12.10.2025 Moselle

(Canon EOS R6 Mark II with Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM)

In autumn, I decided to make another short-notice trip to the Moselle region. The first stop was Eltz Castle, which sits majestically in the middle of a valley basin and is one of the few castles that was never conquered by force. During a guided tour of the interior, visitors can learn a great deal about its fascinating history, including the fact that it is actually three castles combined into one. The treasury also offers a wonderful glimpse into past centuries through its impressive exhibits.
The village of Ernst then served as the base for further hikes through the beautiful vineyards. To begin, I took the train to Eller and from there followed the Calmont Via Ferrata hiking route. The weather was perfect, as this trail should only be tackled in dry conditions. Unfortunately, there was a problem on the return journey from Bremm to Eller. A signpost was missing, and instead of returning via the planned ridge trail, I ended up on the Eller Todesangst trail. It quickly became clear where the name came from, but thanks to previous experience and the favourable weather conditions, this challenging section was manageable as well.
The next day offered a test of courage to me. The plan was to cross the Geierlay chain bridge and then take a walk on a round trip through the beautiful forest surrounding that finally ended at the starting point.
The last day, the weather had deteriorated noticeably, and low-hanging fog made the hike from Ernst to Valwig along a beautiful path through the vineyards somewhat less pleasant. Nevertheless, the route offered many interesting viewpoints, and due to the weather there were not too many other hikers on the trail.

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