Morshausen brings together hiking, cycling and village history in a very tangible way: the village is a stage on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, a cycling route passes through it, and historic sites such as the Schwengelbrunnen tell stories of the past. When looking for accommodation in Morshausen, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: hiking days, a cycling tour or the village’s history.
Choose Hiking Trails by Stage
The Saar-Hunsrück-Steig runs from Idar-Oberstein to Boppard and has a stage stop in Morshausen. Stage 22 runs from the Schmausemühle to Morshausen, through the Baybach Gorge and over the Murscher Eselsche. Stage 23 leads from Morshausen through the Ehrbach Gorge to Oppenhausen. The two stages can therefore be distinguished by their stated routes, without combining them into a single loop.
The ratings also offer a specific comparison: Stage 22 received 102 experience points and ranked first among 27 stages; Stage 23 received an average of 85 points. The Murscher Eselsche Dream Loop received 86 experience points and ranked fourth in a 2013 selection of German hiking trails. Murscher Aussichten was opened as Germany’s first certified hiking trail.
Both the Murscher Eselsche and Murscher Aussichten start at the playground by the Jakob-Kneip oak. It has a sandpit, a carousel, a slide, a bee hotel, and a picnic and rest bench. As operating details may change, it is a good idea to check the current situation shortly before your visit.
Cycling Route and Views
The Schinderhannes-Untermosel Cycle Path passes through Morshausen along its 22-kilometre route from Emmelshausen to Burgen. This route offers a clear point of reference for planning: it connects the passage through the village with a route whose start and destination are specified. The village also reveals different sides when explored on foot. Its elevated position offers views in every direction; to the northwest, they extend as far as the Moselle Valley and deep into the Eifel.
Those interested in trails and their history will find further points of interest at the Murscher Eselsche. Large sections of the historic mining trail have been incorporated into the current hiking trail. The route leads to a spoil heap, where visitors can learn about ore mining at the Theresia mine.
The Fountain, the School and Jakob Kneip
The Schwengelbrunnen is on Brunnenstraße. It was built in the 15th century in the style of Hungarian Pusta fountains and recalls the village’s past. In earlier times, women from Morshausen used to hold laundry days there. The fountain thus brings together both its historic design and its former use.
Another link to the village’s history is the old village school. It was built in 1882, and the writer Jakob Kneip started school there in 1887. The Jakob Kneip Museum in Morshausen displays works by the writer, parts of his study, reference books, paintings, historical documents and works by artists from his circle. Admission is free, but visits are only possible by appointment. If you plan to visit the museum, be sure to arrange an appointment in advance.
Traces of Literature and Mining
Hikers and cyclists will also come across other historical landmarks along the way. The figure Hampit depicts the main character in a novel by Jakob Kneip and was installed before the Murscher-Eselsche trail opened. The Heiligenstock shrine is below the Murscher Eselsche and was restored in 1982. The Heiligenkreuz, built in 1741, also stands on the Schinderhannes-Untermosel Cycle Path between Beulich and Morshausen.
The mining history includes the ore mine Theresia’s Zechenhaus, built around 1860. The hiking trail leads to a spoil heap where visitors can learn about ore mining at this mine. You can also choose the route based on whether, alongside the scenery, you are interested in historic landmarks and mining history.
An Annual Event
Stutzweck is distributed annually on Good Friday after a midday church service. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check in advance whether it is taking place.
Discover more destinations: Mastershausen, Reckershausen, Erbach, Benzweiler, Wahlenau, Buchholz, Gemünden, Riegenroth.
See the full travel overview: Rhine-Hunsrück.
