Kell am See – Reservoir, Moorland and Hiking Trails

Kell am See combines a reservoir with wooded surroundings, moorland and a variety of trails for hikers and cyclists. This mix is relevant when choosing a destination: you can choose between routes around the water, longer hiking stages and sections of the Ruwer-Hochwald Cycle Route. Horse riding is also one of the outdoor activities associated with Kell am See. The first documented mention of the town dates back to 634.

Nature between lake, forest and moorland

Kell am See is located in the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. Its defining landscape features include the reservoir, the wooded surroundings and the Ruwer, which flows through the built-up area. Water, forest and river provide different points of reference for a stay in the area. A special natural feature is the Weyrichsbruch, also known as a raised bog: it is a rare, well-preserved spring-fed bog that can be explored via the wooden boardwalk. Those interested in moorland landscapes will find a distinctive focus here alongside the trails by the reservoir.

Hiking and activities by the reservoir

A 2.2-kilometre circular route leads around the Kell Reservoir. Check the route details locally before setting out. Pedal boating and fishing are among the activities available at the lake; availability may depend on local operating conditions. This means there is a choice of both a walk and other activities for time by the water, without implying a set itinerary for your visit.

Several hiking trails also include the reservoir. The 19-kilometre Hochwald-Acht Dream Loop passes by the reservoir in Kell am See. The 25th stage of the Saar-Hunsrück Climb ends at the reservoir in Kell. On the 26th stage, the trail leads from the Kell Reservoir over boardwalks through the Rösterbruch Moor. Trail conditions and possible diversions may change; check the current route before setting out. The circular route by the lake and the long-distance hiking trails mentioned here therefore differ not only in length, but also in whether the reservoir is a loop or a destination or starting point along the route.

Cycling along the former railway line and through the valley

The Ruwer-Hochwald Cycle Route is around 48 kilometres long and runs from Trier through the Ruwer Valley via Kell am See to Hermeskeil. More than 90 percent of the route follows the former Ruwer Railway line. With an average gradient of about one percent, the route is suitable for families and inexperienced cyclists. The sections also help with planning: the 9.4-kilometre section from Zerf to Kell am See passes through the Keller Mulde nature reserve. Another section, 13.3 kilometres long, runs from Kell am See to Hermeskeil and has the smallest elevation changes on the route. These details make it possible to compare the sections more specifically without reducing the entire route to a single stage.

Leisure and local history

Dumpert Village Park has a skate park, a basketball court and an adventure playground. These facilities add more leisure options in town to the hiking and cycling trails. Horse riding is also one of the outdoor activities associated with Kell am See. The town’s history includes its first documented mention in 634 under the name Callida. In Kell am See, experiences of nature and the trails meet a historically documented place name.

Discover more destinations: Geisfeld, Waldweiler, Ralingen, Wellen, Konz, Rascheid, Heddert, Wehr.

For the regional travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.