Discover Fell: Mining History, Romans and Vineyards

Fell combines slate mining, Roman history and wine country. If you are looking for a hotel in Fell for your stay, you can explore the destination through these different themes: the mining trail passes traces of mining, a Roman sanctuary stands on Feller Burgkopf, and the Feller-Bach Valley is home to a comparatively large, continuous area of vineyards.

Getting to Fell and getting around

You can reach the Fell visitor mine from Trier on Moselbahn line 22 through the Ruwertal Valley in about 30 minutes. From the Fell, Neustraße stop, it is about a 30-minute walk to the mine. The route passes through the historic gate and by traces of mining; some sections follow the mining trail. If you travel by train, check the timetable in advance.

The mining trail is listed at two lengths: 5 kilometres and 7.5 kilometres. The longer route passes through Fell and the vineyards. Most of the trail runs through woodland and passes ten slate mines. Information boards explain the history and operation of the mines. The two route lengths provide a practical guide for planning; check the trail details before setting out.

Slate mining and visitor mines

The history of mining can be seen at several different sites. Much of the historic rail network has been preserved at the Hoffnung mine. The Barbara-Hoffnung visitor mine between Fell and Thomm comprises two typical slate mines dating from around the turn of the century. A guided tour underground at the Fell visitor mine lasts about an hour. The temperature remains constant at 12 to 13 degrees Celsius. Allow time for the tour and dress for the cool temperature. As visitor operations may change, check tour details before you travel.

These details give the excursion a historical focus, although the trails and the mines do not necessarily offer the same experience: on the mining trail, you will encounter slate mines and information boards, while the visitor mine tour takes place underground. This lets you choose between a hike with a mining history theme and a guided visit when planning your trip.

Roman traces and Maximinerburg

A Roman mountain sanctuary stands on Feller Burgkopf, a steep, rocky slate ridge in the area of the Feller and Weigerbach valleys. It includes three temples dating from the 1st century to the end of the 4th century. Archaeological finds include parts of a life-size cult statue of Silvanus. This site offers a different historical focus from the evidence of slate mining.

A Baroque gate and parts of the perimeter wall have survived from Maximinerburg Fell. The complex was an agricultural estate belonging to St. Maximin, not a military castle. The free ARGO app lets you view the former Maximinerburg at its original scale and in a 360-degree display. Before your visit, check whether this digital feature is still available.

Wine country and the Feller Markt

The Feller-Bach Valley shapes the local landscape and includes a comparatively large, continuous area of vineyards. The landscape also features a hill crowned by a castle, with two streams surrounding it on three sides. The Feller Markt is considered one of the traditional wine festivals on the Moselle. If you would like to plan your stay around the market, check the dates and programme in advance, as both may vary.

The WeinStein snack bar at the Fell visitor mine serves wine and food. As the offerings may change, check before you travel. Along with the vineyards and the Feller Markt, this food and drink connection complements the town’s historical and scenic attractions. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh whether to focus mainly on the mining trails, the archaeological traces or the wine country.

Discover more destinations: Taben-Rodt, Serrig, Freudenburg, Mannebach, Kenn, Wiltingen, Greimerath, Reinsfeld.

Back to the regional travel guide: Trier-Saarburg.