Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
16.1miLength
1,975ftElevation gain
7–7.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
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 are available at guesthouses in Mirbach or themed hotels in Hillesheim; wild camping is strictly prohibited. Drinking water is available in the stage towns as well as in Nohn and Niederehe, but a supply should be carried for the field and forest sections. Both towns are connected to the bus network, and there is also a train connection in Oberbettingen-Hillesheim; schedules are available at https://www.vrt-info.de.
The Eifelsteig is a 313 km (194 miles) quality trail from Aachen to Trier, which is usually hiked in 15 stages.
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Part of a multi-day route
Eifelsteig [CLOSED]
Top sights
Ruine Dreimühlen
Castle
Burg Kerpen
Castle
Blick nach Niederehe
Viewpoint
Weinberg
Peak
Steinbruch Niederehe
Cliff
Seismische Messstation Hillesheim
Attraction
Auf Döckel
Viewpoint
Panoramablick Dollendorf
Viewpoint
Wasserfall Dreimühlen
Waterfall
Kalkbrennöfen
Archaeological site
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 16.1-mile point-to-point trail near Wiesbaum, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 42 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 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Expected weather for Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim for the next 5 days is:
- Wed, September 23 - 60 degrees/clear
- Thu, September 24 - 68 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 73 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 71 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 79 degrees/clear
Where is Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim located?
Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is a trail located in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark.
How hard is Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is considered a hard hike that covers 16.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,975 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is considered a hard hike that covers 16.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,975 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim a point to point trail?
Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is a point to point trail that covers 16.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,975 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is a point to point trail that covers 16.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,975 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Dogs may be allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
According to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is usually busy. Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Blick nach Niederehe, Auf Döckel, and Panoramablick Dollendorf.
Are there waterfalls at Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Yes, Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim has scenic views of Wasserfall Dreimühlen and Viewpoint.
Is backpacking allowed at Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Backpacking is allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim. 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 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Yes, Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim is a forest trail in Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark.
Are there wildflowers at Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Eifelsteig Stage 8: Mirbach - Hillesheim, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 22, 2026 at 4:38 am GMT+0