September Holiday: Monday, 15.09.2025

It had been raining quite a bit during the night and was still raining when we got up, but the sun won eventually, and by late morning we were determined to go for a hike. Our hosts had provided us with leaflets and booklets containing suggestions for many different walks and hikes in the area, and we chose one that would start 5 km away in Hatzenport by the river and lead high up on the steep slopes, allowing great views. 

Before that, though, we cooked spaghetti and ate them with O.K.‘s delicious home made pesto and freshly grated parmiggiano. After cleaning up the kitchen, we donned our hiking things, packed our water bottles and rain jackets in a rucksack and drove the short distance to Hatzenport.

The suggested circuit was easy to find and well signposted. We came through vineyards and oak woodland, across meadows and fields. The views from the top where beautiful, and down in the Schrumpftal (literally „Shrink Valley“) I found the atmosphere quite enchanting. The uphill bits were demanding for me, but not overly so. Some rocky parts had steel roopes to hold on to while going up or down, and they were truly needed.

It was much warmer than expected, and I ended up short-sleeved and very glad for my sunglasses.

Back at the starting point after a little under 12 km, we strolled through Hatzenport to look at its historic buildings and the church. We also went closer to the river itself before getting into the car for the steep drive up out of the Mosel valley and back to Münstermaifeld.

A cosy evening at home followed, with bread, cheese and wine, the latter being a welcome gift from our hosts.