Eifelsteig

The starting point of the Eifelsteig is Kornelimünster, just outside Aachen. From here, the route heads south towards Trier. The first part starts easy and partially runs through the Inde Valley. Besides the beautiful Struffelt Heath, the moorlands, aptly named High Fens, are particularly nice. Monschau is a perfectly preserved medieval half-timbered town. Wander through the alleys in search of the best photo opportunity and take a moment to relax on a cozy terrace by the Rur river before diving back into nature.

Heading towards Einruhr, the route continually ascends and descends. You are rewarded with beautiful vistas over the open landscape. The stretch through the Eifel National Park is pure nature. In the national park, nature is allowed to take its course again. More than 10,000 plant and animal species live here, a few thousand of which are endangered. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter a wildcat at dusk. This feline is also known as the Eifel tiger. In the autumn, you can hear the roaring of the deer.

Apart from forests, you also hike along beautiful rocky paths by the Ober- and Urftsee reservoirs. The huge Vogelsang complex was once a training institute for the Nazis. Besides an exhibition on this dark chapter in German history, there is also an exhibition on the nature of the national park.

Alternatingly, you hike over peaks, high plateaus, and through river valleys. Charming towns, quarries, a Roman aqueduct, and a few monasteries provide variety. From Kalvarienberg, you have a beautiful view over hills covered with juniper bushes and meadows. The Dreimühlen waterfall in the Ahbach Valley is also beautiful.

The area now known as the Volcanic Eifel was a tropical sea about 400 million years ago, complete with coral reefs. The ancient coral reef near Gerolstein is now called the Gerolsteiner Dolomites and towers high above the landscape. The city is known for its mineral water. At the Helenenquelle, you can fill up your flask with fresh water before continuing your hike. The Nerother Kopf is the highest peak of the Eifelsteig. Here are a few caves that were formed by the extraction of volcanic rock to make millstones.

After Daun, you pass by the most imaginative geological feature of the Volcanic Eifel, the Maars. They are the result of massive steam explosions that blew deep holes in the earth. Water remains in these round holes, and the Maars are also called the ‘Eyes of the Eifel.’ Towards Manderscheid, you can immerse yourself in peace in the idyllic valley of the Lieser. In Manderscheid, close to each other, are two castle ruins. Once they were the scene of a power struggle between the Electors of Trier and the Dukes of Luxembourg, now they are picturesque spots to rest.

The path now mostly goes downhill. You walk through the beautiful river valleys of the Salm and the Kyll. You reach the other side of the Butzerbach via a suspension bridge. Here and there, impressive red sandstone formations lie directly along the path. Various legends surround the gigantic Genoveva cave. From a path above the Moselle, you can already see Trier in the distance. In Germany’s oldest city, numerous monuments from Roman times can still be seen. The final destination is reached and you’ve completed one of the Top Trails of Germany and the Eifelsteig comes to an end.

The best time to hike the Eifelsteig is probably in the spring in April and May or fall in September and October. During these months, the weather is the best for hiking, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. This way, you will avoid the summer’s peak temperatures and potential crowds. Spring has blooming flora, and autumn offers a display of foliage, enhancing the beauty of the trail.

It’s a well-marked trail, but having a downloaded map or GPS route on your phone as a backup is wise. Always bring your essentials for a safe trail experience, like good shoes with enough grip. Bring your layers, at least a baselayer, mid-layer, and a hardshell rain jacket for occasional rain showers. Take enough water and food with you.