselsteig trail passes through Graach and the Schäferei district. The Eselspädchen trail offers views of the Moselle’s cultural landscape and, on clear days, as far as the Eifel. From viewpoints in Schäferei, you can look out over the Moselle and its green valley. When choosing a route, consider the different features: the length and difficulty of the Himmelreich hiking trail, the scenery along the Eselspädchen and in Schäferei, and the history of the fortifications on the Schanzenweg.
Traces of History
The Graacher Schanzen are the remains of an 18th-century fortification. The Graacher Schanzenweg crosses the preserved remains and passes the Maria Zill viewpoint. The church in Graach also has a date connected with the history of craftsmanship: in 1914, it received an organ made by the Bonn organ builder Johannes Klais.
Planning and the Wider Region
The Graach municipal and tourist information office organizes wine weekends, day trips, hiking and cycling tours, and bus or boat trips. For specific activities, it is advisable to check the relevant dates in advance.
Bernkastel-Wittlich in the Wider Region
The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination brings together the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley, and the forest- and meadow-rich HunsrĂĽck. At 816 meters, the Erbeskopf invites visitors to hike in the Bernkastel-Wittlich destination and offers a variety of winter sports. At the Erbeskopf, the National Park Gate provides information about nature and the environment; its interactive multimedia exhibition focuses on forests and peat bogs.
Discover more destinations: Papiermühle, Ürzig, Wintrich, Wehlen, Kesten, Piesport, Lösnich, Erden.
Return to the overview of the wider destination: Bernkastel-Kues.
