Rennrad-Tour: Vulkaneifel-Challenge

Just under 133 kilometers, over 2,100 meters of elevation gain, and plenty of Vulkaneifel charm. This physically demanding road bike tour combines intense climbs with more leisurely sections—ideal for anyone looking for a real challenge.

Before you set out…

From time to time, sections of the route may need to be temporarily rerouted or closed. Just check www.gesundland-vulkaneifel.de/info/wege-info/.

This road bike tour has everything to make an ambitious cyclist’s heart race: just under 133 kilometers in length, over 2,100 meters of elevation gain, and a multitude of highlights that perfectly combine athletic challenge with scenic beauty.

The route starts in Daun—initially on the Maare-Mosel Bike Path through the “Großes Schlitzohr” tunnel. At Mehren, the route branches off and leads through Steiningen, Steineberg, and Demerath across the gently rolling hills of the Vulkaneifel. Other stops along the way include Wollmerath, Gillenbeuren, and Lutzerath.

From Strohn, a particularly impressive section begins: passing the famous lava bomb, the route enters the Strohner Schweiz—a scenic area featuring short, challenging stretches. Via Mückeln and Oberscheidweiler, the route joins a section of the Maare-Mosel Bike Trail that leads to Eckfeld.

There, the climb to Buchholz Monastery begins—a panoramic hotspot featuring the impressive XXL panoramic bench. The route continues to the castle town of Manderscheid, past the impressive Niederburg, and through the town toward Bettenfeld. Via Deudesfeld and Schutz, you’ll finally reach the Kosmos Bike Trail.

In Oberstadtfeld, another climb begins: via Neroth, Kirchweiler, and Hinterweiler, the route winds through the highlands of the Vulkaneifel—with a detour past the Ernstberg, one of the region’s most striking mountains. This is followed by gentler stretches through Dockweiler, Dreis-Brück, Bongard, Gelenberg, and Boxberg.

In Sarmersbach, a final, challenging climb toward Darscheid puts your stamina to the test once more before the route heads back to the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route via Utzerath, Schönbach, and Meiserich, and on to the starting point in Daun.

This long loop is a real challenge—offering plenty of scenic highlights, little traffic, and a well-balanced mix of challenging sections and more relaxed stretches. It’s ideal for experienced road cyclists who want to experience the diversity of the Vulkaneifel in a sporty way.