| |
Walking the
Calmont, Europes steepest
vineyard, takes about two hours, although the
path is only two miles long. Six ladders, up to
ten feet high, ropes and several types of aid
along the way suggest a sportsman, or at least
the kind of person that has no fear of heights
and walks with unfaltering steps. However, the
path is quite level over long stretches so that
there is ample time to relax and enjoy the
scenery. Basically the path takes you over the
rocks and across the typical terraced hillside
winegrowing plots. Sometimes you can even observe
the winegrowers at their labour. Time and again
steep rock masses have to be crossed. They border
the small but sheer dips (Kaulen)
where the terraced vineyards were laid out. The
Calmont is a huge parabola directed towards the
south so that on sunny days it can get quite hot.
Nor is there much in the way of shade so a supply
of drinking water along the way is essential.
This is one of the most interesting parts of the
Moselle Valley and there is quite a lot to see.
Although physically strenuous the walk provides
superb vistas and valleys full of variety. Beyond
the valley there is the ruined minster church of
Stuben and on the Petersberg opposite
a chapel that goes by the same name. In summer
you can swim and sunbathe at the beach near the
ruin. Big inland barges come round the sharp bend
in the narrow valley.
Those interested in flora and fauna will find
here a remarkable niche characterized by summer
heat and drought. The box tree (Buxus) is the
typical plant in the Calmont. Its intense scent
pervades the air all along the way. In June the
Apollo butterfly flutters about and if you are
patient -and lucky- you can spot the emerald
lizard, the biggest endemic one in these parts.
You can start the walk either in Eller or in
Bremm. In Eller you take the road to Bremm until
you come to a railway bridge. You start off on
the small path below the bridge. It goes up the
hillside. Near the box tree hut on the
Galgenlay you turn left along a
pathway leading you halfway the Moselle Valley
slope through the vineyards. In Bremm you start
off above the parish church taking the
Weibergsweg all the way, then going
down the steps leading to the path.
The Calmont walk is part of a footpath network
linking the villages of Bremm, Ediger-Eller and
Neef. There are railway stations in Eller and
Neef. Boats can moor at Ediger-Eller. In all
three villages mentioned accommodation is
reasonably priced and there is no lack of cafés,
pubs or restaurants.
|
|
|