Picture this You are standing in Valwig a charming village nestled on the Moselle River’s right bank. The sun warms your face as you take in the breathtaking views. This is Valwig one of the oldest settlements along the Moselle.
Valwig boasts a rich history dating back to at least 866 AD. Early documents refer to it as Falavoia. But evidence suggests that Celts and Romans lived here long before. The name Balbiacum meaning Balbius’s Settlement hints at a Celtic-Roman presence. Imagine the lives of those early inhabitants. What did they build? What did they grow? Their legacy lives on in this beautiful place.
The village itself is a treasure trove of history. Wander its streets and you’ll discover well-preserved buildings. The timber-frame houses whisper tales of centuries past. One house on Bachstrasse bears the date 1607. A testament to its enduring history. Saint Martin’s Catholic Church a three-naved quarrystone hall church stands proudly. It was built between 1823 and 1826 by architect Johann Claudius von Lassaulx of Koblenz. Its graveyard holds silent stories of those who came before. Even a simple basalt wayside cross marked 1767 tells a story. Look closely you might even find the mark of 1610 on a winemaker’s house on Brühlstrasse.
But Valwig is more than just old stones. It is a thriving winegrowing centre. The sunny slopes and mild climate produce excellent wines. Imagine yourself tasting the Riesling from Valwig’s vineyards. The taste is as rich as its history. Two well-known hiking trails run through these vineyards. The Apolloweg takes you to Cochem along the Moselle. The BREVA Weg winds up to Valwigerberg. Both offer stunning views.
Above Valwig on Valwigerberg sits a pilgrimage church. Saint Mary’s and Mary Magdalene’s Pilgrimage Church. Its late Gothic choir dates back to around 1440. Legend has it that Sir Johann von Winneburg built it to honor a wonder-working image of Our Lady of the Mountain. Valwigerberg itself is a peaceful area. Surrounded by meadows and mixed forests it offers a welcome escape from the bustling world below. Imagine the quiet of this place the peace in the air. It is a place of reflection and beauty.
Valwig is a village that seamlessly blends its rich past with its vibrant present. It is a place where history and nature combine to create an unforgettable experience. It is a place you should cherish. A place you will never forget. A place called Valwig.