The stage leads through the Mühlental valley into the realm of the Tatzelwurm, past old vineyards, the Niederburg castle and the Matthias Chapel. Steeply through the forest, accompanied by mystical traces, the Moselle panorama is breathtaking.
Kobern-Gondorf: Train station
Winningen: Train station
Duration of the route
5 hrs. 30 min.
Length of the route
13,89 km
Panorama
100 / 100
Severity
medium
Condition
60 / 100
Additional information
Winningen, DE
20:27,
17.04.2025
8°C
light rain
On the trail of the Tatzelwurm - a legendary hiking trail
This hiking trail leads through the idyllic Mühlental valley directly into the legendary realm of the Tatzelwurm – the mystical creature that, according to legend, is said to dwell in these woods. Along old vineyards, the path leads past the Niederburg castle and on to the imposing ruins of the Oberburg castle. Not far away is the late Romanesque Matthias Chapel, a 13th century building erected in honor of a relic of the apostle Matthias.
The path winds steeply upwards through the dense forest, accompanied by mysterious tracks that could indicate the Tatzelwurm. The arduous climb up a serpentine path is finally rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Moselle. The route continues through shady forest paths until the suburbs of Koblenz appear on the horizon – the destination or starting point of the Moselsteig Trail. But before you get there, the view opens up to the sun-drenched terraces of the Winninger Uhlen steep slope, heralding the approaching wine village of Winningen.
General information
Directions
The stage starts at the train station in Kobern-Gondorf and leads along Bahnhofstraße to the town center. Past the market square with the Tatzelwurm fountain, you reach the main Moselsteig Trail. The ascent into the Mühlental valley begins and soon a steep path leads up to the ruins of the Niederburg castle with its impressive views.
Further uphill, past stations of the cross, you reach a plateau with a panoramic lounger. Here, the Koberner Schlossberg not only offers fantastic views, but also rare plant and animal species. A paved path leads to the upper castle and the late Romanesque Matthias Chapel.
A narrow forest path leads you downhill into the side valley of the Hohensteinsbach stream before the Moselsteig Trail climbs again. Through oak forest and past ornate benches, the trail leads up to the Rosenberg viewpoint. After a moderate section across fields, you reach the edge of the slope of the Moselle valley.
The descent into the Belltal valley leads steeply downhill and then uphill again on a rocky path to the slate edge – with spectacular views over the Moselle valley. The Winningen vineyard terraces and the imposing highway bridge draw closer.
After crossing under the bridge, the trail leads through meadows and vineyards to the Domgartenhütte, which offers one last magnificent view. The final descent leads along a serpentine path down to Winningen, where you finish the tour at the market square or train station.
Approach
Starting point:
Kobern-Gondorf – accessible via the B 416 (between Treis-Karden and Koblenz) or the A 48 (AS Kobern-Gondorf), continue via the L 117.
Destination point:
Winningen – accessible via the B 416 (between Treis-Karden and Koblenz) or the A 61 (Koblenz-Metternich exit), continue via the L 125.
Parking
Kobern-Gondorf: Parking spaces are available along Bahnhofstraße near the train station.
Winningen: Parking is available at the train station or under the railroad tracks along the B 416.
Public transport
You can reach both Kobern-Gondorf and Winningen by train (RB 81).
There are regular connections, but there may be changes to the timetable during the school vacations in Rhineland-Palatinate/Saarland, at weekends and on public holidays. The current timetables can be found in the timetable information of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Mosel (VRM):
PICTURES OF THE ROUTE
