HeimatSpur Spazierweg Elfengrotte

A very special kind of natural monument - here in Bad Bertrich. The Elfengrotte is also known as the cheese grotto, as the stones look like cheese wheels stacked on top of each other!

Before you set off...

It happens from time to time that sections of the trail have to be temporarily diverted or closed. Just take a look at www.gesundland-vulkaneifel.de/info/wege-info/.

Walk through the middle of an ancient lava flow: 50,000 years ago, hot, glowing rock from the surrounding volcanoes was pushed into the Elbesbach valley. This created a hollow path, the so-called Elfengrotte or cheese grotto, as the individual stones have taken on the shape of a wheel of cheese. An impressive sight!

Behind the Elves' Grotto, a waterfall cascades over the cooled lava flow to a romantic pool. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of the water.
The circular trail leads along narrow and wide paths alongside the picturesque Üssbach stream.
You can also reach the grotto with a baby carriage: follow the footpath to the Elfenmühle restaurant and continue along the road until you reach a bridge over the Üssbach, which leads you to the Elfengrotte.

Enjoy a day full of nature-filled impressions!

Highlights along the way:

1.2 km the Elfengrotte/cheese grotto

1.3 km Elbesbach waterfall

Insider tip: Taste the 32° C naturally warm Glauber's salt water from Germany's only Glauber's salt spring!