Hellenthal: Hiking Trails, Castles and Mining

Hellenthal offers various ways to explore the Eifel: signposted trails lead through forests, valleys and uplands, while Reifferscheid Castle and Wohlfahrt Mine bring history to life. Other highlights include Lake Olef, the Weißer Stein observation tower, and encounters with birds of prey and native wildlife.

Hiking Trails and Landscapes

More than 220 kilometres of signposted hiking trails wind through forests, valleys and uplands in the municipality of Hellenthal. The EifelSchleifen are circular routes with varying levels of difficulty. The Rur-Olef Route also leads through a variety of landscapes: deciduous forests, meadows, fields, rocky stretches and streams alternate, while open landscapes can be found on the ridges of Eifel National Park. Around 56 hectares within Hellenthal lie in the national park. These include beech and oak forests, stream valleys and rocky terrain. This gives you a choice of different perspectives when selecting a route: the EifelSchleifen are described in terms of their circular routes and difficulty, while the Rur-Olef Route is characterised by its varied landscapes.

Around Lake Olef

A 13.5-kilometre circular route runs around Lake Olef and is suitable for hiking and cycling. It makes for a clearly defined option for an outing on foot or by bike. Swimming and water sports are not permitted in Lake Olef, as it is used as a drinking water reservoir. Planning a route here lets you enjoy the landscape around the lake while keeping in mind which activities are permitted.

The History of Castles and Mining

Reifferscheid was first mentioned in an official document in 1106. Reifferscheid Castle comprises castle ruins, an outer bailey and a fortified settlement, and is open to the public free of charge. Half-timbered houses and old lanes preserve its medieval character. The different features make this a destination for anyone who wants to explore the historic settlement as well as the castle complex.

Wohlfahrt Mine presents the history of mining from the late Middle Ages through the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Deep Tunnel and its side tunnels form a visitor mine route about 900 metres long. A surface mining trail and the EifelSchleife Bergbaupfad offer additional hiking options around the mine. This lets you explore the history of mining both on the visitor mine route and on trails above ground.

More Destinations and Getting There

The Castles Route starts in Hellenthal below the Olef Dam and continues to the ruins of Reifferscheid and Wildenburg. For a different perspective, head to the Weißer Stein observation tower: it is 30 metres tall, stands at an altitude of 720 metres and can be reached via 147 steps. At the birds of prey station and wildlife park, visitors can encounter birds of prey and native wildlife, as well as enjoy informative guided tours and flight demonstrations. Alongside hikes and historic sites, wildlife watching is another distinct option.

Hellenthal is connected to Kall railway station by bus route SB81/829. Leisure transport in the Euskirchen district also makes it possible to hike linear routes without returning to the starting point; buses and trains make cycling tours easier by offering options for taking bicycles on board. Check the latest connections and travel information before setting off. When choosing accommodation based on your planned excursions, factor in suitable routes and travel by public transport.

Discover More Destinations

Hönningen, Wollenberg, Reifferscheid, Udenbreth, Rescheid, Schnorrenberg, Hollerath, Ramscheid, Oberschömbach

For the main travel overview: Euskirchen.