Eifelsteig

Eifelsteig Stage 01 begins in Aachen-Kornelimünster and ends in Roetgen. The historic Korneliusmarkt in Kornelimünster, a town with distinctive architecture, marks the start of this hike. The route first passes the stone Itertal Viaduct, a former railroad bridge that now forms part of the Vennbahn Bike Path. This is followed by an ascent to the first hill in the Eifel. The trail winds through wooded areas, where the fresh air enhances the experience of nature. A striking feature of the landscape is the Struffelt Heide raised bog. This ecologically significant area functions as a large water reservoir. Specially constructed wooden walkways ensure safe passage through the nature reserve and offer a panoramic view of the characteristic vegetation consisting of grasses, birch trees, and heathland. Furthermore, the Dreilägerbach Dam shapes the landscape. Its smooth water surface leads into the next section. A viewing platform located above the lake offers a place to rest and provides sweeping views of the region. The presence of water in this part of the Eifel is a recurring feature of the landscape. A subsequent steep descent into the valley is followed by a steady climb back up. The distant view from here reveals the stage’s destination: Roetgen.

Ascent

327 m

Descent

136 m

Highest point

458 m

Lowest point

225 m

The second stage of the Eifelsteig begins in Roetgen and winds through a fascinating border region. The hiking trail crosses the Belgian section of the former Vennbahn railway line before entering a German exclave that is completely surrounded by Belgium. The constant shift between national territories is reflected in the adapted Eifelsteig trail markers, though the local population has grown accustomed to this cross-border reality. The trail then passes by the historic ruins of the Reinartzhöfe. The route then passes through the Hohe Venn, a vast high moor and an important water reservoir. The unspoiled landscape features crosses marking fateful events. The nature-sensitive and fire-prone environment requires the trail to follow a straight path in some sections. The “Steling” Eifel viewpoint represents the highest point of the Eifelsteig and offers sweeping panoramic views of the Eifel landscape. The Kaiser-Karls-Bettstatt provides an opportunity to rest; its legend tells of Emperor Charlemagne’s stay there. The stage ends in Monschau, the “town of clothmakers,” with its historic old town and characteristic half-timbered houses. Here, a variety of local attractions and dining options—including the Monschauer Dütchen, a mustard mill, and a coffee roastery—invite you to linger. Monschau’s unique atmosphere rounds out the hiking experience.

Ascent

334 m

Descent

343 m

Highest point

661 m

Lowest point

386 m

Eifelsteig Stage 03 is a challenging hike that runs from Monschau to Einruhr on the Obersee and is classified as both a long-distance and regional hiking trail. The route begins in Monschau, a town known for its historic half-timbered houses, ornate doors, and the Rur River, which winds through the valley. After leaving the town center, the trail leads to higher elevations, including the “Kierberg” viewpoint in the Eifel, which offers a final view of Monschau before the landscape transitions into forested areas. The route is characterized by varied terrain, eventually leading to the Perlenbach Dam. Hikers follow the river’s banks as they walk along the shore. Further along the route, the trail reaches Monschau-Höfen, where the Höfen National Park Gateway offers informative insights into the region’s flora, particularly the wild daffodils of the Eifel. The townscape of Höfen is also characterized by its striking, house-high beech hedges, which serve as historically grown windbreaks and are a characteristic feature of the Monschau hedge country. The Eifelsteig continues with further ascents and descents, always accompanied by the course of the Rur River as it winds through rocky forest sections. This stretch repeatedly offers views that more than make up for the tour’s exertions. Particularly noteworthy is the view from the Perdsley, which in the fall offers an impressive display of fall colors in the canopy of trees below. The view from Wolfshügel finally reveals the stage’s destination: Einruhr. In Einruhr, the Rur flows into the Obersee, marking the end of this challenging stage.

Ascent

786 m

Descent

903 m

Highest point

550 m

Lowest point

279 m

Eifelsteig Stage 4: From Einruhr through the Eifel National Park to Gemünd Eifelsteig Stage 4 begins in Einruhr, from where the route first winds gently uphill through the surrounding countryside. The trail then leads through the burgeoning “primeval forest of tomorrow” in the Eifel National Park, where nature follows its own ancient laws. The glistening waters of the Obersee point the way, with the trail running close to the rugged rocky shore. Between the forest and the water rises the imposing Urft Dam, a mighty, steadfast historic structure and one of Germany’s oldest dams. Crossing the dam wall offers sweeping views of the water’s surface and the surrounding forest landscape. There is a place to stop for refreshments. Further along, the trail leads uphill, where a sweeping panorama of the dam and the lake landscape unfolds. At the top of the hill, you reach a vast, open landscape—the Dreiborn Plateau, which glows with bright yellow broom in early summer. This region offers sweeping views of the surrounding area and conveys a sense of vastness and unspoiled nature. The low level of light pollution has also earned the region the designation of a “Star Park,” revealing an impressive night sky on clear nights. The route continues across the plateau, passing the abandoned village of Wollseifen, where a striking tower comes into view on the horizon. This tower is part of the former Nazi “Ordensburg Vogelsang.” Today, the complex serves as an international center for tolerance and diversity. The site houses a national park center as well as an exhibition on the history of Vogelsang. A stop there offers a sweeping view of Lake Urft and the Dreiborn Plateau. The route then descends into the Urft Valley toward the stage destination of Gemünd. Along the way, the Kickley and Modenhübel lookout points offer additional sweeping views of the Eifel landscape.

Ascent

574 m

Descent

509 m

Highest point

520 m

Lowest point

278 m

The fifth stage of the Eifelsteig stretches from Gemünd to Steinfeld Abbey. The hike begins in Schleiden-Gemünd, at the confluence of the Olef and Urft rivers. The route starts at the mouth of the Olef and initially follows a forest trail that climbs steadily. This section offers an immersive forest experience, with winding paths leading to a lookout point. From the Kuckucksley, a view opens up over the wide, forested Olef Valley and the village of Olef, which is the next destination on the route. The village square, characterized by historic half-timbered houses and a village church, creates a harmonious overall scene. The route eventually leaves the Olef Valley, and the trail winds through quiet wooded areas. Along the way, you’ll find abandoned ore mines and prospecting sites that bear witness to the area’s mining history. After the village of Golbach, the landscape opens up, and Steinfeld Abbey comes into view as the stage’s destination. The route leads along streams and meadows, which evoke a contemplative atmosphere. You reach the abbey grounds, whose medieval walls make a striking impression. Entering the monastery grounds allows you to step into an environment that invites inner reflection and contemplation. Inside the monastery is the tomb of St. Hermann Josef, a visit to which is a special highlight of this stage.

Ascent

491 m

Descent

313 m

Highest point

535 m

Lowest point

334 m

The sixth stage of the Eifelsteig stretches from Steinfeld Abbey through the Nettersheim Nature Experience Village to Blankenheim. This stage combines traces of Roman history and medieval culture. The starting point is the medieval Steinfeld Abbey. From its serene walls, the trail leads down into the Gillesbach valley. A subsequent ascent to the Königsberg offers a sweeping view of the towers of Steinfeld Abbey. The path winds through dense tree canopies until the Urft River shapes the landscape of the floodplains. A strikingly framed spring marks another water source along the route. The importance of this natural treasure—especially at the Grüner Pütz—was already recognized by the Romans, who established their own aqueduct here to supply water to Cologne. Legends say that figures of Medusa guard the spring and that looking directly at them carries the risk of being turned to stone. The route continues through Nettersheim, which offers places to stop for refreshments. The trail then follows a wooden boardwalk along the Römerweiher. An optional detour leads to the Roman temple complex at Görresburg. The landscape is characterized by meadows, floodplains, and interspersed wooded areas. The day’s destination, Blankenheim, welcomes visitors with an imposing castle, believed to have originated as a Roman fort. The later medieval complex was enhanced with Baroque elements and now houses a youth hostel. The historic town center of Blankenheim invites you to end the day with a stroll through the half-timbered alleys, where you can also discover the source of the Ahr River.

Ascent

490 m

Descent

545 m

Highest point

566 m

Lowest point

412 m

Stage 7 of the Eifelsteig stretches from Blankenheim to Mirbach. The starting point of this tour has a remarkable feature: the Ahr River springs from beneath a historic building in Blankenheim’s old town, where it has its source. From the source of the Ahr, the Eifelsteig leads into forested regions. At first, the trail follows the historic “Brotpfad” (Bread Trail) through varied terrain. This path was once used to transport and distribute baked goods to Blankenheim, which allowed merchants to travel quickly. Today, the route offers a contemplative exploration, including an ascent to a hilltop. There, hikers will find the striking Brotpfad Hut, whose charm is immediately apparent. A guestbook provided offers the opportunity to leave a personal mark on the Eifelsteig. After a rest break, the trail leads through expansive forests and meadows that open up views into the distance. Past Alendorf, the Kalvarienberg—a peak at an elevation of 520 meters—is gradually ascended. A refreshing breeze accompanies the climb and conveys a sense of vastness and accomplishment. The crisp mountain air invites you to pause and take a deep breath. Near the summit, you’ll find slender, lush juniper trees, whose presence in Alendorf is celebrated annually with a festival and juniper schnapps. From Kalvarienberg, the stage’s destination is already visible. Following the gently meandering Mirbach, you reach the village. There stands an architecturally appealing chapel, which is well worth a visit. The Chapel of the Redeemer captivates visitors with thousands of golden mosaic tiles that bathe the interior in a unique light and provide a striking conclusion to the stage.

Ascent

362 m

Descent

373 m

Highest point

550 m

Lowest point

407 m