The Eifelsteig is one of the most popular hiking areas in western Germany. True to the motto: “Where rock and water accompany you” you can hike over three hundred kilometers in individual stages and enjoy lots of untouched nature.
What does the Eifelsteig offer as a hiking tip?
The Eifelsteig is a 300 km long long-distance hiking trail in western Germany that leads from Aachen-Kornelimünster to Trier. It winds through the High Fens, the Eifel National Park, the Kalkeifel, the Vulkaneifel and along the Lieser and Kyll rivers. Highlights include the Urft Dam, Genovevahöhle and Schalkenmehrener Maar.
The stages
The entire route is broken down into 15 daily stages, starting in Aachen-Kornelimünster in North Rhine-Westphalia and ending in Trier in Rhineland-Palatinate. The trekking tour is like a journey of discovery through all the landscapes of the Eifel. The path leads through:
- The moor and heath landscape of the High Fens,
- the Eifel National Park,
- the Kalkeifel,
- the Vulkaneifel,
- along the rivers of Lieser and Kyll,
- and past the Bund sandstone cliffs north of Trier.
You should plan 15 to 16 days if you want to hike the entire route. The individual stages are between 14 and 28 kilometers long. This leaves enough time for a relaxing break along the way, during which you can enjoy nature to the fullest.
Since the sections are connected to the public transport network, they are also suitable as a day tour.
The highlights of the trekking tour
You should plan some time for these five viewpoints:
- Urft Dam: Let your gaze wander over the water as you walk over the wall.
- Genoveva Cave: People sought protection and refuge here for thousands of years.
- Schalkenmehrener Maar: Formed by volcanic activity 20,000 to 30,000 years ago.
- Dietzenley: The highest point of the Pelmer Forest with a viewing tower.
- Trier: Beautiful views over the city are available when you walk up the rock path.
Accommodation
If you want to travel carefree and without luggage, you can book appropriate package deals. But even if you're on the move or planning your own stages, you don't have to worry about having to spend the night unintentionally in the open air. Numerous hosts along the route offer rooms of all categories.
Trekking places
The very special experience of a multi-day hike is spending the night under the stars and the pleasure of experiencing a sunrise in the great outdoors. The natural campsites on the Eifelsteig have an incomparable outdoor feeling, where you can set up camp for the night on a wooden tent platform.
Please note: Refuges and hiking huts may not be used as overnight accommodation.
Tip
Due to forestry and path construction work, diversions can occur on the Eifelsteig from time to time. These are signposted. The route does not usually change as a result.
