Best backpacking trails in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark

This route is stage 11 of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section starts in Daun and ends in Manderscheid. The path leads from the spa gardens up to the famous Daun Maars: the Gemündener, Weinfelder, and Schalkenmehrener Maar. From the Dronke Tower, hikers enjoy views over the volcanic craters before following the course of the Lieser river through secluded forests, eventually reaching the impressive Manderscheid...

This route is the 8th stage of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance hiking trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section begins at the Erlöserkapelle in Mirbach and ends in Hillesheim. The trail leads through the transitional landscape to the Vulkaneifel and on to the growing Dreimühlen Waterfall near Nohn, a unique natural monument. Hikers pass the Niederehe Monastery and Kerpen Castle before reaching the crime-themed town of Hillesheim. Overnight stays...

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...

This route is stage 10 of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section starts in Gerolstein and ends in Daun. The path leads from the Helenenquelle spring up to the Löwenburg ruins and over the 618-meter-high Dietzenley with its observation tower. Hikers pass the village of Neroth and ascend the 652-meter-high Nerother Kopf, characterized by ancient tree roots and volcanic craters, before reaching the stage destination of...

This route is stage 2 of the Lieserpfad, a long-distance trail in Rhineland-Palatinate. This section leads from the spa town of Daun to Manderscheid. A geological highlight is the Gemündener Maar, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by high trees. The path follows the Lieser River through quiet meadows and oak groves before a dramatic cliff trail offers spectacular views of the famous Manderscheid Castles. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Daun or Manderscheid; wild...

This route is stage 12 of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section starts in Manderscheid and ends at Himmerod Abbey. The path leads from the Manderscheid castles down into the rocky Lieser Valley, where hikers follow challenging, narrow trails along steep cliffs high above the winding river. After leaving the secluded wilderness of the river valley, the route crosses open hilly landscapes to reach the 12th-century...

Impressive geological loop in the Eifel, near Manderscheid, Rhineland-Palatinate. Under the motto “Maars, castles and primeval nature”, this hike leads through the Volcanic Eifel. Maars are hollows of volcanic origin. Depending on the preferences, it can be divided into 2 day hikes, but can also be explored in one go. It starts in Manderscheid with, at best, good footwear. On this tour into the volcanic past, exertion, but also many geophysical features and unique natural gems can be...

This route is stage 3 of the Lieserpfad, the most scenic and physically demanding section of this long-distance trail in Rhineland-Palatinate. The section starts in Manderscheid and ends in Wittlich. Narrow, rocky trails lead through the Vulkaneifel forests, requiring surefootedness. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views from Robertskanzel and the Burgberg observation deck. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Manderscheid or Wittlich; wild camping is...

This route is stage 13 of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section starts at Himmerod Abbey and ends in Bruch. The path offers a gentle profile, following the idyllic Salm river through green meadows, past historic mills, and striking slate rock formations. A geographic highlight is crossing the 50th parallel, before the trail continues through the quiet floodplains of the Salm Valley to the moated castle in...

This route is stage 1 of the Lieserpfad, a long-distance trail in Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific segment starts at the Lieser source near Boxberg and ends in the spa town of Daun. The trail follows the young Lieser river through the "Struth" landscape, offering views of the Hilgerath church and an ancient oak tree near Neichen. Highlights include the Neichener and Rengener Dreese, two volcanic mineral springs with carbonated water. Overnight stays are concentrated in Daun at hotels and...