Kesternich between village history and hiking trails
Accommodation in Kesternich
Kesternich is a hilltop village in the Eifel on the edge of Eifel National Park, known for its tall red beech hedges. The village is also an ideal starting point for hikes. Village history and trails offer different ways to shape a trip here: you can explore the village and its history on a walking tour, or get to know the river valleys on a longer route.
Church and history at the heart of the village
The listed Church of St. Peter and Paul stands in the heart of Kesternich. It is dedicated to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, as well as the 14 Holy Helpers. Its construction history is also part of the village’s story: the new church, built in 1899/1900, was blown up by the German military in September 1944; it was rebuilt in 1951/52. Its dedication and rebuilding offer two different perspectives on the same building.
Explore Kesternich and its valleys on foot
The Kesternich village walk is about 5.2 kilometres long, takes around two hours and has approximately 56 metres of elevation gain. The distance and duration may vary slightly depending on the version of the route. Along the way, the walk offers far-reaching views in almost every direction. There are also plenty of benches where you can take in the surrounding landscape at leisure. The approximate duration gives you a guide for planning your day; the views and places to rest add experiences along the way to the figures.
The Two Valleys Trail focuses on something different: it connects the river valleys of the Eiserbach and Tiefenbach. The former oil mill is located on the Tiefenbach. The two routes therefore highlight different themes: the village walk offers a loop through the village with far-reaching views, while the Two Valleys Trail connects the valleys and explores the history of the mill.
An annual event with dates that vary
The local events calendar includes the annual children’s session hosted by Kesternich’s KG Kester Lehmschwalbe carnival society. It features performances by children’s groups and the proclamation of the children’s carnival prince or princess. The date and venue vary from year to year. If you would like to include the session in your travel plans, check the KG’s announcement for the relevant year.
More destinations in the wider Simmerath area
The wider Simmerath area includes other distinct destinations, each with a different focus. In Woffelsbacher Bucht, the swimming area is directly in the lake and marked off with yellow swimming buoys. Swimming conditions may vary depending on the water level. At Naturerlebnisbad Einruhr, no chlorine or chemicals are used; the water is purified biologically in a reed pond.
The Rurberg National Park Gate in Simmerath features the “Lifelines of Nature” exhibition, a digital terrain model of the national park and national park films. Free guided walks into the Kermeter forests start from here; the dates on the guided tour programme may change. There are several starting points for hikes, each described separately: the 15.1-kilometre Panorama Trail starts at the village square in Simmerath-Strauch and leads through typical Eifel farmland to the Michelshof wind farm. Along the way, it offers panoramic views of the Eifel landscape, Lake Rur and the Kermeter on the opposite shore. The 14.2-kilometre Rursee Höhenweg starts at the Rurseezentrum in Simmerath-Rurberg. The 26-kilometre “Around Lake Rur” cycling route circles the lake.
Above Einruhr, the WolfshĂĽgel Eifel viewpoint sits at an altitude of 360 metres. From there, the view stretches over the village and across the Upper Lake to the Buhlert forest. The Eifelsteig and the local PĂĽngelbach Circular Trail (No. 75) pass right by the viewpoint. In Einruhr, the hiking rest station at Heilsteinhaus offers hikers a place to relax and picnic after a hike or bike ride. The National Park Information Point Einruhr is also located there and provides information about activities in the Eifel National Park adventure region.
At the Lammersdorf Farm Museum, you can book guided tours and workshops, including a workshop on the journey from grain to bread. Confirm specific availability before your trip. When choosing accommodation, the destinations and activities you have in mind can be decisive: the routes, facilities and offers mentioned are in different named locations and each has its own focus.
Discover more travel destinations
Discover more travel destinations: Woffelsbach, Dedenborn, Steckenborn, Einruhr.
Back to the wider travel overview: Simmerath.
