Start: Förster-Claus-Weg Circular route Easy 1 hrs 55 min 6.7 km

Förster-Claus-Weg

The "Claus" oak is a testament to the former forest-pasture usage practiced until the beginning of the 19th century. Individual oaks with their widely spreading crowns provided shelter for livestock grazing in the forest during rain and heat. They also contributed with acorns to fatten pigs. There was also a forest-field agriculture. Grain was cultivated. Both uses were very intensive and led to over 30 percent of the forest area in this region becoming barren during that time. In the mid-19th century, the wasteland was reforested with oaks. The then forest ranger "Claus" especially contributed to this reforestation.

Insights into the hiking tour:

A relaxed walk through the forest past the approximately 350-year-old "Claus" oak. On clear days, there are great views including Landshut Castle near Bernkastel-Kues, the Paulskirche near Lieser, and the peaks of the Hunsrück.

There are places to eat in Osann-Monzel.

Brief description

The approximately 7-kilometer-long path passes by one of the oldest oaks in the region and offers, on clear days, further great sights such as Landshut Castle and the Paulskirche.

Approach

1. West of the Osann district via "Trierer Straße": immediately after the L53 overpass, turn right and park the car on the roadside of the local forest roads;

2. Coming from Klausen on L47 shortly before the junction L47 towards Bernkastel-Kues or L53 towards Wittlich, turn left. Immediately before the L53 overpass, turn left again and then park on the roadside of the local forest road.

Public transport

www.vrt-info.de, www.bahn.de

Bernkastel-Kues: Taxi Edringer: 06531 - 8149, Taxi Priwitzer: 06531 - 96970, Taxi Reitz: 06531 - 6455

Nearest/primary stop: Osann Elementary School

Parking

Parking is available on the roadside of the local forest road.

Directions

At the intersection of L53 and L47 west of Osann, at a junction into the fields, parallel to the state road L53, the "Förster-Claus-Weg" starts. Initially, the path follows a long straight stretch along vineyards, fields, and meadows. After about 1.2 kilometers, it enters the forest, continuously going uphill. After approximately 2 kilometers, at a fork, the path climbs further onto the "Stöppelberg" and its foothills. At a forest crossroads, the trail goes straight for a bit before a footpath leads us to the "Förster-Claus Oak." The exact age of the "Claus" oak can only be estimated. It is around 350 years old, with the trunk circumference near the ground measuring almost 5.50 meters, and the diameter about 1.60 meters. The wood volume is estimated at around 25 cubic meters. Afterwards, it continues on a scarcely used forest path. We eventually reach the forest edge above a vineyard and enjoy the view. In the distance, on a clear day, one can make out the Paulskirche near Lieser, the Landshut Castle near Bernkastel-Kues, and the elevations of the Hunsrück. A short stretch follows on asphalt, then we turn into a forest path and afterwards onto a trail that leads down to the source area of a small stream. Further downhill, we reach a fenced fish pond and return to the paved path. After a short ascent, there is another new view! Now you can see the town of Wittlich and the "Wittlicher Senke." On the asphalt road, we then reach a shelter inviting you to rest. About 250 meters further, we leave the paved path and reach a forest road at the edge of the woods above vineyards. Along the mountainside, the path then returns to the starting point.

Safety instructions

No special safety instructions

Equipment

Sturdy footwear is recommended.

Tips

A small shelter near the end of the 7-kilometer hike invites you to a cozy rest.

Additional information

Ferienland Bernkastel-Kues

Gestade 6

54470 Bernkastel-Kues

Tel. 06531/50019-0

info@bernkastel.de