The approximately nine-kilometer-long Moselsteig side route Borjer Ortsbachpädche, in standard German "Burgener Ortsbachpfad," is a varied round route starting and ending in the Mosel village of Burgen. The magnificent panoramic views, the Hunsrück heights, and the idyllic lower Baybach valley invite hikers to explore wide forest and meadow paths, a steady, long-lasting climb, and rustic forest trails. Shelters invite you to rest.
The circular route leads through forest and valley and rewards with panoramic views of the Hunsrück and into the Mosel valley.
A 61, AS Koblenz/Waldesch or Boppard, B 327, L 207 to Alken on the Mosel, B 49 to Burgen
Burgen is located on the B 49 between Treis-Karden and Koblenz
Bus line 31 (Koblenz Central Station – Burgen), stop Burgen Market Square, the stop is located very close to the start of the route
Many free parking spaces are available on the Mosel river road B49.
The Moselsteig side route Borjer Ortsbachpädche" starts directly next to the Tourist Information and follows over the bridge, slowly ascending along the street through the old village center up to the last house on the left side. From here, a narrow path leads upward over stair steps and past vineyard areas. Afterwards, the path continues in switchbacks always upward through the forest. At the shelter "Moselblick" you are rewarded with views into the Mosel valley and of Bischofsstein castle on the opposite Mosel bank.
Having left the forest, there is a final ascent to an open high plateau with magnificent panoramic views of the Hunsrück. The view extends far across the Hunsrück heights. Several villages are visible on the horizon and are exactly indicated on an information board. Shortly before Birkenhof, the route sharply turns left onto open farmland. The path continues to the Zwergenhütte, located at the forest's edge, before passing through an impressive beech forest. A descent on a wide forest road leads to the shelter Waldesruh and along the namesake Ortsbach stream. Shortly after, you reach the hotel "Forellenzucht" with beautifully arranged and maintained fish ponds which invite you to stop for a break.
A short section runs along the road coming up from Burgen. Together with the Forellenweg, the side route then turns left after about 100 m, across a wide meadow with many fruit trees. Then the path leads into the forest. Over the next two kilometers, it follows the flow direction of the brook on narrow riverside paths mostly directly along the water and gently downhill. Jagged rocks line the path, and the Baybach appears quite wild in its lower course. Numerous information boards convey interesting facts about flora and fauna and provide insights into the history of the region. Small rapids and whirlpools indicate that this is a wild brook, which rises near the village of Hausbay in the Hunsrück and flows into the Mosel near Burgen after 30 kilometers.
Over a small, short bridge, the rushing Baybach is crossed, and the path continues on an asphalted footpath along the district road toward Schmausemühle, then turns left and passes the cemetery to return to the Tourist Information.
The path should not be hiked in snow and ice conditions.
Sturdy footwear is recommended for the route! This especially applies to the narrow path along the Baybach.
The shelters invite you to enjoy your packed rest.
Mosellandtouristik GmbH
Kordelweg 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues; Phone: 06531/97330
Tourist Information Sunny Lower Mosel
Moselstraße 7, 56332 Alken; Phone: 02605/8472736
