Saarschleife Tafeltour

The imposing Montclair Castle, a trip on the Saarland's only ferry across the Saar, the breathtakingly quiet Steinbach Valley and the most famous panoramic view of Germany's most beautiful river bend from the Cloef are highlights of a fantastic hike through quiet forest passages with surprising views. The path over the edge of the slope above the Saar offers picturesque views of the Saar valley.

The path leads through the forest over the ridge, which is surrounded by the Saar, to the mountain spur and Montclair Castle. Montclair Castle, first mentioned in a document in 1168, was one of the most imposing castles in Germany and was considered impregnable. However, it was taken in 1351 after a lengthy siege and subsequently razed to the ground.The banks of the Saar below the castle are part of the Saarschleife Landscape Park.

The Ferry "Welles" can be rung with a bell. The only ferry in Saarland takes hikers and cyclists safely to the other side of the Saar.

In the Steinbachtal nature reserve, the trail runs over a number of wooden bridges and many steps. It climbs steadily upwards. The foliage of the trees barely lets any sunlight into the narrow valley. Thick mosses grow on mighty rock formations and the surrounding deadwood. The valley is breathtakingly quiet.

The view of Germany's most beautiful river loop from the Cloef viewpoint is particularly impressive from the platform of the treetop walk.

The path back to Mettlach leads over rocky terrain to several viewpoints with picturesque views of the Saar valley and the wooded ridge with Montclair Castle.

The trail has been rated by the German Hiking Institute with 82 experience points.

Ferry operating times:
April to October: daily from 10.00 - 17.45
Monday closed
If Monday is a public holiday, the day of rest is moved to Tuesday.
November and March: operation at weekends,

December to February closed