Discover Eckfeld

Eckfeld is a small settlement in the Volcanic Eifel, set in a beautiful upland landscape. Its geological history is particularly striking: the Eckfeld Maar formed around 44 million years ago during an early phase of Eifel volcanism and is one of Europe’s most significant fossil sites. There is also a forest trail designed especially for children, creative seminars and a church tower with medieval origins—a mix of nature, hands-on activities and local history.

Fossils and their interpretation at the Eckfeld Maar

Information panels around the Eckfeld dry maar present fossil finds and the conclusions drawn from them. This means the visit is about both the finds themselves and their analysis. Independent digging at the Eckfeld dry maar is prohibited; the area has been protected since 1988. To visit the excavation site, it is recommended that you park at the Eckfeld sports ground and walk a short distance. Check local notices before setting out in case conditions have changed.

Forest themes and creative work

The Määrchen Nature Forest Trail offers a different focus: designed especially for children, it introduces them to the forest ecosystem in a playful way. This gives visitors two different ways to engage with nature—the fossils and the knowledge gained from them at the maar, and the forest habitat along the trail. For families planning activities around nature, this distinction offers a practical point of reference.

Hands-on creativity is also part of what Eckfeld offers. Creative seminars are held in the former village school, where participants work with wood and natural stone under guidance. Support ranges from basic practical instruction to guidance with artistic projects, making the seminars suitable for beginners and advanced participants alike.

St. Catherine’s and local history

The history of St. Catherine’s can be traced through its different phases of construction. The church tower dates to around 1450; the church was first built in the 1450s as an extension of Eckfeld’s fortified tower. The west tower, dating from the second half of the 15th century, was originally defensive. St. Catherine’s was rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century.

When looking for accommodation in Eckfeld, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: would you mainly like to explore the maar’s geological history, learn about forest ecosystems in a playful way, or work with materials yourself in a seminar? The different themes give you a practical basis for deciding what you want your stay to centre on.

Cycle route and wider landscape

The Maare-Moselle Cycle Route passes directly by Eckfeld. In the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination, the 58.5-kilometre route runs from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues along a disused railway line. For the return journey, a cycle bus takes cyclists from Bernkastel-Kues back to the starting point; the return trip can be booked in advance. This provides information about both the route and a possible return journey, while the cycle route itself passes directly by Eckfeld.

The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination brings together the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley and the Hunsrück, with its forests and meadows. At 816 metres, the Erbeskopf is ideal for hiking and offers a variety of winter sports. An interactive multimedia exhibition at the National Park Gate on the Erbeskopf provides information about nature and the environment, with a focus on forests and moors.

Culture and food and wine also shape the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination. The pilgrimage church of Maria Heimsuchung in Klausen was consecrated in 1502, and Klausen remains a destination for pilgrims every year. In Bernkastel-Kues, the Cusanus Birthplace is used as a museum and event space; a permanent exhibition is dedicated to Nicholas of Cusa. The vinotheque in the historic vaulted cellars of St. Nicholas Hospital offers tastings of wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer. Its selection includes 100 wines, from quality wines to ice wine.

Discover more destinations:Bettenfeld, Oberscheidweiler, Greimerath, Pantenburg, Karl, Meerfeld, Hasborn, Eisenschmitt.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Manderscheid.