Trier and a tough climb

I set off just before eight o’clock, and the weather is perfect for cycling.

The Moselle Valley stays by my side, providing a comforting sense of security and tranquility. Just before reaching Riel, I cross the Moselle and pass through a charming wine-growing village, then tackle a grueling, winding ascent that stretches for several kilometers—ed by a breathtaking, panoramic view.

By 1:00 PM, with about half the distance to Trier remaining, I stop in Wittlich at a Netto store. Time for a break and to charge my phone.
The final 15 km into Trier drag on, with heavy traffic making the journey slow. Once in the city—which feels rather dull—I spot a sign for a campsite and keep my focus, watching for the next turn.

I want to get the tent up quickly and have dinner before darkness falls. The campsite isn’t top-notch, but it’s located almost right in the city center, by the Moselle River. Most of the campers are, as usual, in motorhomes or caravans; there are only five or six of us in tents.

I manage to pitch the tent and have dinner before the sun dips below the horizon.

Dinner in Trier campingplace and before sunset

Tomorrow marks my last day in Germany, and Luxembourg awaits. It will be a brand-new country for me, and I aim to arrive before noon.

  -September 23 – Luxembourg- 

I leave the campsite as soon as I’ve returned the card and key and got my €20 deposit back.
It’s a quarter past eight, and the cycle path out of the city is rather dull. I have 20 km to go until Temmels, where I’ll take another break at a bakery and café called Dietz.
It’s 3 km from there to the Luxembourg border, and I reach it quite soon…

My next country waiting

After a few more kilometers, I cross the Moselle again and enter Grevenmacher; then comes the next tough climb—a 3–4% gradient for two kilometers. That’s followed by a fantastic downhill stretch and a long, tedious straightaway.

Grevenmacher

In Senningen, I hit the next grueling incline; there’s roadwork going on, so I have to weave between vehicles and traffic cones. But now, there are barely 11 km left to the capital—and three days of rest from all the cycling.

Arriving before 11:30, I reach the city center after a long uphill climb. On a narrow little street, I find a bar and pub where I order a beer, followed by chicken soup served with four slices of white bread.

While I eat, I pull up the directions to the George & Dragon Pub, where I’ll be staying for three nights. Best of all, it’s located in a quiet area just a few kilometers from the city center.

I got my bearings the town center before cycling through to my B&B, conveniently located in an area with a name that’s easy to pronounce.

lace Guillaume II square

Guard secure the Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Grand Duke of Luxembourg lives here

My B&B, George and Dragon Pub

Interior in the pub and bar

I’m greeted first by a man standing behind the counter by one of several beer taps. I tell him:

“I’ve booked three nights and…”

“Sorry, I don’t understand English,” the man says, calling out for a woman. She speaks English and tells me I’m a bit early.

“Sit down and wait,” she says, while showing me my booking on her mobile phone. After half an hour, I get access to my room two floors up; it’s an attic room with no windows, though it does have a skylight.

The room contains a large double bed, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, and a fridge. A reddish-brown leather sofa runs along one of the long walls. The shower and toilet are in the hallway outside.

I learn that the buses into the city center stop right outside and run every fifteen minutes.

Once settled in, I unpack and take a shower. There are cutlery, plates, and a kettle in the hallway—something I really appreciate.

My friend, mascot, “Lill-Kenta” has found his place and he enjoys it

After my shower, I boil some water, get out the instant coffee, pour myself a 4 cl measure of whiskey, and lie down on the bed to thoroughly unwind.

“Lill-Kenta” claims a cozy corner and plops down, ready to soak up the moment like a cat in a sunbeam.