Those who spend their holidays at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten appreciate the combination of exclusive wellness and first-class nature experiences. Our recommendation today for an unforgettable day trip takes you deep into the wine and forest landscape of the Middle Moselle. The route along the "Iron Wine Map" to Traben-Trarbach is a classic, combining panoramic views with cultural highlights and a relaxing return journey by boat.
Iron wine list from the hotel to Traben-Trarbach and back by ship on a larger map
The starting point: From the resort to Graacher Tor
From the hotel, you can walk to the Graacher Tor (Graach Gate) in Bernkastel. This first section leads you from the Kueser Plateau down into the historic old town. The Graacher Tor, the only remaining city gate of Bernkastel, forms the gateway to another world.
Pro tip for those who prefer a more leisurely pace: As an alternative to hiking from the hotel to the Graacher Tor, you can drive to the Mosel parking lot "Gestade". From there, it's just a 5-minute walk to the Graacher Tor. The rest of the hiking trail remains the same, and you'll save yourself the initial descent, leaving you with more energy for the ridges.
Ascent to the Iron Wine List
The real climb begins just beyond the gate. You'll pass the idyllic St. Joseph's Chapel , nestled among the vineyards and offering a peaceful retreat. The path then winds steadily uphill until you reach the famous "Iron Wine Map".
At the rustic forest tavern "Zur Eisernen Weinkarte" (The Iron Wine List), you have the perfect opportunity to fortify yourself with a typical Moselle snack and a glass of regional Riesling. The view from up here over the Moselle Valley is legendary and offers the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.
Over the ramparts to the Wolf monastery ruins
Refreshed and invigorated, the trail continues along the mountain ridge. Passing the historic "Graacher Schanzen" – remnants of old 18th-century fortifications – the path leads through shady deciduous forests. A cultural highlight along this route is the ruin of the monastery church in Wolf . The atmosphere at this historically significant site, high above the Moselle loop, is magical and invites quiet contemplation.
The remaining route leads you down to the Trarbach district. For the entire hike from the hotel to the boat landing in Traben-Trarbach (approx. 8,6 km), you should allow about 1 hour and 46 minutes of walking time.
The return: Relaxation on the water
Once you arrive in Trarbach, change your perspective. Take the ship operated by the company "MST" (Mosel-Personenschifffahrt) , which docks directly below the roundabout, back to Bernkastel-Kues.
The boat trip is the crowning finale of your excursion:
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Duration: The boat trip back to Bernkastel-Kues takes approximately 2 hours.
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Experience: Sit back and watch as the steep vineyards you hiked through slowly drift by. There's hardly a more relaxing way to enjoy the Moselle region.
Back at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten
After the ship docks in Bernkastel-Kues, the final leg of your day begins. We have allotted approximately 40 minutes for the walk from the ship's landing to the hotel. This final ascent leads you back to the Kues Plateau and the comfort of our resort.
Overview of the timeline:
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Net time required: approx. 4 hours and 43 minutes (hiking + boat).
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Important: When planning your trip, please be sure to take into account the scheduled departure times of the ships as well as the corresponding waiting times and breaks at the Waldschänke.
After this eventful day, well-deserved relaxation awaits you at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten . Immerse yourself in our KURFÜRSTEN Spa, soothe your muscles in the sauna, or enjoy a revitalizing TCM bath. This combination of active exercise and professional wellness makes your stay with us a holistic source of energy. Tickets for the boat trip and maps are, of course, available directly from our reception.