Berling: Hiking and the History of the Donkey Railway

Berling combines hiking with local history. A completed hiking trail leads to a rest area and a botanical orchard; the donkey railway is another historical landmark of the village. In 2025, some of the Marche de l’Amitié hiking routes followed sections of the former railway. This gives you several specific aspects to consider when planning your trip: the length of a hike, the design of the rest and garden areas, and the history of the former railway.

If you are choosing between the completed trail to the rest and garden areas and the Marche de l’Amitié, the factors to consider differ: for the trail, they are the stated destinations; for the event, they are the date and route length.

Hiking, Resting and Discovering Gardens

A completed hiking trail leads to a rest area and a botanical orchard for hikers. The existing trail was extended to a meeting area and a botanical, vegetable and educational garden. The meeting area also serves as a rest area and has picnic tables. In March 2023, the botanical orchard received its first donated fruit trees from fruit growers in the area around Phalsbourg. Check local conditions before setting out on your hike.

The Marche de l’Amitié and Its Hiking Routes

The Marche de l’Amitié is a traditional event in Berling. The 2023 to 2025 editions took place on Whit Monday; check the dates in advance when planning future trips. The 2025 edition had two hiking routes: one just under five kilometres and one eleven kilometres long. The difference in length offers a clear contrast if you are choosing between a shorter and a longer hike. Both routes used sections of the former donkey railway and ran mostly through the forest. The route comparison and character therefore complement each other: the kilometre figures indicate the distance, while the railway track and forest give a clearer picture of the route described. As future distances and exact routes may change, check the details of each edition before planning your trip around it.

The Donkey Railway and Nearby Trails

The history of the donkey railway associated with Berling spans 1883 to 1953. A cycle path runs along the former railway line from Berling station to Graufthal station. As an alternative to the hiking route, it offers a different way to follow the former railway line; check current route conditions before setting out. As a separate route in neighbouring Vilsberg, the official Circuit de l’Eselbahn partly follows the former metre-gauge line between Lutzelbourg and Drulingen.

Church and Practical Information

The Protestant church in Berling is located on Rue de la Scierie. Parking, access for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair-accessible toilets are available at the church. If these details are important for your plans, confirm them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Frauenberg, Villing, Vaux, Menskirch, Lesse, Lagarde, Saint-Louis, Marieulles

Return to the regional travel overview: Moselle.