Zeltingen-Rachtig brings together vineyards and local history, along with hiking and cycling trails and activities on and by the water. The vineyard trail passes through several named vineyards and by the varietal garden; there is also a cultural trail, churches and the medieval market square. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether vineyards, history, cycling or a combination of these themes should take priority. This makes it possible to find accommodation suited to your interests without combining the different trails into a single itinerary.
Vineyards and Trails
The named Zeltingen vineyards include Himmelreich, Schlossberg, Sonnenuhr and Deutschherrenberg. The vineyard trail is a 6.54-kilometer circular route that starts and ends at the fire station in Zeltingen-Rachtig. It passes through the Himmelreich, Schlossberg and Sonnenuhr vineyards above the town. The varietal garden lies along the trail: its Mediterranean and exotic species were planted on a former steep-slope vineyard. The loop therefore combines vineyards with a garden on a former steep-slope vineyard.
For cyclists, the Moselhöhenradweg offers a different route: it runs through the Zeltingen-Rachtig vineyards beneath the Hochmosel Bridge and along a panoramic cycle route. The Moselsteig crosses the Moselle in Zeltingen-Rachtig and forms stages in the direction of Bernkastel-Kues and Ürzig. The routes mentioned therefore differ according to whether you have in mind a circular hike through vineyards, a cycling route through vineyards or a stage of the long-distance hiking trail.
Local History on Foot
The 7-kilometer cultural trail “From Kurköln to the Teutonic Knights” runs through vineyards and the historic centers of Zeltingen and Rachtig. In Zeltingen’s historic center, the medieval market square is one of the sights. Two churches from different building periods also offer a way to combine a walk with local history.
St. Mary’s Church was first built in 1723/25 on the site of an older chapel. During its reconstruction in 1906, the old tower was retained. St. Stephen’s Church preserves a late Gothic choir, altars dating from 1627 to 1639, and a west tower from 1739. Thus, St. Mary’s is notable for its former chapel site and reconstruction, while St. Stephen’s preserves architectural elements and furnishings from different periods.
Activities, Wine and Food
Activities in Zeltingen-Rachtig include cycling, rowing, mini golf, paragliding, canoe trips on the river and fishing. The Tourist Information Office arranges wine tastings and guided tours and accepts bookings for the Radelbus. It also offers a small wine shop with free wine tastings and wine sales. Details of services may change, so check the latest information before making plans.
There are also different occasions for a break when it comes to food and drink: options include hearty platters of local vintner specialties, regional cuisine paired with suitable wines and gourmet menus, as well as cafés, wine taverns and wineries. You can choose between a simple regional meal, a visit to a café and a multi-course menu. Wine tastings and the wine shop add a distinct connection to wine to these dining options.
Stages and Transport
Buses and boats are also options when planning your routes. In Zeltingen, there is a Radbus stop with service to Daun for the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route. Boats operated by WeiĂźe Flotte stop in Zeltingen and can bring cyclists and hikers back to Zeltingen-Rachtig. Transport services and timetables may change, so check connections before making plans.
Guests staying with participating hosts in Zeltingen-Rachtig may be eligible for the VRT Guest Ticket, which provides free bus and train travel in the VRT area. Check with your accommodation provider whether your stay qualifies and which means of transport are covered. When choosing accommodation, you can also take into account whether the ticket is relevant to your planned journeys.
Discover more destinations: Burgen, Kesten, Neumagen-Dhron, Graach An Der Mosel, Brauneberg, Pilmeroth, Wehlen, Longkamp.
Return to the main travel overview: Bernkastel-Kues.
