Through an enchanting, hilly Eifel landscape, past witnesses of former forest use, along re-established juniper heaths with their typical flora and fauna to the charcoal pile and racing kiln.

Discover the fascinating world of juniper heaths and experience the history of forest use in earlier times on the themed hike in Schalkenbach. Starting at the idyllic Maisbüsch Chapel, the trail leads past picturesque chapels, through rustic forests and along exciting information boards. Marvel at the Weiselstein viewing tower, explore the coal pile and the racing kiln, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the region.

In Schalkenbach (Unter-Vinxt district), turn right at the Regenbogenschule school and then right again shortly afterwards. After just under 1 km, you can park at the Maisbüschkapelle starting point. From here, the signposted path, which crosses the Schalkenbach stream, leads to the Schirmau forest estate. The ascent to the Weiselstein viewing tower, the highest point in the juniper heath there, is well worthwhile. The route then continues past the Burglei to the Stucksberg. Along the way, various information boards provide hikers with lots of interesting facts about the origins of the juniper heaths and the hay farming of earlier times. The next section of the trail is characterized by oaks "set on sticks" and outcrops with quartz veins.
The route continues down the valley to Schalkenbach, past the pretty chapel to information board no. 6 (main road), which describes "The use of the forest in earlier times". Highlights of this route are the charcoal pile and the racing kiln at the fire station above Mittel- Vinxt. It is possible to put the coal pile into operation on request. The trail leads back to the starting point at the Maisbüsch chapel via Mittel- and Ober-Vinxt. This interesting themed hike can also be done as a circular tour from the fire station.

You can also find a detailed description with background information on the website of our volcano park guide Konrad Friedgen: https://profirouten.de/eifel/koehler-und-loheweg