Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
21.5miLength
1,686ftElevation gain
8–9hrEstimated time
Point to point
This historic pilgrimage stage leads from the Cologne Cathedral westward through the Rhineland to Kerpen. The route follows a mix of paved paths, urban green belts—such as the Outer Green Belt—and quiet field tracks through the Cologne Lowland. A major highlight is starting at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cologne Cathedral, and visiting the Brauweiler Abbey with its impressive Romanesque church. The trail is technically simple and, thanks to the flat terrain, perfectly suited for a reflective day hike or as the start of a longer pilgrimage.
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Top sights
Cologne Cathedral
Attraction
Domfontäne
Attraction
Tünnes und Schäl
Attraction
Roman Aqueduct
Archaeological site
Heinzelmännchenbrunnen
Attraction
Rathausturm
Tower
Old St Albans
Ruins
Römermauer 52
Attraction
Archaeological Zone / New "MiQua" Jewish Museum Building
Archaeological site
Kahnweiher
Pond
Richmodisturm
Tower
Alte Pforte zur Römermauer
Attraction
Römisches Nordtor
Attraction
Römischer Wehrturm 59
Attraction
Römermauer in Schatzkammer
Attraction
Römermauer im Parkhaus
Attraction
Roman Road
Archaeological site
Praetorium
Archaeological site
Rathausplatz / Archäologische Zone
Archaeological site
Dionysosmosaik
Archaeological site
Römermauer bei Aposteln
Attraction
Römermauer an Klein-St.Martin
Attraction
Mederrano
Attraction
Pferdeköpfe
Attraction
Burg Mödrath
Castle
Ubiermonument
Attraction
Römermauer 26
Attraction
Römermauer am Mühlenbach
Attraction
Klostergarten
Garden
Römischer Tempelaufgang
Ruins
Belvedere Blickfang
Viewpoint
Top sights
Cologne Cathedral
Attraction
Domfontäne
Attraction
Tünnes und Schäl
Attraction
Roman Aqueduct
Archaeological site
Heinzelmännchenbrunnen
Attraction
Rathausturm
Tower
Old St Albans
Ruins
Römermauer 52
Attraction
Archaeological Zone / New "MiQua" Jewish Museum Building
Archaeological site
Kahnweiher
Pond
Richmodisturm
Tower
Alte Pforte zur Römermauer
Attraction
Römisches Nordtor
Attraction
Römischer Wehrturm 59
Attraction
Römermauer in Schatzkammer
Attraction
Römermauer im Parkhaus
Attraction
Roman Road
Archaeological site
Praetorium
Archaeological site
Rathausplatz / Archäologische Zone
Archaeological site
Dionysosmosaik
Archaeological site
Römermauer bei Aposteln
Attraction
Römermauer an Klein-St.Martin
Attraction
Mederrano
Attraction
Pferdeköpfe
Attraction
Burg Mödrath
Castle
Ubiermonument
Attraction
Römermauer 26
Attraction
Römermauer am Mühlenbach
Attraction
Klostergarten
Garden
Römischer Tempelaufgang
Ruins
Belvedere Blickfang
Viewpoint
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 21.5-mile point-to-point trail near Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 50 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
What is the expected weather this week for Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen ?
Expected weather for Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen for the next 5 days is:
- Mon, September 21 - 63 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 67 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 62 degrees/showers
- Thu, September 24 - 66 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 72 degrees/clear
Where is Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen located?
Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen is a trail located in Rhineland Nature Park.
How hard is Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen ?
Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen is considered a hard hike that covers 21.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,686 ft. It takes about 8–9 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 Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen ?
Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen is considered a hard hike that covers 21.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,686 ft. It takes about 8–9 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen a point to point trail?
Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen is a point to point trail that covers 21.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,686 ft. It takes about 8–9 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 Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen ?
Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen is a point to point trail that covers 21.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,686 ft. It takes about 8–9 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 Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen ?
Dogs may be allowed on Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen . Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there scenic views at Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen ?
Yes, Belvedere Blickfang is located on Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen .
Is backpacking allowed at Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen ?
Backpacking is allowed on Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen . 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 Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen is partially paved.
Are there forests at Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen ?
Yes, Jakobsweg Köln - Kerpen is a forest trail in Rhineland Nature Park.
Last updated on September 12, 2026 at 12:08 am GMT+0