There were eleven mines in Lütz—Westfalia, Herrnfeld, Rechtenberg, Weinsberg, Rudolfsglück, Wolf/Mosella/Luise, Burgberg, Burgwiese, Himmel, Philippsberg, and Glückauf—with 19 adits and five exploratory adits.
The Herrnfeld mine (formerly Westfalia), with its central adit “Erna,” remained in operation the longest (until 1953). The tunnel system of the longest mine, “Mosella,” was approximately 600 meters long in total. The mining chambers were up to 30 meters high.
Using the “mine map” (= floor plan of the mine; see the information board at the town entrance on Moselstr.), you can get an idea of the size and complexity of each tunnel system. The tunnel systems listed here were arranged on three levels one above the other and were several hundred meters long.
For safety reasons and to protect the bats that hibernate here, all tunnels are closed off with a gate. However, the mine complexes are depicted on the information panels.
Schiefergrubenweg in Lütz
Welcome and “Glückauf”!
Experience the history of Lütz’s roofing slate mining in one of the Moselle’s most beautiful side valleys.
Slate mining once played a significant role here.
Underground mining for roofing slate likely began in the mid-19th century and reached its peak between 1900 and 1910.
Lütz can be reached via Federal Highway B 49 and through the Lützbachtal valley.
Highway exits:
Kaifenheim or Kaisersesch - A 48
Boppard - A 61
You can reach Lütz from the Moselle (from Treis-Karden) via bus routes 736 and 741 (if you wish to take route 741, you must make a reservation 2 hours before departure by calling 0160-8876471).
For more information on the bus routes and the corresponding schedules, visit www.vrm.info
Free parking at the trailhead in Lütz.
The information board in Lütz (Moselstraße, at the entrance to town) displays maps of the tunnel systems as well as a map showing the trail’s route. From here, the trail runs along Moselstraße and continues through Herrengrabenstraße. At the end of the street, the Schiefergrubenweg begins; it can be walked in either direction.
Along the 7-kilometer loop trail, 14 display and information panels feature photos of the mines and provide plenty of interesting facts about slate mining and the natural environment around Lütz. Sunny, warm sections, such as the “Wingert”—where grapes were grown until 100 years ago—alternate with cooler forest trails.
As you walk past the numerous slate quarries and tunnels, learn about the era of roofing slate mining.
Places to stop for refreshments are available in town.
Hiking Tips:
Hauslay: From the Florianshütte, a narrow trail leads over the ridge to Hauslay (“Fahne”), offering a magnificent view of the Lützbachtal valley. From here, a trail—partly steep—leads downhill to the Moselstraße.
Otto-Andreas Tower
A detour to the Otto-Andreas Tower (approx. 4.5 km round trip from Schiefergrubenweg; see map) is definitely worth it. Thanks to its unobstructed location at just under 400 m above sea level, it offers a breathtaking view of the Hunsrück and Eifel regions.
The hiking trail is open year-round.
Sturdy shoes are recommended.
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 p.m.–4:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
