Morshausen: Trails, Views and Local History

In Morshausen, hiking, cycling and local history come together: the village is a stop on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig trail and lies along the Schinderhannes-Untermosel Cycle Route. Fountains, the school and the museum offer further topics to consider when planning your trip. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Morshausen, the named trails and cultural attractions can help you decide what to focus on during your time here.

Hiking trails and stages around Morshausen

The Saar-Hunsrück-Steig trail runs from Idar-Oberstein to Boppard and passes through Morshausen in this area. Stage 22 runs from the Schmausemühle to Morshausen, through the Baybach Gorge and over the Murscher Eselsche. A historical rating placed this stage first among 27 stages, with 102 experience points. Stage 23 runs from Morshausen through the Ehrbach Gorge to Oppenhausen and averages 85 points. When comparing them, it is important to note which stage you are considering: one leads to Morshausen, while the other continues from there to Oppenhausen.

The Murscher Eselsche dream trail has 86 experience points; this rating is historical. In 2013, the trail ranked fourth in Germany’s selection of hiking trails. Large sections of the historic mining trail were incorporated into the dream trail. Along the way, you reach a spoil heap where visitors can learn about ore mining at the Theresia mine. Murscher Aussichten also has a special place in history: it opened as Germany’s first certified hiking trail.

The playground at the Jakob-Kneip Oak is the starting point for the Murscher Eselsche and Murscher Aussichten trails. It has a sandbox, a carousel, a slide, a bee hotel, and a picnic and rest bench; details about its operation may change. If you are planning to visit the playground, it is best to check its current condition beforehand.

Cycling and views

The 22-kilometre Schinderhannes-Untermosel Cycle Route runs from Emmelshausen to Burgen through Morshausen. Along the way, it offers sweeping views across the Hunsrück to the volcanic cones of the Eifel. The village’s elevated position also affords views in every direction. To the northwest, the view extends into the Moselle Valley and far into the Eifel. The two perspectives—the views from the village and those along the cycle route—offer different points of reference for planning your trip.

The Heiligenkreuz is located on the cycle route at Kreuzwiese, between Beulich and Morshausen. It was erected in 1741, connecting a specific historic site with the route.

Local history and Jakob Kneip

The well with a pump handle stands on Brunnenstraße and recalls the past. It was built in the 15th century and designed in the style of Hungarian Pusta wells. Historically, women from Morshausen used it for washing days. This site brings together the history of the structure and a glimpse of everyday life as it was once lived.

The old village school is also part of the story of the writer Jakob Kneip: the building was erected in 1882, and Kneip enrolled there in 1887. The Jakob Kneip Museum in Morshausen displays the writer’s works, parts of his study, reference books, paintings, contemporary documents, and works by artists from his circle. Admission is free, but visits are only possible by prior arrangement.

Literature and the hiking trail also meet in the wooden figure Hampit. It depicts the main character in a novel by Jakob Kneip and was installed before the Murscher Eselsche dream trail opened. The Heiligenstock, restored in 1982, is also located below the trail.

An annual tradition

The Stutzweck is handed out every year on Good Friday after the midday church service. If you would like to visit on the occasion of this tradition, check locally in advance to see whether it is taking place.

Discover more destinations: Damscheid, Hahn, Erbach, Niedert, Klosterkumbd, Niederburg, Boppard, Kirchberg.

For the broader travel overview: Rhein-Hunsrück.