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Start: Water in the Ruwertal Valley—From Antiquity to the Present Day Medium 2 hrs 15 min 7.9 km

Water in the Ruwertal Valley—From Antiquity to the Present Day

On this approximately 8-kilometer-long cultural-historical hiking tour from Kasel to the Riveris Dam, you’ll explore the theme “Water in the Ruwertal” from antiquity to the present day.

The Romans laid the foundation for a central drinking water supply for ancient Trier. In the 2nd century A.D., they built a 13-kilometer-long aqueduct that carried water from the Ruwertal to Trier—near the amphitheater—with a surprisingly gentle gradient. The minimum flow rate was actually higher than the city’s current water consumption. Consequently, the aqueduct had to be correspondingly large. At various locations, modern visualization technology in the ARGO app brings the Roman aqueduct to life as it appeared in its heyday.

But the Ruwe Valley played a crucial role in supplying water to the city of Trier not only in ancient times. Modern-day Trier also draws its water from the Ruwe Valley—specifically, from the Riveris Dam. Since 1958, the drinking water reservoir has supplied the city of Trier with water from the Hochwald. The difference in elevation between the reservoir and the city of Trier is so great that the water flows by its own gravity. While the Roman aqueduct ran along the valley slopes, the Riveris water takes the shortest route and must therefore be channeled through tunnels twice.

At each station, you can use the QR codes to access videos that will let you delve even deeper into the history.

Nestled between the natural landscapes of the Eifel and the Hunsrück

,

the Ruwe Valley winds its way south of the Moselle into the depths of the Hochwald.

It’s well known that the Ruwe Valley produces excellent Riesling wines. But drinking water?

The town of Kasel is connected to the public transit system. You can find all the relevant information and schedules at https://www.vrt-info.de/
Parking is available...

at the Ruwer Tourist Information Office in Kasel (49°44'24.4"N 6°44'34.2"E)

at the original section of the Roman aqueduct in Waldrach (49°44'24.4"N 6°44'34.2"E)

at the replica of the Roman aqueduct on Ruwertalstraße near Waldrach (49°44'24.4″N 6°44'34.2″E)

at the hiking parking lot at the Riveris Dam (49°42'54.5" N 6°45'55.2" E)

The trail starts right at the tourist information office in Kasel and takes you from there, following the “Wasser im Ruwertal” markers, to the first information station in the Benningerbach Valley. From there, the trail leads along forest roads and narrow paths toward Waldrach. Right in the center of town, you’ll find an original section of the Ruwer Aqueduct. The trail continues toward Riveris. A detour to the replica of the Ruwer Aqueduct is well worth it!

At this station, you can delve even deeper into the history of the Roman Ruwer Aqueduct. Five additional information panels clearly illustrate what science currently knows about the planning, construction, route, and use of the aqueduct. These are based on the research of Dr. Florian Tanz.

Toward Riveris

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the trail leads along forest and field paths and then through the village to the playground. From here, a flight of stairs leads uphill, and soon a narrow path takes you back to an idyllic forest trail. Following the Riveris, we then reach the end of the hiking trail at the parking lot below the Riveris Dam.

As a general rule, entering the forest and walking

on

the trails is at your own risk.

Depending on the season and weather conditions, some sections of the trails may require extra caution to maintain a secure footing. Therefore, please wear clothing appropriate for the season and weather, as well as hiking boots with adequate traction.

A smartphone so you can check out the interesting info and videos right at the learning stations!
Behind the QR codes lie exciting answers to your questions and interesting facts about the historical heritage surrounding the drinking water supply from the Ruwertal Valley!
All information, videos, and posts related to the learning stations are now available online at https://www.kuladig.de/Objektansicht/KLD-355990
Hiking parking lot at the Riveris Dam