Thanks to the mild climate, the steep slopes of the Middle and Lower Mosel are home to the northernmost population of wild boxwood in Europe. The wild boxwood covers an area of approximately 300 ha between Karden and Müden. On hot days, a Mediterranean scent wafts through the vineyards during a hike.
Even today, in the Mosel region, “palm branches” for Palm Sunday are still made from boxwood. They are hung as bouquets in homes and yards and are believed to bestow God’s blessing.
Treis-Karden and Müden can be reached via Federal Highways B 49 and B 416.
Highway exits:
Kaifenheim or Kaisersesch - A 48
Boppard - A 61
From Müden: The hike follows a wide vineyard path and continues along a narrow trail to the Krailsbach. The trail continues uphill toward Karden via several steps. Passing the barbecue hut with its magnificent viewpoint, the trail leads downhill on narrow paths to Karden.
From Karden: The trail leads uphill along narrow vineyard paths to the barbecue hut and continues downhill along forest trails, descending several steps to the Krailsbach. First along narrow vineyard and rocky paths and later along a wide farm road, the hike ends in Müden.
You can take the train back to the starting point every hour.
Hiking Tips
Hiking suggestions 2 and 3 are loop trails that can be started from any of the listed locations.
Route 2: (Length 16.1 km)
The hike leads from Karden along the hiking trail (Stiftsherrenrunde, red) to Eltz Castle (well worth a visit) and continues through the romantic Elz Valley to Moselkern. Passing the church and the Kleines Café Haus, and turning right onto Moselstr., the trail turns right again onto Mühlweg. After the railroad underpass, the trail turns left onto a hiking trail. The hike continues to Müden along a farm road, past vineyards. Here, follow the local signs to the Buchsbaum Hiking Trail back to Karden.
Route 3: (Length 2.3 km)
From Karden, the trail goes uphill to the barbecue hut and back to the starting point via the Klickerterhof. This hike includes a short stretch along the Boxwood Hiking Trail.
Places to stop for refreshments can be found in the villages.
The Boxwood Hiking Trail runs partly along narrow vineyard and rocky paths. Sturdy footwear and sure footing are required.
Be careful in wet conditions—the rocky trails can be slippery.
A visit to St. Castor’s Collegiate Church and the Collegiate Museum in the Karden district is well worth it.
Collegiate Museum hours: May–end of October, Friday–Sunday, 2:00–4:30 p.m.
Treis-Karden Tourist Information
87 St. Castor Street
56253 Treis-Karden
Tel. 0049 2672 - 9157700, Fax 0049 2672 - 9157696
Hours:
May–October: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
November–April: Mon–Thu 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00–4:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
