Wandern mit Lamas auf der Spur der Hummeln

The Eifel nomads invite nature enthusiasts to the unique Bumblebee Challenge in the Eifel – a guided spring hike in the Schönecker Schweiz nature reserve, where participants not only discover rare early bloomers but also actively participate in a nationwide Citizen Science initiative: the Bumblebee Challenge 2026 organized by the Thünen Institute. The hikers are accompanied by patient llamas and alpacas, as well as a certified hiking guide and an insect expert from the Eifel Nature Park.

Hike

Citizen Science meets Nature Experience
The approximately 6-kilometer hike takes you through one of the most species-rich landscapes of the Eifel region. Passing blooming pasque flowers, fragrant butcher's broom, and glowing lungwort, participants explore the nature reserve Schönecker Schweiz – accompanied by llamas and alpacas that patiently carry their loads through the valley of Altburgbach.
The highlight of the tour is the sunny plateau "Op Ischt," where on warm spring days, countless insects, especially bumblebees, are on the move. An expert from the North Eifel Nature Park explains the various species of bumblebees and shows how to photograph and report the animals with the ObsIdentify app – thus participating directly in the nationwide Bumblebee Challenge 2026 of the Thünen Institute.

What participants can expect
• Rare early bloomers up close: pasque flowers, butcher's broom, and primroses
• Discovery of the Schönecker Schweiz nature reserve with views all the way to the Hohen Venn
• Hiking with llamas and alpacas – two people share one animal
• Expert guidance by a DWV-certified hiking guide and an insect expert
• Active participation in the nationwide Bumblebee Challenge 2026 (Citizen Science)
• Bilingual guidance in German and English
• Suitable for everyone – no prior knowledge required

Duration: approx. 3 hours (including breaks), hiking distance 6 km, elevation difference 110 m
Participants: At least 4, maximum 16 persons (open group hike)
Minimum age: 10 years for handling an animal; under 18 years only with adult supervision
What to bring: Hiking shoes with treaded soles, day backpack, water bottle, weatherproof clothing, headwear

For more information/registration and prices, visit Bumblebee Challenge in the Eifel. 

"The Bumblebee Challenge combines real nature conservation with an unforgettable experience in the Eifel. Our llamas make the hike special – and reporting a bumblebee contributes directly to science."
– Julietta Baums / eifeltrekking.de

Time: 3:00 PM
Costs: 38 € per person
Location: Lamaweide am Rammenfeld 6, Schönecken
Info Tel.: 06553-8329762
Email: post@eifeltrekking.de