Treis-Karden Germany Rhineland-Palatinate
Frequently Asked Questions
At the foot of the houses, where the valley narrows and two villages face each other across the water: Treis on one bank, Karden on the other. St. Castor's church is a few minutes from the quay.
The collegiate church of St. Castor, long known by that nickname. Its pale tuff outline crowned with pointed roofs is an honorary title for a village this size, but it is justified as soon as you step through the portal: a Romanesque interior of great restraint, built between the 12th and 13th centuries.
Karden and its collegiate church first, then the half-timbered lanes and growers' courtyards. Then cross the bridge to Treis, overlooked by the remains of two medieval fortresses: the keep of the old castle and the Wildburg clinging to the slope.
Two very different options. Organized excursions from the quay approach by coach, followed by a short walk. Strong walkers can also take the forest paths, a hike of about an hour and a half from the left bank, best kept for long calls.
The fact that it has never been destroyed in more than eight centuries, and that it still belongs to the family that gave it its name. Tucked in a wooded valley away from the Moselle, bristling with turrets and oriels, it is seen on a guided tour, from the medieval kitchens to the knights' hall.
A hermit who brought Christianity to the valley in the 4th century. The collegiate church bears his name and the neighbouring square dedicates a fountain to him: a good place to linger before resuming the walk.
No, and you feel it straight away. You move between growers' courtyards, carved doorways and wrought-iron signs with the sense of crossing a village that lives first for itself. Some of the half-timbered façades are among the oldest in the valley.
Yes, trails leave from both villages, but they climb: the slopes framing the valley are so steep that everything is still done by hand. Bring breath and good shoes.
Yes, several family estates open their doors for an impromptu tasting, though nothing is guaranteed on a given day. In season, tables set along the banks also serve the new wine with onion tart.
The euro, and cash for the small estates. German dominates in these two villages, which do not live off tourism; a few words of English get through, but do not count on it beyond the visitor sites.
