Discover Lehmen along its trails, which offer experiences on very different scales: The Würzlaysteig is an 11.3-kilometre linear themed trail on the Mosel.Erlebnis.Route from Lehmen to Löf. The vineyard discovery trail in the Razejungewingert offers a contrast: it is a circular trail about 280 metres long, with themed information boards. Winegrowing, local history and the natural environment of the Moselle vineyards add to the picture. You can choose between a longer hike, a short themed trail and individual cultural and nature destinations.
Hiking trails on different scales
The Würzlaysteig passes through the four valleys of the Ausoniusstein Nature Reserve, the Kattenes Mill Valley, the Kehrbach Valley and the Alsbach Valley. These valleys offer glimpses of native flora and fauna. When planning, it is important to apply the information about the northern section specifically to that stretch: it is 2.7 kilometres long and runs between Lehmen and the Ausoniusstein, above steep vineyards. A good head for heights, sure footing and stamina are required there. Depending on your fitness, allow about 1.5 to 2.5 hours; the section is not recommended for children under eight.
A longer regional hiking option is the 100-kilometre Schoppenstecher circular hiking trail. The circular route runs along both sides of the Moselle through steep vineyards, wooded heights and winegrowing villages between Koblenz and Treis-Karden. In Lehmen, sights include the Klosterberg viewpoint, the Moselle barrage, the bell tower and the Ausoniusstein viewpoint. The longer regional loop and the Würzlaysteig, which runs in a straight line from Lehmen to Löf, therefore differ both in length and in route type.
Winegrowing and the vineyard discovery trail
Lehmen currently has 23 hectares of planted vineyards. About 80 percent are white wine varieties and around 20 percent red wine varieties. Riesling is the dominant grape variety in the five vineyard sites of Moselsürscher Fahrberg, Lehmener Ausoniusstein, Lehmener Klosterberg, Lehmener Würzlay and Lehmener Lay. These figures offer a concrete insight into the winegrowing that helps shape the local landscape.
Along the vineyard discovery trail, themed information boards highlight features of the vineyard, including dry-stone walls as habitats, butterflies and reptiles. Members of the Lehmer Razejunge created the project for children on a voluntary basis. The group also tends its own vineyard in the Lehmener Würzlay, as well as vineyard terraces, dry-stone walls and small biotopes on the steep slopes. It introduces children and young people to winegrowing in the cultural landscape of the Terraced Moselle.
Würzlay, viewpoints and nature
The Lehmener Würzlay stretches from the southern edge of the village to the Ausoniusstein Nature Reserve in the direction of Kattenes. It is one of 30 designated historic winegrowing landscapes along the Moselle. Rare species of the Moselle vineyards find a habitat there, including the rock bunting, wall lizard, smooth snake and red-winged grasshopper. Numerous day-flying and nocturnal moths and butterflies can also be observed. The landscape and its biodiversity offer another way to discover Lehmen, alongside its winegrowing and local history.
The Ausoniusstein viewpoint overlooks the Moselle Valley as well as Oberfell, Kattenes and Alken. There is also a former slate mine there, where Moselle slate was mined until the 1930s. The viewpoint and the mining history show two different sides of the same place.
Local history and practical information
The small, unadorned bell tower of St. Castor's Church houses a bell and has been a listed monument since 1980. Dating from the 12th century, it is one of the sights passed by the Schoppenstecher hiking trail in Lehmen. High above the village, right next to the L 82, stands the Lehmen lime tree, with a wayside shrine erected in 1759. The tree is estimated to be 300 to 320 years old and has been protected as a natural monument since 1937.
From the car park at Lehmen lock on the B 416, you can reach the vineyard discovery trail via a signposted footpath of about 500 metres. Check local notices for temporary changes to parking and signposting. The Moselle Cycle Route passes right by the vineyard discovery trail in Lehmen. The Würzlaysteig can be accessed via the railway stations in Lehmen, Kattenes and Löf; check the timetable for your specific train connection.
Discover more destinations: Castles.
Return to the main travel overview: Kobern-Gondorf.
