Calmont Via Ferrata, Bremmer Calmont
Just a short drive from Bullay, the Bremmer Calmont is Europe's steepest vineyard — a vertiginous south-facing slate wall that plunges to the Moselle at gradients of up to 68 degrees. The via ferrata threaded through it is three kilometres of ladders, steel cables and rocky spurs suspended 200–300 metres above the river, delivering views of a hairpin Moselle bend that will make your heart race eve
A Vineyard Since Roman Times
Romans planted the first vines on this blazing hillside over 2,000 years ago, naming it calidus mons — hot hill — for its sun-drenched, south-facing aspect and the exceptional warmth trapped by the dark slate soil. The Calmont Rieslings grown here today are intensely mineral and sought-after, a direct legacy of that ancient agricultural instinct.
The via ferrata itself was constructed in 2002 as a community project by the villages of Bremm, Ediger-Eller and Neef, with the German Alpine Club (Alpenverein Koblenz) securing the route with steel cables, ladders, step bars and pegs to create a safe but genuinely thrilling alpine-style traverse above the Moselle.
The Climb Itself
The route runs approximately 3 km between Ediger-Eller and Bremm, though most hikers start from Bremm church car park and tackle it in a circular loop. The path leads over ladders past distinctive rock spurs, with steel cables providing support on exposed ridge crossings — sturdy shoes, a head for heights and a reasonable fitness level are essential.
At the Calmont summit cross, the Vierseenblick (four-lakes view) opens up: the Moselle loop below appears to encircle the land completely, with the ruins of Stuben monastery visible on the far bank. On weekends during the season, a pop-up wine tavern operates right at the cross — Calmont Riesling, earned with every cramped foothold.
Practical Tips for Day-Trippers from Bullay
Bremm is about 12 km southwest of Bullay by car along the B49. The circular hike is roughly 8.9 km and takes most walkers 2.5–3.5 hours including the via ferrata section. The best months are April through October; summer mornings are ideal before the slate heats up in the midday sun.
The trail is bi-directional but starting from Bremm is recommended, as it allows you to tackle the steepest sections on ascent rather than descent. After the climb, the village of Bremm itself has several wine taverns where you can restore yourself with a glass of the very Riesling you just scrambled past.
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