Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod
50% of reviewers say this trail is hard
11.6miLength
2,181ftElevation gain
6–6.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
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 Cistercian Abbey of Himmerod and its imposing Baroque church.
Overnight stays are available in guesthouses in Manderscheid or directly at the abbey's guesthouse; wild camping is prohibited. Potable water is accessible at the start and end points, but a supply should be carried for the strenuous valley section. Both locations are connected to regional bus services; 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.
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Part of a multi-day route
Eifelsteig [CLOSED]
Top sights
Niederburg Manderscheid
Castle
Biermanns-Ruh
Viewpoint
Philosopheneck
Viewpoint
Jahrtausendbrunnen
Attraction
Biederburg
Castle
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 11.6-mile point-to-point trail near Manderscheid, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 45 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking 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 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Expected weather for Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod for the next 5 days is:
- Fri, September 25 - 76 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 77 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 79 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 82 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 80 degrees/clear
Where is Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod located?
Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is a trail located in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark.
How hard is Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is considered a hard hike that covers 11.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,181 ft. It takes about 6–6.5 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 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is considered a hard hike that covers 11.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,181 ft. It takes about 6–6.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod a point to point trail?
Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is a point to point trail that covers 11.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,181 ft. It takes about 6–6.5 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 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is a point to point trail that covers 11.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,181 ft. It takes about 6–6.5 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 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Dogs may be allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
According to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is usually busy. Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Biermanns-Ruh and Philosopheneck.
Is backpacking allowed at Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Backpacking is allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod. 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.
Are there forests at Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Yes, Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod is a forest trail in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark.
Are there wildflowers at Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Eifelsteig Stage 12: Manderscheid - Himmerod in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 3:02 am GMT+0