Lamawanderung - magische Orte (individuell)

Schönecker Schweiz is a little-known but incredibly diverse nature reserve in the southern Eifel. It is characterized by deeply incised valleys with clear streams and wide plateaus. Rare orchids bloom and slender junipers grow on the valley slopes. Incidentally, it owes its name to the gentian, which grows here just as it does in the Alps. In spring, the ground in the beech forests is a carpet of spring snowflakes and wild garlic. In summer, the broom shines. Narrow hiking trails criss-cross the area, where you rarely meet other people.

Our seven-hour trek begins and ends directly below the ruins of Schönecken Castle. After an entertaining introduction where you get to know the llamas, we set off on our tour into the "Schönecker Schweiz" nature reserve.

Right at the beginning, we hike down into the valley of the Altburgbach stream. We are accompanied by orchards and the slender silhouettes of juniper bushes. We then climb the "Op Ischt" ridge and enjoy our first views far beyond the plateau. A little later, we enter the beech forest and reach a hidden clearing where we take our first break.

First above and later along the Schalkenbach and Kupferbach streams, we continue through the middle of the forest on narrow paths to our destination, the enchanted Krausbuche in the Fleringen district. In the Middle Ages, a beech tree stood here, just as gnarled and overgrown as today's beech tree. The Kraus beech is probably one of the very rare Süntel beech trees, also known as snake or cripple beech, witch or devil's wood. It grows out of chunky dolomite rocks and its roots claw firmly into the rock. The trunk, branches and twigs are often twisted and intertwined, forming a shielding canopy of low-hanging foliage over the rocks. Many legends and stories surround this rare tree, and we take a long break near this magical place before heading southwest again.

We roam the fields of the "Op Ischt" ridge for a short while and then descend into the beech forests again. The ancient Celtic fortress lies on a steep rocky spur high above the Altburgtal valley. It is easy to imagine why the Celts chose this secluded spot as a retreat.

Following the Altburgbach stream, we reach our starting point again after around seven hours. Once we arrive, we have to say goodbye to our faithful companions, the llamas.

If you have any other wishes regarding the route, please let us know in advance. We will be happy to adapt the route.