Our first multi-day hike took us on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig through some beautiful parts of Saarland. In 2018, we hiked in the Hunsrück-Hochwald in Saarland for the first time as part of a cool blogger challenge, and even then, we really loved being surrounded by such lush nature.
Six years later, a 4-day hiking tour was planned, during which we explored stages 2, 3, and 4 of the trail with a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat. We were curious to see what it would be like hiking with luggage on our backs. A little spoiler: It was an incredibly beautiful adventure.
- Overview of the long-distance hiking trail
- Map & Details of the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig
- Stage 2 – On to the Saar Loop
- Stage 3 – Idyllic Forests & Valleys
- Stage 4 – Swimming Fun at the Losheim Reservoir
- Our Conclusion on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig
- Travel Tips for the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig
Overview of the Long-Distance Hiking Trail
The Saar-Hunsrück-Steig is a fantastic premium long-distance hiking trail that winds through the picturesque landscapes of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. With a total length of over 410 kilometers, it offers a diverse mix of dense forests, idyllic river valleys, fantastic viewpoints, and impressive rock formations over 27 stages. The trail leads from Perl on the Moselle through the Hunsrück to Boppard on the Rhine, as well as via a branch to the Roman city of Trier. This long-distance trail is a nature-oriented trail, with over 70% of its route crossing soft forest floor, along streams, or over grassy paths. Cities and towns are largely avoided. Whether you opt for a leisurely day trip or an extended hiking adventure, the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig promises truly beautiful moments in nature and away from everyday life. Here you can hike through untouched landscapes and really recharge your batteries.
Map & Details of the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig
Best time to travel: April to October
Stages: 27 stages (can be adjusted as desired)
Distance: 415 km (between 10 and 30 km per stage)
Trail surface: natural trail (70% over forest floor, grassy paths & streams)
Highlights: bizarre rocks, enchanted valleys, vineyards, lush forests, raised bogs, stunningly beautiful views, charming towns along the way, and much more.
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Stage 2 – To the Saar Loop
Start: Outskirts of Hellendorf
We set off on the outskirts of Hellendorf, not far from the Luxembourg border, where we began our 3-day hiking adventure. The first few kilometers led through forests and across meadows. The weight of our luggage on our backs wasn’t yet noticeable, but we were fit and well-rested. The sun wasn’t yet in the mood to come out, but that changed as the day progressed.
Highlight: Saarschleife & Treetop Walk
After about 8 km, we reached the town of Orscholz, where we took a break at the very nice “Buchnas Landhotel Saarschleife.” From there, it was only a stone’s throw to the Saarschleife Treetop Walk. Of course, we didn’t want to miss it, even though we were off the hiking trail.
We walked along the 1250-meter-long path through the lush mixed deciduous forest before reaching the impressive 42-meter-high observation tower. From up there (almost 200 meters above the river), you experience completely new perspectives and can enjoy a gigantic view over the Saarschleife. How beautiful it must be there at sunrise and sunset?
We also didn’t miss the Cloef Viewpoint below the tower. You can visit it free of charge, regardless of the treetop walk. There’s also plenty to keep children entertained, with an adventure playground, various learning and experience stations, and a comic strip rally. Restrooms, a shop, and a bistro are also available on site.
- Address: Alfred-Becker-Straße 4, 66693 Mettlach
- Opening hours: vary by month (see opening hours)
- Prices: Adults €12.50; Children €10.50; Families €29
The last few kilometers to Mettlach
After this magnificent view, we headed back to the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig. The trail now led us through the beautiful forest, past winding paths, idyllic streams, and magnificent views of the narrow valley of the Saarschleife. We encountered only three other hikers on this entire stage. Otherwise, away from the Saar Loop, where there was naturally plenty going on, it was extremely quiet and relaxed.
After approximately 13.7 km, we reached Mettlach. The first few meters led us over the Saar Bridge before we reached the pedestrian zone of the small town. There, we could already see the enormous Villeroy & Bosch building from a distance. Mettlach is the headquarters of the ceramics company Villeroy & Bosch, which is why the town is also nicknamed the “Ceramics City.”
Our Trekking Camp
Our legs were now tired and worn out from the stage. But understandable, given that we both had 10 and 12 kg of luggage on our backs, which we had to get used to. Thanks to a “small” detour at the Saar Loop (we hiked down to the Saar River and back up again), we had over 20 km on the clock by the end of the day. Amazing!
At the supermarket, we picked up a few snacks and something to cook for the evening. From there, it wasn’t far to our camp. We had reserved a spot at “Camp Keramik” for our first night. We were able to set up our tent on a wooden platform surrounded by nature. After dinner, we crawled into the tent.
There was even a toilet block and a bench with a table on site. If you book such a camp, you will receive the exact coordinates and the code for the toilet. You pay only €15 per night. You can book these camps here, for example: Trekkingscamps Saarland.
Conclusion about the camp: Camp Keramik is located directly in the forest, but above a busy road and railway tracks (about 5 meters as the crow flies). It was very loud, so sleep was unfortunately out of the question. Trucks, loud freight trains, and passenger trains drove past the camp until late at night. We therefore unfortunately cannot recommend the camp, unless because you can handle noise well. It’s a shame, because the campground itself was really cool.
Stage 3 – Idyllic Forests & Valleys
Start of Stage 3
After an unfortunately not-so-restful night (a lot of noise from the road), we started with a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast. After that, the world looked completely different again. We leisurely took down the tent and packed everything up before we could start the 3rd Stage of the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig.
Right at the beginning, we gained the first few meters of altitude, climbing in switchbacks to the heights above Mettlach. Along the way, beautiful views of the Saar Valley and Mettlach repeatedly opened up. At some points, you pass benches where you can take a break.
The narrow valley of the Saarhölzbach
Then came a great highlight of Stage 3. We hiked almost 3 km through the narrow, lonely valley of the Saarhölzbach, past several ponds and beautiful rest spots. We followed the narrow paths, some of which are built into the slopes and change sides of the valley several times. Not a single soul crossed our path here – amazing!
Along the way, we discovered numerous historical boundary stones as well as the remains of an old aqueduct. These boundary stones bear witness to the time when Saarland did not yet belong to Germany, but to France.
Landgut Girtenmühle
After the great climb out of the Saarhölzbach valley, we reached open fields again. From there, a 500-meter-long path led us directly to the stage destination of Britten. However, since we had chosen the Girtenmühle estate for our overnight stay, we had to hike a little further. So we practically completed the first few meters of the next stage that day.
Surrounded by nature, the Girtenmühle estate offers great overnight accommodations, such as a wine barrel, a Finnish kota or cool glamping tents. Of course, you can also arrive here with your own tent, caravan, or camper. The spot was simply perfect for ending the beautiful day.
We spent the night in a small wine barrel. It is equipped with a window, power outlet, light, heating, and two super comfortable beds. We also had a table and two chairs in front of the wine barrel. We slept wonderfully and enjoyed a small but delicious breakfast in the morning.
Stage 4 – Swimming fun at the Losheim reservoir
Hiking through romantic valleys
The last day of our trip started with a lot of rain. But we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. Stage 4 led us largely through the forest, where we were well protected from the rain. After a small breakfast, we set off leisurely from the Girtenmühle estate. We crossed the picturesque Panzbach, immediately completed the first few meters of elevation, and shortly afterwards reached the small town of Bergen.
We continued through the romantic valley of the Rotenbach. The rain, wetness and humidity transformed the scenery into a beautiful tropical paradise. We stopped again and again to take photos of the lush vegetation and the small wooden walkways that repeatedly led over the stream.
We continued hiking along the stream before crossing a ridge and once again enjoying wide views over Saarland. With good weather, these views would certainly have been a highlight of Stage 4. But we had to hurry and continue hiking towards the end of the stage. With good rain jackets and waterproof hiking boots, hiking in the rain is no problem at all.
The 4th stage of the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig continued through fern meadows, past idyllic ponds, through dense beech forests, and through an abandoned quarry. Finally, we reached the Metzerbach valley. Here we took a short break before continuing along the stream and reaching the end of Losheimer See.
Destination reached: Losheim reservoir
Originally, we wanted to end the day at the lake, enjoy the sun, jump in, and rent a SUP. However, the reality was: rain, rain, rain! And even more rain was forecast for the day and especially the night.
So we decided against staying overnight at the campsite and instead, after a short break at the lake, headed straight home. But no big deal, maybe it’ll work next time. The campsite also offers accommodations such as hikers’ huts, cool caravans from the 60s, tiny houses, and glamping tents.
Our conclusion on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig
The Saar-Hunsrück-Steig is a true hiking paradise and offers a cool mix of wild nature, quiet forests, gentle river valleys, and impressive vistas. The route impresses with its diversity: from deep gorges and rustic beech forests to blooming meadows and romantic streams. Each section surprises with new scenic highlights.
The incredible tranquility that one finds on the trail is particularly noteworthy. Away from the crowds of tourists, you can experience nature in its primordial. During our three-day hike, we encountered very few people, which we greatly enjoyed. Thanks to the well-marked paths, orientation along the trail is also very easy and pleasant.
Whether you’re an ambitious long-distance hiker or a leisurely hiker, the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig has something to offer everyone. Overall, the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig is a very well-maintained and diverse long-distance hiking trail that is rightly considered one of the most beautiful in Germany. Our conclusion: A great introduction to long-distance hiking, which made us want more!
Travel tips for the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig
Our equipment & packing list
It wasn’t easy to put together the right luggage for this trip. We definitely didn’t want to carry too much luggage, so we had to carefully consider what we could and couldn’t take with us. Marco had around 12 kg on his back and I had just under 10 kg.
We wore comfortable, functional clothing for the hike. Here, we primarily rely on merino wool. We have many shirts and long-sleeved shirts made of this material because it’s less susceptible to sweat odor and also dries quickly. So you don’t necessarily need to pack four shirts; two are enough.
Also in our luggage were long and short hiking pants, a fleece jacket for the evenings, a rain jacket, a hat, a large microfiber towel, a pocket knife, a power bank, a book, our Sony camera with tripod, as well as swimwear, flip-flops, a water bottle, and a snack box.
Saar-Hunsrück-Steig without luggage
Don’t feel like exploring the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig with heavy luggage? No problem! There’s also the option of having your luggage transported from accommodation to accommodation while you travel with just a light daypack. This allows you to experience the breathtaking landscapes and varied stages of the trail without stress.
Package-free offers for the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig usually include accommodation arrangements, daily luggage transport, and often meals. This means you can concentrate fully on the beauty of nature and hiking, without any logistical challenges. We’ve selected a few offers for you:
- Adventure Trails
- Kleins Wanderreisen
- Hunsrück Touristik
- World of Mountains
- Wikinger Reisen
Trekking Camps on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig
We already reported on our Camp Keramik near Mettlach a little further above. There are more of these trekking camps on stages 1 to 6. The Trekking Camp Steinbruch in Losheim is particularly beautiful. We visited the site and checked out the facilities. The camp is located directly in the beautiful forest, far from roads and noise.
There are also camps in Perl, Weiskirchen, and Wadern in Saarland, as well as other camps on stages 8, 10, and 11 of the Steig in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park. All camps and overnight accommodations for each stage are listed here: Saar-Hunsrück-Steig Camps.