Eat your way along this culinary hiking trail in Germany

As I meandered down the narrow dirt path of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail in Saarland, Germany, my eyes were drawn to the vibrant green moss that covered the forest floor like a shag carpet from the 70s. The thick grove of beech trees lining the pathway loomed over us, their smooth, gray bark reflecting the few rays of sun that broke through the dim light. A burbling stream that ran alongside the trail broke the silence.

Rounding a corner, there were two large wooden crates in a small clearing by a picnic table. I opened the lid of one and it was surprisingly stocked with about six-dozen bottles of local Karlsbrau beer. The other was filled with bottled water and apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice). These crates are called GenussTrühen — food chests, also referred to as "supply stations" — and were recently introduced to the roughly 6.5-mile Stausee-Tafeltour trail, a circular route that pairs scenic hiking with curated culinary stops.

This type of active vacation is currently trending, according to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, with nearly one in five travelers seeking out culinary experiences, 69 percent enjoying being active while traveling, and 20 percent opting for outdoor adventures. And with the German Hiking Institute recently re-certifying the region as a premium hiking destination for the third time since 2015, now is the time to hike the Stausee-Tafeltour trail.

The trail

The Stausee-Tafeltour trail is one of more than 100 traumschleifen (dream loops), which are part of the larger eco-friendly Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, a long-distance hiking trail that spans roughly 250 miles in the western part of the country. To achieve certification as a premium hiking destination, the region must meet 34 criteria, including user-friendly trail markings, silence, untouched landscape, historic buildings and monuments, inns or huts, and benches and rest areas.

Along the Stausee-Tafeltour path, hikers will find lush forests, wooden bridges, wide-open fields, scenic benches, trickling brooks, horse pastures, and charming villages. Points of interest include Scheiden — the highest village in Saarland — with views of nearby France and Luxembourg, the Kneipp facility (foot bath), and SeeGarten.

The last stretch of the loop takes hikers through a shady area with a grove of dramatic green and copper ferns, with roots and rocks strewn across the path. Keep going until you reach a sweeping view of Losheim Lake. The trail continues, hugging the lake.

Visitors can also purchase a ticket to wander through the whimsical SeeGarten with an array of flowers, shrubs and grasses, as well as a lily pond, nature pond, and water playground with interactive stations to keep children entertained for hours.

What to eat

In the U.S., when setting off for a day hike, I typically pack snacks and plenty of water. Along the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, look for the trail signs with the chef's hat and the word tafeltour (table tour) and you'll find gastronomy that is easily accessible for hikers.

The Stausee-Tafeltour trail was recently awarded a RegionalGenuss (regional enjoyment) certificate, which means culinary offerings (nothing commercial) from the area can be found on the trail, such as in the chests, vending machines, and at local restaurants. Not only are these options a way for hikers to nourish themselves, but also a way for them to get to know the culture of the region through its specialty foods and beverages.

The GenussTrühen are stocked by local residents and are kept full April through October. A sign is posted with pricing and there is a box where hikers can leave money, paying on the honor system. The person that provides the supplies keeps the money.

My time on the trail ended at jovial Hochwälder Brauhaus, where I rewarded myself with a warm meal and a cold beer. I filled my belly with a regional favorite, homemade saaraländische kartoffelstippchen (potato dumplings) with mushroom sauce at a table overlooking the lake.

Additional dining at the lake is also available at the SeeGartenBistro, Restaurant Maison au Lac, and Seehotel-Losheim. 

Where to stay

For those who want to travel farther on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, hotel accommodation is available in Losheim at the Seehotel-Losheim, Pension-Gasthaus Scheidener Stuben, Hochwälder Wohlfühlhotel, or camping at Wellnester Losheim am See. Keep in mind that for a multi-day hike, you'll have to carry your supplies with you, but at least you won't worry about finding something to eat and drink along the way.