The mining trail runs mostly through woodland, passing ten slate mines; a Roman sanctuary with three temples stands on Feller Burgkopf. Fell offers mining history and archaeological remains as distinct focal points for planning your trip. Vineyards and historic buildings also shape the character of the town.
Getting to the visitor mine
From Trier, the Moselbahn, line 22, runs through the Ruwer Valley to the Fell visitor mine; the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From the Fell, Neustraße stop, it is about a 30-minute walk to the mine. The route passes through the historic gate and by traces of mining, and partly follows the mining trail. Check the line’s timetable before your trip so you can plan for the walk after you arrive.
Hiking the mining trail
The mining trail offers a choice of routes measuring 5 and 7.5 kilometres. The longer route passes through Fell and its vineyards. The trail runs mostly through woodland and passes ten slate mines with information boards about the history and operation of mining. You can choose the route length to suit your preference, while the boards highlight mining as the trail’s theme. Check the route details before setting out.
Slate mining underground and along the trail
A guided tour underground at the Fell visitor mine lasts approximately one hour. The temperature remains constant at 12 to 13 degrees Celsius, so bear this in mind when choosing what to wear. As visitor arrangements can change, check the current conditions before your trip. The Hoffnung mine also preserves a large part of its historic rail network. The Barbara-Hoffnung visitor mine between Fell and Thomm comprises two typical slate mines dating from around the turn of the century. Together, these sites offer insights into different aspects of slate mining without needing to be treated as a single complex.
Roman traces on Feller Burgkopf
Feller Burgkopf is a steep, rocky slate ridge where the valleys of the Feller Bach and Weigerbach meet. A Roman mountain sanctuary with three temples dating from the 1st to the end of the 4th century is located there. Archaeological finds include parts of a life-size cult statue of Silvanus. This named find adds a specific connection to ancient religious practice to the temple complex and makes Burgkopf interesting for travellers who want to explore Roman history as well as mining.
Maximinerburg Fell: an estate, not a military castle
A Baroque gate and parts of the perimeter wall remain from Maximinerburg Fell. Historically, Maximinerburg was an agricultural estate belonging to St. Maximin, not a military castle. This distinction sets it apart from the idea of a fortified castle and provides historical context for the surviving structures. The free ARGO app lets you view Maximinerburg Fell at its original size and as a 360-degree display. As digital features may change, it is worth checking what is currently available before your visit.
Wine country and local traditions
The landscape around Fell follows the Feller Bach Valley; a hill crowned by a castle is surrounded on three sides by two streams. The Feller Bach Valley is also home to a relatively large, continuous vineyard area. The Feller Markt is considered one of the traditional wine festivals on the Moselle. Dates and programmes may change, so check the specific details for your travel period. The WeinStein snack bar at the visitor mine serves wine and food; here too, it is advisable to check the current offering before your visit.
Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests
If you are looking for a hotel in Fell, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on each day: will you spend most of your trip exploring mining and hiking routes, or Roman and medieval sites?
Discover more destinations: Mannebach, Föhren, Schoden, Wasserliesch, Trassem, Wehr, Leiwen, Hermeskeil
View the broader travel guide: Trier-Saarburg.
