Ten wayside crosses, information boards about their different origins, and a starting point in the village square give the Horath Wayside Cross Hiking Trail a specific theme. The approximately 11 km route connects the crosses around Horath. Anyone choosing a hiking destination for their stay can compare it with the nature-focused Dhrontal Wackentour.
Two Different Hiking Themes
The Wayside Cross Hiking Trail focuses on the crosses and their origins: information boards explain the different origins of the ten wayside markers. The route starts in the village square and is approximately 11 km long. This makes it possible to assess the length of the tour alongside its cultural and historical theme.
The Dhrontal Wackentour has a different focus. As a nature-oriented hiking trail, it offers expansive views, idyllic stream valleys, and remarkable natural landmarks. The premium hiking trail is 14.5 km long, rated moderate to difficult, and listed as taking approximately 4.5 hours to walk. Starting points include the car park at the Gräfendhron community center and the car park at the Familien-Hotel Hochwald in Horath.
The two tours differ in length as well as character: on one route, information boards explain the wayside crosses, while the Dhrontal Wackentour is described in terms of natural features and a stated difficulty rating. These details give you different points of reference for planning your day without equating the tours.
In the wider travel destination of Bernkastel-Wittlich
In the wider travel destination of Bernkastel-Wittlich, the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley, and the HunsrĂĽck, rich in forests and meadows, meet. Activities there range from hiking and cycling tours to exhibitions, historic sites, and wine tastings.
At 816 meters high, the Erbeskopf invites visitors to go hiking 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 peatlands. This means that the wider travel destination offers a choice of both outdoor activities and an exhibition about nature.
Another hiking comparison takes you to Manderscheid: the two medieval castle ruins stand opposite each other on steep mountain spurs above the Lieser. The 5.4 km Manderscheid Castle Trail runs around the castles as a moderately difficult circular hike; its stated duration is two hours. The castle via ferrata is laid out differently: it comprises three stages, is approximately 4 km long in total, and one kilometer of it is secured with cables. This makes it possible to distinguish a circular hike with a stated difficulty and duration from a multi-stage via ferrata with a specified cable-secured section.
For cyclists, the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route runs 58.5 km from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues along a disused railway line. A bike bus takes cyclists on the route from Bernkastel-Kues back to the starting point; the return trip can be booked in advance. The route, destination, and return journey offer a different planning framework from the hiking trails.
Culture and wine are also among the themes of the wider travel destination of Bernkastel-Wittlich. The Church of the Visitation of Mary in Klausen was consecrated in 1502; Klausen is still a destination for pilgrims every year. The Cusanus Birthplace in Kues is used as a museum and event venue and features a permanent exhibition about Nicholas of Cusa.
The wine shop in the historic vaulted cellars of St. Nicholas Hospital offers wine tastings. Wines from the Moselle, Saar, and Ruwer are sampled there; the selection includes 100 wines, from quality wines to ice wine. Alongside hiking, cycling, and culture, this provides a distinct food-and-drink focus for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Merschbach, Dhronecken, Deuselbach, LĂĽckenburg, Etgert, Berglicht, Malborn, Heidenburg
Back to the wider travel overview: Thalfang Am Erbeskopf.
