Hiking the Eifelsteig: Discover Eifel National Park

This one starts by dropping gently into the Bolsdorf Valley, where the day eases in beside the Kyll before the route begins to show its teeth. From there, the landscape keeps changing, from river scenery to forested slopes and rocky volcanic terrain. It is a stage with real variety and a strong geological backbone, finishing with a memorable approach into Gerolstein through a landscape shaped by deep time and steep stone.

Early on, you descend through the Bolsdorf Valley to the Kyll, then turn into the forest for a steep climb that quickly lifts you above the valley floor. Higher up, you reach the Rother Kopf caves, a fine reward after the ascent. The trail then continues over the imposing Auberg, with open stretches, woodland and rugged outcrops giving the route a steady sense of drama.

Closer to Gerolstein, the route passes the famous coral reef, formed 390 million years ago by reef-building organisms. Spectacular rock formations and the striking beechwood caves line the trail and give the final section real character. The arrival into town feels earned, with the rocky landscape slowly giving way to streets, rooftops and a welcome place to stay, perfect for taking the weight off your legs and letting the day settle.

This is a day of two clear moods. The first half stays mostly under the trees, moving through light forest in a cool, steady flow that works beautifully on warmer days. Then the route changes character after Neroth, becoming more dramatic as it drops into the valley of the Little Kyll and climbs hard again toward the heights above. It is a stage that starts sheltered and calm, then gradually sharpens into something more rugged and wide-open.

Early on, the trail runs for hours through airy woodland, with only the Dietzenley breaking the forest rhythm. This volcanic spire, crowned by an observation tower, delivers an impressive view across the Kyll Valley and the surrounding hills. After that, the route keeps rolling through the woods toward Neroth, where the village marks a natural halfway point and a good place to pause before the tougher second section begins.

From Neroth, you enter the valley of the Little Kyll and take on a steep climb of around 200 metres to cross the summit of the Nerother Kopf. That effort gives the second half its edge, before the route gradually releases you toward Daun. The arrival feels well earned, with the town appearing after a day of forest shade, volcanic heights and deep-cut valleys. Your accommodation comes as a welcome landing spot to let the legs finally switch off.

This stage heads straight into the heart of the Vulkaneifel. The opening section climbs firmly from Daun toward the maars, where dark-blue water, golden broom and wide horizons come together in a landscape that feels almost painted. It is a route of strong contrasts. First the volcanic heights, then the quiet green floor of the Lieser valley, and finally a dramatic finish above the river near Manderscheid.

The first hours ask for a solid effort, with a steep ascent up to the maars and a real sense of entering the volcanic core of the region. Up there, the scenery opens wide, and the colours do the work: dark water, bright broom and open sky. Later, the mood shifts completely as the trail drops into the Lieser valley, where green meadows and silence stretch out around you, before the route continues through calm oak forests.

The finale saves something special. Near Manderscheid, the trail turns rocky and runs high above the river, bringing that last bit of excitement to the legs. Then come the castles near town, giving the arrival real drama and a fine sense of reward. After the stillness of the valley and the steady pull of the climbs, your accommodation feels like the perfect place to land and let the whole day click into place.