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  • Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, Dominik Ketz

The Eifelsteig

Close to Nature

Fire. Water. Earth. Nature as far as the eye can see. Secluded river valleys. Idyllic forest trails. The Eifel in its purest form.

It’s an indescribable feeling to be perched high above the Vulkaneifel. Cultural highlights and magnificent views of lush green forests and meadows, as well as the pristine maars, define the Eifelsteig. Under the motto “Where rock and water accompany you,” this premium trail stretches 313 kilometers from Aachen to Trier—with three stages winding through the GesundLand Vulkaneifel.

The Eifelsteig is one of Germany’s most beautiful long-distance hiking trails—but also one of the most challenging. The unspoiled trails of this premium route wind seemingly endlessly through the Eifel. Nowhere else can you get so close to the region’s distinctive natural landscape. Along the way, you’ll get a glimpse into the fascinating history of the Vulkaneifel: even today, you can see how, many millennia ago, the clash of the elements—fire and water—shaped the landscape. Embark on a unique journey of discovery along the three stages from Gerolstein to Himmerod and hike along historic trails.

Vacation on the Eifelsteig

The 3 Eifelsteig stages in the Vulkaneifel

The Eifelsteig stretches 313 kilometers from Aachen to Trier—and three of its most beautiful stages run right through the Vulkaneifel. 

  • Stage 10: From Gerolstein to Daun 
  • Stage 11: From Daun to Manderscheid 
  • Stage 12: From Manderscheid to Himmerod

From Gerolstein via Daun and the Daun Maars to Manderscheid with its medieval castles, and on to the historic Himmerod Abbey: Each stage has its own unique character and rewards you with magnificent views, unspoiled nature, and moments you won’t soon forget.

Are you familiar with the Eifelsteig's partner trails?

The Vulkaneifel Trails

For those who want to explore the Vulkaneifel around Daun, Manderscheid, and Gerolstein off the beaten path of the classic Eifelsteig stages, the partner trails offer a wonderful complement. These thematically diverse loop and point-to-point hikes connect directly to the Premium Hiking Trail and open up places that would otherwise remain hidden: quiet side valleys, hidden lookouts, geological features of the UNESCO Global Geopark Vulkaneifel, and traces of the region’s cultural history. The quality of the partner trails is every bit as good as the Eifelsteig—clear markings ensure that you can focus entirely on your hike. With their manageable lengths, they’re ideal for day hikes in the Eifel.

We’d especially like to recommend the “Müse-Pfade” (Leisure Trails) in the Vulkaneifel: Here, it’s not just about getting there, but about arriving—at your true self. Along the trails, you’ll find little stories, special moments, and impressions that invite you to pause and reflect. Nature, silence, and inspiration come together to create a break that truly does you good.

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