Cross-Border Mill Route

45 KM   I   100 HÖHENMETER  I  4:00 STD. DAUER  I  MITTEL

 

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

This route makes for the perfect adventure for the whole family to enjoy. Admire the beauty of nature as you cycle alongside the most stunning of rivers close to the border between the French Pays de Bitche and the Palatinate region of Germany. There are 14 incredible mills to spot along the way and why not stop off for a rest or bit of exploration whilst you’re there?

STARTING POINT AND HOW TO GET THERE

  • Starting/finishing point: At Eschviller Mühle (Eschviller Mill) near Volmunster
  • Parking: There is a large car park at Eschviller Mühle (Eschviller Mill)

THINGS TO SEE

  • Eschviller Mühle (Eschviller Mill) complete with botanical educational trail and museums
  • The other mills along the route
  • Grab des Heiligen Pirminus (Grave of Saint Pirmin) in Hornbach

 

PLACES TO STOP

  • At Eschviller Mühle (Eschviller Mill) at the start of the route and in almost all of the towns and villages along the way

PLACES TO STAY

  • Holiday homes or guest rooms at Eschviller Mühle (Eschviller Mill), in Volmunster and Loutzviller and at the Epping Hotel in Hornbach

TOURDESCRIPTION

When you are cycling on this route, don’t forget to look out for the signs with a mill wheel and the European symbol on them.  This loop starts off at Eschviller Mühle (Eschviller Mill) near Volmunster. Here you can look at the old Getreidemühle (Grain Mill) and the Sägerei (Sawmill) that is powered by a water wheel. There is also a Bienenhaus (Apiary) and a restaurant with a lovely summer terrace on site. Upon leaving Eschviller Mühle (Eschviller Mill), the path will take you to Arnet Mühle/Moulin Arnet (Arnet Mill) in Volmunster, where you can buy fresh flour, pasta and other products from the mill. The mills at Weiskirch, Urbach and Bettviller are next on the agenda, followed by the mill at Guiderkirch. Once you have crossed the border, the first mill you will come to is the one in Peppenkum. The Untere Mühle (Lower Mill) and Obere Mühle (Upper Mill) in Altheim will follow. As you carry on with your adventure, you will have the chance to explore Bickenaschbacher Mühle (Bickenaschbach Mill), which is also known as the “Torhausmühle” (Gatehouse Mill), having been built in 1610 on the site of a monastery farmhouse. Keep cycling in the direction of Mittelbach, Rimschweiler, Althornbach and Hornbach. You will pass the Goffing mills on the way. Follow the circular route to the mills in Grossteinhaus, the mill in Riedelberg, which dates back to 1624, and the mill in Rolbing. Head back to Eschviller Mühle (Eschviller Mill) via Schweyen, Brenschelbach and Loutzviller.

 

CONTACT

Office de Tourisme du Pays de Bitche Fremdenverkehrsamt Pays de Bitche
2 Avenue du Gal De Gaulle, 57230 BITCHE
Tél 00 33 (0)3 87 06 16 16, contact (at) tourisme-paysdebitche.fr
www.tourisme-paysdebitche.fr

Copyright photo on this page: Moulin Eschviller © JC KANNY

Copyright map:  map.solutions GmbH