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Via Ferrata

Burgenklettersteig

Rating

About the Burgenklettersteig

country

Germany

length

4 km(2 mi)

difficulty

Difficult

accommodation

Lodging

Elevation gain

1000 m(3281 ft)

terrain

Mountains, Forest

remoteness

Some of the time

The Burgenklettersteig is a via ferrata route near Manderscheid in the Eifel region of Germany. It features three sections with varying difficulty levels (A to D), making it suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. The route passes through the Lieser Valley and provides views of the nearby Manderscheid castles. The trail includes metal steps, ladders, and cable-secured paths.

Proper climbing equipment is required, and the route is recommended for those familiar with basic climbing techniques. It’s possible to rent your equipment at the visitor center in Manderscheid.

The Burgenklettersteig is well-marked and maintained and each section has different challenges. The second of the three sections is often used as an introduction to via ferrata climbing as the other two sections are slightly harder. It’s a great way to enjoy the Eifel region in a very unique way on this klettersteig.

Editor

Elmar Teegelbeckers

Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.

Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.

You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.

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Always read the disclaimer

The Trail

The first section of the Burgenklettersteig, Lieser, is rated as a medium difficult via ferrata climbing route, featuring a difficulty rating of B/C and small parts C/D. It starts near the lower Manderscheid Castle and consists of narrow paths and a few secured metal steps, making it ideal if you’re new to climbing. This segment provides a good warm-up and a chance to get familiar with the equipment and basic movements for the next sections. It has a few harder sections where arm strenght is required.

The second section, called Oberburg, is slightly easyr but goes also to a C rating and it includes steeper climbs, exposed sections, and a combination of iron steps and cable-secured paths. This part requires a bit more strength and technique, making it more suitable for intermediate climbers. It offers rewarding views of the valley and nearby castle ruins.

©Marloes Kroonen

The third and final section, Niederburg, is rated D and is the most challenging part of the Burgenklettersteig. It involves vertical climbs and exposed routes with minimal resting spots above the river, requiring strong climbing skills and endurance. This section is recommended only for advanced climbers who are comfortable with heights and complex maneuvers. It ends near the road which leads you back to Manderscheid where you rest at the various cafés.

The Burgenklettersteig in Manderscheid is suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers but note that you always need proper equipment, including a harness, helmet, and via ferrata set. This is required. If you don’t have your own, you can rent all necessary gear at the Manderscheid visitor center. The center also provides information and guidance for safely enjoying the trail. This makes it an perfect way for hikers and climbers who’re new with klettersteig and via ferrata.

Stages

The Burgenklettersteig in Manderscheid consist into three stages with varying difficulty levels, suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. You can do all stages in one day and it takes about three or four hours to complete all the stages. The Oberburg is the easiest of the three.

Stages Burgenklettersteig

Stage 1:

Lieser – Medium difficult (A till C/D with small sections C/D).

Stage 2:

Oberburg – Intermediate level (A/B with some steep C) with a steep climb.

Stage 3:

Niederburg – Advanced section (C/D and D) with vertical climbs.

Photo gallery

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Accommodations

The cozy town of Manderscheid offers plenty of accommodations for hikers and climbers. A very cozy stay in this region is at the Stroh pension in the middle of the city center of Manderscheid enjoying the local culture in the Eifel Region. Otherwise you’ll find plenty of accommodations on the regular booking travel websites such like Booking and AirBnB.

Best time of the year

The best time to hike the Burgenklettersteig is from late spring to early autumn April to October. During this period, the weather is generally more stable, and the trail conditions are optimal for climbing. It’s recommended to avoid the trail during wet or icy conditions, as the rocks can become slippery and it’s more technical and dangerous to complete the via ferrata.

Safety & Gear

The Burgenklettersteig is a via ferrata route and not a hiking trail, meaning that safety is crucial due to the exposed sections and climbing elements. Proper equipment is mandatory to ensure a safe experience. Ensure that your gear is in good condition and always clip into the safety cables. Climbers need:

Helmet – Protects from falling debris and impacts.
Climbing Harness – Secures the climber to the rope and safety cables.
Via Ferrata Set – Includes lanyards and carabiners to clip into the steel cables along the route.
Gloves – For grip on the steel cables
Sturdy Footwear – Hiking boots or approach shoes with good grip

The Burgenklettersteig is recommended only for climbers who are familiar with via ferrata techniques. Some sections involve steep and exposed climbs with minimal resting points. If you’re inexperienced you should consider training or hiring a guide before attempting the route. You can rent all the needed gear (except for shoes) at the Visitor Center in Manderscheid.

Good to know

The Burgenklettersteig can get very crowded on weekends, holidays, and during peak vacation times. This can lead to longer waiting times on the route and on the more challenging sections of the route. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday or start early in the morning to avoid the crowd. Make sure to check the visitor center for any closures or restrictions before your visit, as certain sections may be closed due to maintenance or high traffic.

Useful links

Official Trail Website Burgenklettersteig

Terms of Use: important to all visitors on this website. We strive to publish high quality content and information on this website. However it’s always possible that we’re missing out on some crucial information. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps) were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. Therefore, hiking-trails.com and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individuals hiking or following this route. Should you choose to hike this trail, this is always at your own risk. Check out our guidelines for safety hiking and Leave No Trace principles at the hiking 101 page.