Germany's Eifelleiter hiking trail – three stages through unique landscapes
3-5
days
3-5 h
/ day
33.3 mi
4,300 ft
3,475 ft
From the wide Rhine valley, you hike over an extinct volcano to the highest mountain of the Eifel, a low mountain range in western Germany. You wander through seemingly endless meadows and quiet, mystical forests with views of historic castles. There’s no hustle and bustle here and no stress – just you and the magnificent landscape of the Eifel.
The 53 kilometres (32.9 mi) of the Eifelleiter offers a wide variety of landscapes and unique natural treasures. From the small spa town of Bad Breisig on the Middle Rhine, you pass through a crater landscape to a lake. The enchanting Brohtal Valley brings you to another trail highlight: the Hohe Acht. At 747 metres (2,450 feet), this mountain is the highest point in the Eifel. Finally, the enchanting Adenauer Bach Valley opens up before you, revealing Adenau, the historic half-timbered town where this hike ends.
The hike is divided into three stages between 16 to 22 kilometres (9.9 and 13.6 mi) so you can take plenty of time to see the sights along the way and arrive relaxed at the stage destinations. You can also tailor the stage lengths to suit you or plan hikes from one place.
Bad Breisig is easy to reach by train from Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne, Mainz or Düsseldorf. The stage end points are regularly served by public buses and in Niederzissen you even have a connection to the Brohltabahn ‘Vulkan-Express’ train. In or near the towns along the trail you can find nice accommodation, cosy restaurants and cafes for every taste.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly for your hike, I recommend getting up-to-date information on accommodation and public transportation connections. Adenau was also affected by the flood in July 2021 and reconstruction is in full swing. Hosts are happy to be able to offer their services again and to take good care of you.
Now you are ready to go! Pack your backpack, lace up your shoes and don't forget your camera. One of the most popular hiking trails in Germany is waiting to be discovered.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.Intermediate04:299.72 mi2.2 mph1,450 ft750 ft
The start of your Eiffeliter hike is the beautiful Rhine promenade in Bad Breisig. Maybe you can treat yourself to a decent breakfast in one of the beautiful cafés with a view of Arensfels Castle on the opposite bank before you set off. Because right on the outskirts of Bad Breisig it goes up to the lookout point, which must also have been useful for the residents of the neighboring Celtic refugee castle.
byAnette - Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.Intermediate04:219.69 mi2.2 mph1,250 ft500 ft
The stage through the picturesque Brohl Valley with its idyllic lakes and a view of the medieval Olbrück Castle is simply wonderful! The wide sky and the beautiful Eifel landscape are true decelerators - it's good that inviting loungers and swings have been set up everywhere along the way for a short break and an extensive view of the country. With the beautiful panoramas you don't want to get up anymore ...
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- Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.Difficult06:2813.9 mi2.1 mph1,600 ft2,225 ft
The highest mountain in the Eifel with its stunning view is the proverbial highlight today. In a leisurely up and down, you approach the mountain on this stage. Today you will hike again through the charming Eifel landscape with extensive meadows, green forests and lively field fringes.You can reach the foot of the Hohe Acht on pleasant farm roads …
byAnette
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Collection Stats
- Tours3
- Distance33.3 mi
- Duration15:18 h
- Elevation4,300 ft3,475 ft
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