April Recap: Go West!

(Go West) Life is peaceful there
(Go West) In the open air
(Go West) Where the skies are blue
(Go West) This is what we’re gonna do

by Pet Shop Boys

Hiking in the Moselle region: Less famous than its big brother Rhine to which the Moselle is a left bank tributary, the beautiful vineyard hills and deep valleys are a tourist magnet of its own (and madly loved by our westerly neighbours Belgium and the Netherlands). So I continue following the trademark sign - a great scallop - of the Way of St. James almost every weekend or day off.

The 1st short leg is from Kaisersesch to Martental, where I made reservations for a room at the abbey. Payment is strictly by donation.

Abbey Martental

The 2nd section leads to the spa town Bad Bertrich. Although the trail is somewhat boring, the people I meet and the sights I get to see are certainly worth it.

Endert waterfall

Camino feeling

Refreshments for the thirsty hiker

Bad Bertrich

After a lovely stay at an old mill in BB the 3rd section takes me from Bad Bertrich to Wittlich where I get wet feet crossing a river as well as sore feet walking the long tarmac stretch towards the city.

No bridge!

Dreadful walking towards Wittlich

At the 4th leg's end a special overnighter awaits in a historic building from the 16th century (of course not short of today's amenities and comfort).

Klausen in the 16th century

Klausen in the 21st century

On the 5th section I arrive in the wine region Moselle, and get rewarded with beautiful views and local grape produce.

River valley shrouded in fog

Moselle View

On the 6th leg of my journey I get to Trier, the ancient Roman city Augusta Treverorum, and Germany's oldest city.

View on Trier

St. Matthias Abbey

Trier Market Place

Trier Cathedral St. Peter

Porta Nigra, Roman origin 

Constantine Basilica

The next two section hikes take me from Trier to Perl and Schengen, the border triangle of France, Luxembourg and Germany. First I follow the Moselle river path but soon the trail leads into the hills where an a restored Roman temple and road station awaits. 

Confluence of Saar and Moselle

The way of St. James passes several villages which are still in touch with the spirit of pilgrimage. You will always find shelter, beverages and sometimes fruit along the way. The walk over the high plains remind me a bit of the Spanish Meseta, even the wind remains constantly blowing.

After two days and with another 60 km under my belt I arrive at Perl. This is the journey's end for now. I racked up 246 km distance on foot this month, a new record in my books.