Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
21.6kmLength
632mElevation gain
6.5–7hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
This route is stage 9 of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section starts on the historic town walls of Hillesheim and ends in Gerolstein. The path leads through the Bolsdorfer Tälchen valley up to the Rother Kopf volcano, where ancient millstone caves and a lava quarry can be explored. Hikers traverse the Gerolstein Dolomites—a fossilized coral reef—passing the Buchenloch cave and the Papenkaule dry crater before descending into the Kyll valley.
Overnight stays are available at hotels and guesthouses in Hillesheim or Gerolstein; wild camping is prohibited. Potable water is accessible in the towns, but a supply should be carried for the ascent over the Rother Kopf. Both locations are connected via the Eifel railway line; schedules are found at https://www.vrt-info.de.
The Eifelsteig is a 313 km (194 miles) quality trail from Aachen to Trier, typically completed in 15 stages.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Eifelsteig [CLOSED]
Top sights
Buchenloch
Cave
Munterley
Peak
Papenkaule
Attraction
Burg Gerolstein
Castle
Hustley
Viewpoint
Rother Kopf
Peak
Magdalenahöhle
Cave
Auberg
Peak
Helenenquelle
Spring
Schutzhütte Heimatblick
Picnic site
Felsenhof
Campsite
Mühlsteine
Attraction
Rundblick „Rother Kopf“ am Eifelsteig
Viewpoint
Hexenturm / Stadtmauer
Monument
Drachenhöhle
Cave
Barfußpfad
Attraction
Top sights
Buchenloch
Cave
Munterley
Peak
Papenkaule
Attraction
Burg Gerolstein
Castle
Hustley
Viewpoint
Rother Kopf
Peak
Magdalenahöhle
Cave
Auberg
Peak
Helenenquelle
Spring
Schutzhütte Heimatblick
Picnic site
Felsenhof
Campsite
Mühlsteine
Attraction
Rundblick „Rother Kopf“ am Eifelsteig
Viewpoint
Hexenturm / Stadtmauer
Monument
Drachenhöhle
Cave
Barfußpfad
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 21.6-km point-to-point trail near Hillesheim, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 7 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Expected weather for Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein for the next 5 days is:
- Fri 25 September - 24.6 degrees/clear
- Sat 26 September - 24.1 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 26 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 27.1 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 25.9 degrees/clear
Where is Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein located?
Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is a trail located in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark.
How hard is Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is considered a hard hike that covers 21.6 km, with an elevation gain of 632 m. It takes about 6.5–7 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is considered a hard hike that covers 21.6 km, with an elevation gain of 632 m. It takes about 6.5–7 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein a point-to-point trail?
Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is a point to point trail that covers 21.6 km, with an elevation gain of 632 m. It takes about 6.5–7 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is a point to point trail that covers 21.6 km, with an elevation gain of 632 m. It takes about 6.5–7 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Dogs may be allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
According to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is usually busy. Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Hustley and Rundblick „Rother Kopf“ am Eifelsteig.
Is camping allowed at Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Camping is allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is backpacking allowed at Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Backpacking is allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is partially paved.
Are there forests at Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Yes, Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein is a forest trail in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark.
Are there wildflowers at Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Eifelsteig Stage 9: Hillesheim - Gerolstein, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on 25 September 2026 at 02:22 GMT+0