Situated in the Mosel region, Aussichtspunkt Calmont, also known as the Horseshoe Bend of Germany, offers a breathtaking vantage point that unveils the scenic beauty of the meandering Moselle River. Perched atop the Calmont hill, one of the steepest vineyard slopes in Europe, this viewpoint provides a mesmerizing panorama of the winding river as it gracefully curves, creating a natural horseshoe bend. The lush vineyards that carpet the slopes add a vibrant green backdrop to the tranquil waters below. Visitors to Aussichtspunkt Calmont are treated to a picturesque tableau of the Mosel Valley, where the convergence of nature and viticulture paints an awe-inspiring scene. Whether capturing the beauty through the lens or simply immersing oneself in the serenity, this vantage point stands as a testament to the Mosel region’s enchanting landscapes and is often hailed as the Horseshoe Bend of Germany.
How to get to Aussichtspunkt Calmont
The best view of the bend of the Mosel river is at the top of hill that overlooks Bremm, and the bend. There are two ways to get to the top.
Hike to the View
The more challenging means is by hiking Calmont Klettersteig. A very popular hike that is approximately 8km long and will take 3 hours. The hike is a loop that uses the bridge over the Mosel river, and includes footpaths along the river in Bremm. However, the difficult part is getting to the top. There are switchbacks, and climbing involved. But that should be expected in the steepest vineyard in Europe.
Drive to the View
The easier way to get to the view is by driving to a parking lot located down the road. This still requires driving down a dirt road, and 20-minute walk, but is far easier than the hike from the towns below.
Where to Park
The “parking area” you want is labeled on google maps as “Parkplatz Calmont Moselschleife”. Driving from Bremm you will twist and turn to the top of the hill (and your GPS may tell you to take one of the roads that goes into the forest – but don’t!). Once you reach the top of the hill and start driving the flat portion you will start seeing some cars parked in a dirt lot in the middle of a farmer’s field. This is the first car park area. If it is not too busy, you can follow the dirt road to a second, and closer car park spot. However, the second car park spot is smaller and may be full.
There are no official signs to get to the car park, the car park is not labelled, and your GPS will try to take you through a forest road instead or say you’ve “reached your destination”. Make sure you actually follow the map and not the GPS once you start nearing the top of the hill. The location on the map is correct, the directions are just terrible.
How was the horse shoe bend made
The horseshoe bend-like formation at Aussichtspunkt Calmont in the Mosel region of Germany was created through geological processes over an extended period. The meandering Moselle River, shaped by erosion and sedimentation, carved its course through the landscape, gradually forming the distinct horseshoe bend. The unique topography of the Calmont hill, one of the steepest vineyard slopes in Europe, adds to the picturesque setting. Over time, natural forces, including the flow of the river and the gradual shifts in the Earth’s crust, contributed to the creation of this striking bend. The lush vineyards that adorn the slopes are a testament to the region’s long-standing tradition of winemaking, further enhancing the scenic beauty of this natural marvel.
The Location of the Best Photo Spot
There are two spots you can easily visit from the car park area. The first is Weinschanke am Gipfelkreuz. A terrace area where wine can be purchased. It’s a small terrace area, and the price for the wine is pretty high – but if you want to enjoy an evening view over the Mosel river, it’s the easiest spot to get to from the car park.
To get to the best view of the Mosel river horseshoe bend, and the views from the Calmont head left down a small but steep hill directly near the Weinshanke am Gipfelkreuz. From there you will turn right onto a very small trail that weaves around the hillside. This will lead you to the best viewpoint labelled “Aussichtspunkt Calmont” on google.
This spot gives you a better view of the river without the hillside cutting off a portion of it.
Aussichtspunkt Calmont
The trail to Aussichtspunkt Calmont may not seem like a typical hiking trail, as it is very narrow and just cuts into the side of the hill. However, you will know you are at the right location as after walking for less than five minutes there is a small wooden hut located by the edge overlooking the Mosel river below. You can take a break in the hut, or step out in front of the hut to capture the views of the Mosel River.
Sunset at Aussichtspunkt Calmont
Visiting Aussichtspunkt Calmont at sunset is a great option. I found there were more people at the terrace drinking wine, but very few people on the small trail or at the viewpoint.
However, the sunsets will be behind you. So, you will not capture any magical sunset photos behind the river bend like you see at Horseshoe Bend in Arizona.
Sunrise at Aussichtspunkt Calmont
If you are looking for that breathtaking photo, then the better time to go is for sunrise. However, unlike at sunset, this is when the Aussichtspunkt Calmont will be busy. Unlike Horseshoe Bend in Arizona which has a lot of room for visitors to capture the view – the area of Aussichtspunkt Calmont is tiny and limited to around 5 people (comfortably).
I arrived 30 minutes before sunrise and was the first person there, by ten minutes before sunrise there were five other groups there. The prime spots (only about two) were gone by 20 minutes before sunrise.
The sun will rise over the side of the bend, and if the cloud coverage is forgiving there are breathtaking views of the sky over the Mosel River and the towns below.
Drinks at Aussichtspunkt Calmont
At the Aussichtspunkt Calmont lookout in the Mosel region, visitors can savor a delightful selection of wines that reflect the rich viticultural heritage of the area. Seasonally a small stand opens up to sell beverages to those coming out to the views.
Nestled amid the lush vineyards of the Calmont hill, this lookout often features wines crafted from the steep slopes that surround it. The Mosel region is renowned for its exceptional Riesling wines, celebrated for their crisp acidity, vibrant fruit flavors, and unique minerality. Wineries near the Aussichtspunkt Calmont take advantage of the terroir to produce wines that embody the character of the Mosel Valley. Whether it’s a refreshing white wine to complement the panoramic views or a carefully aged vintage to enhance the tasting experience, the wine offerings at this lookout are a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and the skilled craftsmanship of local winemakers. Visitors have the opportunity to indulge in a tasting journey that captures the essence of the Mosel’s winemaking excellence while immersed in the stunning scenery of the Horseshoe Bend of Germany.
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