On the Eifelsteig very close to nature

You start in the middle of Gerolstein. Before you really get going, you can taste some wonderfully fresh mineral water at the Helenenbrunnen fountain on Brunnenplatz. It's no coincidence that this idyllic town in the Eifel is world-famous for its water - a real export hit. Thus strengthened, you set off on your 23.7 kilometer long and quite demanding stage. The first climb is already waiting for you at the beginning, leading you up a slope to the Löwenburg ruins. The 12th century castle invites you to take a short break. On the terrace you can enjoy a breathtaking view over Gerolstein and the Kyll valley.

It is a total of 200 meters in altitude from the Kyll valley up to the wooden observation tower on the Dietzenley. After this ascent, the trail continues in a more relaxed manner. With slight inclines, the path winds through the forests around Neroth. From there you hike back into the idyllic valley of the Kleine Kyll before mastering another 200 meters of altitude to cross the summit of the Nerother Kopf and walk in the direction of Daun. Here, too, you will be rewarded again and again with magnificent views.

Pure volcanic Eifel - an experience for all the senses. The route from Daun to Manderscheid always offers moments of pause in nature. Embark on a unique voyage of discovery around the Daun Maars and let the picturesque play of colors of nature take effect on you, which can only be found here. You start in Daun and walk first through the spa gardens. Afterwards, you will head towards the Gemünden Maar. It is the smallest of the three maars that you will get to know on your tour on the Eifelsteig.

From there, you follow in the footsteps of Adolf Dronke, the founder of the Eifelverein. The tower on the Mäuseberg is also named after him. Stop up there for a moment and enjoy the view of the Weinfelder Maar. There is a mystical atmosphere here - not for nothing is this maar also called the Maar of the Dead. After you have circled the maar, you will go downhill on a narrow path at the Schalkenmehrener Maar. After the spectacular sections along the maars, the route now leads through the forests into the Lieser valley. Up to Manderscheid you cross neither roads nor towns, you become one with nature - this is a vacation for body, mind and soul.

The third stage is more demanding than the first due to the nature of the trail. You start in Manderscheid and hike far away from traffic noise and hectic. Enjoy the time of inner reflection, recharge your batteries for everyday life and forget your worries. Over hill and dale, the nature trail winds its way through the narrow Lieser Valley. The trail continues along the idyllic Ilgenbach stream. It shows you the way through the picturesque valley with its cheerful babbling.

This is followed by a section with views that invite you to dream and linger. After about 18 kilometers you reach your destination, the Himmerod Monastery. The Cistercian monastery from the 12th century is worth a visit, especially its baroque church. A place where you can review the day in peace, find inner contemplation and return strengthened to everyday life.