Finds from around Mertesdorf document an almost 2,000-year-old winegrowing tradition; the town is considered probably the oldest winegrowing town in the Ruwer Valley. Riesling dominates along the Ruwer, growing in mineral-rich soil in the narrow river valley. Winegrowing, Roman traces and routes through vineyards give you different ways to shape your stay.
Winegrowing and Roman Traces
The Maximin GrĂĽnhaus winery in Mertesdorf grows Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc across 34 hectares. Wine tastings are available by prior appointment, including in English or French. Arrange an appointment in advance and confirm your preferred language before you arrive.
A find from Mertesdorf can be seen at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum in Trier: the relief “Winemakers at the Wine Depot” probably dates from the 2nd century. Remains of a Roman stone mill have also been preserved in Mertesdorf. At Schloss Grünhaus, another historical assessment concerns the residential building: it probably retains a late Gothic ground plan and was altered in 1638. Schloss Grünhaus is privately owned and cannot be visited; check this visiting restriction again before planning a visit.
Hiking with Views and Winegrowing Insights
In the Ruwer area, steep vineyards alternate with woodland and meadows; the landscape is well suited to hiking. The Mertesdorf Panorama Trail (ME 1) runs mainly along natural-surface and vineyard paths and offers views across Mertesdorf and Kasel. Along the way, it provides information about Mertesdorf’s historic water supply. The start and end point is Mertesdorf Grünhaus; parking is available opposite the outdoor swimming pool. Check parking options before you arrive.
The Ruwer Riesling Experience Trail is designed to be barrier-reduced, has few inclines and offers seating and rest areas. Ten stops provide information about winegrowing along the Ruwer. The routes therefore offer different highlights: the Panorama Trail focuses on views and water-supply history, while the Experience Trail focuses on winegrowing information and places to rest.
Cycling in Mertesdorf and the District
The Ruwer-Hochwald Cycle Route, around 48 kilometres long, has an average gradient of about one percent and is suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. More than 90 percent of the route follows the former Ruwer railway line. The former Hochwaldbahn station is in Mertesdorf. The cycling concept for the wider Trier-Saarburg destination lists 492 kilometres of cycle paths in the district—a figure for the regional network, not the length of a single tour.
Another Excursion Option
The Ruwertal outdoor swimming pool in Mertesdorf offers a 50-metre swimming pool, diving facilities and a non-swimmer pool with a 25-metre water slide and waterfall. There is also beach volleyball, a separate children’s pool, a kiosk terrace and more than 250 parking spaces. Alongside the routes, swimming facilities and sports areas offer another choice of local activities.
Discover more destinations: Langsur, Biebelhausen, Klüsserath, Schweich, Hentern, Kahren, Hermeskeil, Pölich
Go to the main travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.
