Morscheider Border Trail Scenic Loop

From the parking lot above Morscheid, we reach the trailhead of the “Traumschleife” via a 150-meter-long access path. Here we also join the Saar-Hunsrück Steig premium long-distance hiking trail, which accompanies us for the next 3.5 km. We follow the trail south and turn right after 400 m. We hike diagonally across the “Langenstein” quartzite cliffs—a natural monument—and reach a forest path. Following this path and another trail, we arrive at a forest road that leads us downhill to the Riveris Dam.
A lookout point offers a good view of the dam and into the Hochwald forest. We continue along the dam loop trail until, after about 500 m, we turn onto a forest path that leads us uphill. Shortly before reaching the plateau, we turn right and walk through sparse woodland to a shelter in the Morscheider Hochwald. After crossing the road from Morscheid to Bonerath, we turn sharply left as we enter a small grove. After another stretch along a trail, we reach a rest area with a scenic view. The trail continues across meadows into the Morscheid community forest. After passing through this section of the forest, we reach another rest area with a view of the Ruwer Valley and the Eifel.
Here we continue hiking and, at the edge of the forest, turn toward the valley. Via a forest path and a paved farm road, we come to a nature trail that leads us along an old boundary line over a dam through deciduous forest until we find ourselves above Sommerau, surrounded by vineyards. Here we have a view of the village and the medieval castle ruins. After leaving the vineyards, we cross a paved road, walk through a wooded area until we reach an open field near a barn. The dirt road and a small path lead us to a large hole, the “Kirchenloch.”
This is a former slate quarry. Winding paths take us further down the valley to a small stream. After crossing the stream near a former ore mine (Erzkaul), we reach the Ruwer-Hochwald Bike Trail. We follow this trail to the Ruwer Bridge, then turn right through a small wooded area along the Ruwer River. Below Marienlay Castle, we cross the K 65 and follow a rocky path past slate quarries until we reach the Saar-Hunsrück Steig again. Uphill, through an old vineyard with beautiful viewpoints, we hike past the village of Morscheid.
After crossing the K 65 again, we head through a wooded area, pass another quarry, climb a steep flight of stairs, and hike along a forest path above Riveris to the access trail that brings us back to the starting point.