If you want to explore Wittlich on foot or by bike, you can choose from different ways of discovering the area: the 7 km Gradwanderung trail passes through a variety of landscapes, while the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route runs through Wittlich along a former railway line. For a historical perspective on the town, there is also a GPS-guided audio tour.
Wittlich on foot: the Gradwanderung and audio tour
The Gradwanderung begins at the Tourist Information Office on the historic market square. Along its 7 km route, it follows the Lieser trail, passes through orchards and by sheep pastures, and continues through forest and vineyards to the town park. Along the way, there are views across Wittlich and the Wittlich Valley. Check the route details locally before setting out.
The GPS-guided audio tour offers a different perspective: it lets you explore Wittlich independently and offline, accompanied by stories about historic buildings and local anecdotes. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours. It starts at the historic market square, but you can also join it elsewhere. As the app and access method may change, check availability before departure.
The two options differ in how they can be planned for the day: the Gradwanderung is listed as a 7 km route, while the audio tour is listed as taking approximately 1.5 hours. They also differ in content: one follows sections through the landscape, while the other is an audio tour with historical themes.
Cycling the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route
Wittlich lies on the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route. The paved former railway line runs from Daun via Wittlich to Bernkastel-Kues. Features of the route include viaducts, historic railway tunnels and moderate gradients. This makes the cycle route a different way to experience Wittlich from the two walking routes.
If you are planning a cycling trip, check local conditions and transport connections before setting out. The cycle route is also part of a longer regional connection; details and information about the return journey can be found in the section on the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination.
The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination
The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination brings together the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley and the HunsrĂĽck, rich in forests and meadows. The Erbeskopf is 816 metres high and offers opportunities for hiking as well as a variety of winter sports. The National Park Gate at the Erbeskopf provides information about nature and the environment. An interactive multimedia exhibition focuses on forests and moors.
In Manderscheid, two medieval castle ruins stand opposite each other on steep spurs above the Lieser. The Manderscheider Burgenstieg is a 5.4 km, moderately difficult circular hike around the castles; the stated duration is two hours. It is distinct from the Manderscheid castle via ferrata, which has three sections, is approximately 4 km long in total and has safety cables along 1 km.
The regional scope of cycling can also be described precisely: the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route runs for 58.5 km from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues along a disused railway line. A bike bus takes cyclists from Bernkastel-Kues back to the starting point; the journey can be booked in advance. Check the timetable beforehand.
The wider destination has other individual attractions with historical themes. The pilgrimage church of Maria Heimsuchung in Klausen was consecrated in 1502; Klausen remains a destination for pilgrims every year. The Zylinderhaus presents 90 years of German automotive history with more than 100 cars, motorcycles and vans. The Cusanus birthplace in Kues has a permanent exhibition about Nicholas of Cusa; the house is used as a museum and event venue.
Wine is also part of the region’s offerings: the wine shop in the historic vaulted cellars of St. Nicholas Hospital offers tastings of wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer. The selection includes 100 wines, from quality wines to ice wine. The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination therefore offers a choice of different themes, including pilgrimage history, museums and wine tastings, alongside hiking and cycling trips.
Discover more destinations: Heidweiler, Klausen, Bombogen, Bruch, Landscheid, Dreis, Altrich, Osann-Monzel, Minderlittgen, Plein, Dodenburg.
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Bernkastel-Wittlich.
