Via Julia Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
Via Julia runs from Trier via Nennig and Perl to Remich and Schengen, then on through Thionville to Metz. It links Germany, Luxembourg and France and often sticks close to the Mosel and Saar.
Via Julia is a 309.2 km cycle route from Trier to Metz. You’ll often track the Mosel and Saar, hop between Germany, Luxembourg and France, and mostly roll on tarmac; the short gravel bits tend to show up near Roman sites. What stands out is the sheer density of Roman places and modern border points: the Porta Nigra in Trier, Roman remains around Nennig, Schengen as the symbol of open borders, and finally the run into Metz with its cathedral and amphitheatre. The official line says the profile is gentle overall, with only a few short climbs around Perl, which makes it a comfy ride for leisure cyclists, beginners and e-bikes. Families will be fine on the flatter river sections; stronger riders can treat the full length as a multi-day project. If you’re planning the trip yourself, the blue Via Julia waymarking and the official stage plan for the core Mosel Valley section make things a lot easier.
Route Profile
| Distance | 154 km |
| Stages | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | Well signposted |
| Suitable For | Families, Beginners, Recreational cyclists, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
Via Julia Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
Via Julia Stages
The official stage plan on viajulia.de covers the core section in the Mosel Valley and splits it into six days. For the complete Via Julia (309.2 km), you’ll need to plan beyond these stages yourself.
Stage 1: Trier → Nennig (29 km)
You start in Trier and ride through the Mosel Valley towards Nennig. According to the official description, this section is mostly flat and ideal for easing into the trip.
Porta Nigra (Trier), Roman bridge in Nennig.
Stage 2: Nennig → Perl (18 km)
You continue along the Mosel, again with a gentle profile. It’s a short, manageable section—great for a half day with plenty of stops.
Saar–Mosel confluence.
Stage 3: Perl → Remich (22 km)
You head towards Luxembourg and ride through vineyards to Remich. Around Perl you’ll find most of the route’s few short climbs.
Viewpoint tower near Perl, wine route in Remich.
Stage 4: Remich → Schengen (15 km)
A short stage on the Mosel Cycle Path to Schengen. Perfect if you want to budget time for a stop in the border town.
Schengen (EU agreement).
Stage 5: Schengen → Thionville (25 km)
You keep going downstream along the Mosel and cross into France. The feel stays river-hugging and fairly relaxed.
Lock in Wasserbillig.
Stage 6: Thionville → Metz (45 km)
The longest day in the official plan, with more urban riding as you approach Metz. The finish is a proper culture stop rather than just passing through.
Metz Cathedral, Roman remains and amphitheatre.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Via Julia
The highest concentration of highlights is on the Trier → Nennig → Perl section (official stages 1–2). You kick off with the Porta Nigra, then stay in the river valley for ages, with Roman traces and short hops to stops without big detours. In Nennig it’s worth stopping for the Roman bridge and the Roman remains before you roll on towards Perl, where you can add a short climb up to the viewpoint tower.
Highlights on the Via Julia
- Porta Nigra in Trier (UNESCO).
- Roman bridge in Nennig.
- Viewpoint tower near Perl.
- Schengen as the place where the EU agreement was signed.
- Lock in Wasserbillig.
- Metz Cathedral and the Roman amphitheatre.
Accommodations on the Via Julia
Along the Via Julia you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Via Julia there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Via Julia Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
The big plus is how many concrete stops you get on a pretty relaxed line, backed up by really good signage. The downside: the officially described stages only cover the core section; if you want to ride the full length, you’ll need to do more of your own planning.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.