Hiking on the Eifelsteig in shortened stages from Gerolstein to Manderscheid

The area between Gerolstein and Manderscheid is the heart of the Eifelsteig and also of the UNESCO Volcanic Eifel Nature and Geopark. Hiking here on four stages, each 10 to 13 kilometers long, opens up a fascinating land richly endowed by Mother Earth. Volcanic cones, cooled lava flows and maars are lined up side by side here.

You start in the fountain town of Gerolstein, fortified with the world-famous mineral water and impressed by the mighty wall of steep dolomite cliffs towering over the town. You are drawn southwards, through dense forest and past a mystical-looking castle ruin on the Nerother Kopf, now home to rare bats. The village of Neroth itself is known today for its excellent gastronomy. In the past, it was known for a special export hit, which has its own museum dedicated to it: mousetraps. Their sale far beyond the Eifel region kept the poor population afloat.

Speaking of water: a few kilometers further on, the water-filled maars near Daun will enchant you as the deep blue "Eyes of the Eifel", as the famous poet Clara Viebig called them. The forest-fringed Gemündener Maar, the mysterious Weinfelder Maar (also known as Totenmaar) and the Schalkenmehrener Maar in its extensive, sun-drenched circle.

The hike takes you further and further south along the River Lieser and the famous Lieser Trail . Along the way, you will feast in the spa and district town of Daun, enjoy a majestic view in the nearby village of Üdersdorf and immerse yourself in a tranquil meadow landscape as far as the castle village of Manderscheid. Nature becomes wilder and wilder, and everyday life falls away from you.

From Manderscheid, with its two medieval castle ruins, you can be taken back to Gerolstein. Your luggage has been safely transported from hotel to hotel for the whole day and you have packed lunches to fortify you. Refreshed in body and soul, you set off on your journey home to.... and return safely to continue exploring the Eifelsteig.