The first stage – or quite possibly the final stage – of the Moselsteig Trail cannot fail to inspire visitors with its proximity to nature, open countryside and its unique views over three countries: Germany, Luxembourg and France. The landscape constantly changes and, with the ancient forests and the wide-open fields of the Saargau– made even lovelier in early summer by the magnificent wild orchid blossom – offers a contrast to the endless vineyards of the Moselle Valley. Sinkholes known as dolina, large karst funnels close to the path, are a fascinating feature of this section of the trail, providing impressive evidence that the landscape here was predominantly formed from limestone. Both Perl and Palzem are two charming destinations for hikers – one still in Saarland and the other in Rhineland-Palatinate.