Wederath: Archaeology, Church and Hiking Trails

With the Belginum Archaeological Park, Wederath brings together several facets of regional history: a Celtic-Roman burial ground, a Roman-period settlement and an early Roman military camp. Also of interest are the Baroque Church of the Finding of the Cross and hiking trails that connect archaeological themes with the Hunsrück landscape. This makes it easy to plan a culturally focused stay and add a hike.

Belginum: Museum and Archaeological Complex

The Belginum archaeological complex associated with Wederath comprises several areas. These include the Celtic-Roman burial ground, the Roman-period settlement of Belginum with several temple precincts, and an early Roman military camp. Together, these different elements give the site a broad archaeological focus.

The archaeological park also includes a museum. It presents archaeological research findings, as well as finds from Wederath’s Iron Age burial ground and from the provincial Roman population of ancient Belginum. Finds from the Iron Age are thus displayed alongside evidence from the Roman period. On the grounds, a hiking trail just under 1,000 metres long, with informative panels, leads through various parts of the settlement and burial ground. The museum and trail offer different perspectives: one presents finds and research, while the other takes you through the archaeological areas on site.

Hiking Trails and Distances

Opened in 2005, the Belginum hiking trail connects the Moselle towns of Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach with the Belginum Archaeological Park in the Hunsrück uplands. The total distance from the starting point in Bernkastel-Kues to Belginum is around 14 kilometres; from the Moselle riverbank in Traben-Trarbach, it is around 16 kilometres. These figures refer to different starting points and help you gauge the distance for each route.

Above the Kautenbach district, the trail passes through the Trabenerbach valley, a wild and unspoilt side valley of the Moselle, on its way to the archaeological park near Wederath. By comparison, the path on the park grounds is just under 1,000 metres long and leads through parts of the settlement and burial ground. If you plan to hike the Belginum trail, take current trail conditions into account when planning your trip.

The Church of the Finding of the Cross and the Grist Mill

The history of the Church of the Finding of the Cross can also be traced through specific dates. After the chapel was renovated in 1669 following a fire, the present, larger Baroque church was built between 1756 and 1758. The two dates distinguish the rebuilding of the chapel from the later construction of the larger church.

Inside the church are a pulpit, a 1766 Pietà, a cast relief depicting the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and various statues of saints. The Baroque altar includes a tall tabernacle; the altar itself was not brought to Wederath until the 20th century. Opposite the church stands an old, working grist mill. It is often demonstrated during mill walks in the Hunsrück. The church and mill therefore appeal to different interests: the church’s furnishings and architectural history, and the historic craft of milling.

Discover more destinations: Gonzerath, Hinzerath, Hoxel

For the overview of the wider area: Morbach.