Tawern between Roman history and countryside

Tawern lies between the Moselle and Saar rivers in a broad valley that opens to the northeast towards Trier and the Moselle Valley. For those looking for a hotel in Tawern, the village has a clear thematic focus: the Roman temple complex on Metzenberg. The surrounding countryside, with its named hills and woods, and trails that take in the Roman settlement site and the valley add to the appeal.

Countryside and historic village centre

The countryside around Tawern includes Hardwald, Pflauberg, Metzenberg, Röhlert, Orschenberg, Lück and Rosenberg. The visible Vicus Tabernae is considered the core of today’s village. Tawern is thought to have originated around the time of Christ’s birth as a station on the Roman road from Trier to Metz. The village’s history and the temple complex therefore reach back to Roman times, although they tell different stories: the development of a roadside settlement and the temple precinct on Metzenberg.

The Roman temple precinct

At the beginning of the first century, a temple precinct was established on Metzenberg near the Roman road. Its first building phase comprised five small temples standing side by side. The largest temple housed a statue of Mercury that was slightly larger than life-size. On the upper terrace stands a reconstructed Gallo-Roman ambulatory temple and an adjoining chapel. The Roman temple complex was reconstructed between 1986 and 1999. It lies in the woods above Vicus Tabernae and gives an impression of religious beliefs in antiquity.

There are two complementary ways to explore the complex: an audio guide explains Roman life and how the temple complex was used. The free ARGO app lets you view the temple complex in augmented reality. The temple precinct is also on the G11 hiking trail. This allows you to appreciate the archaeological site in the context of the surrounding countryside.

Roman tour and trails through the valley

The Roman Tour explores the Vicus street settlement and the temple complex on Metzenberg. Along the way, there are views towards Trier; at the temple complex, the tour passes historic excavations. It then runs through the Mannebach Valley and continues to the Talbachhütte. In this way, it connects the Roman settlement site with other parts of Tawern’s countryside. If you are choosing a destination mainly for its archaeological sites, this tour takes in both the vicus and the temple precinct, before continuing into the valley.

Getting around and staying in Tawern

A forest car park is available for visitors to the temple complex. From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to the complex. As of 16 August 2026, the site is freely accessible and open to visitors at any time; check access again before setting out. There is also a Way of St James pilgrim stamp in the tower room of St Peter and Paul’s Church.

There is also an accommodation option directly connected to the temple precinct: the Roman Temple trekking campsite has wooden platforms for one or two tents, a rest area and a composting toilet. Bus services to and from Tawern are available. For information, contact the Trier Region Transport Association (VRT).

Discover more destinations: Mehring, Waldrach, Longen, Baldringen, Ensch, Holzerath, Neuhütten, Kasel.

Back to the main travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.