Discover Hontheim: Plateau, maars and hiking trails

Hontheim between the heights and volcanic landscapes

Hontheim lies on a plateau 420 metres above sea level in the southern Volcanic Eifel, between the Üß and Alf rivers. Open fields and forests characterise the surrounding area, which also includes the Kondelwald forest, river valleys and nearby maars. As you plan your trip, you will encounter a range of natural landscapes: open uplands, wooded areas and maars shaped by volcanic activity.

The Weißerlay/Wispelt Route takes you past the Wispelter Maar. It is considered the southernmost maar in the West Eifel volcanic field; the Salzbach flows through it, and it has a diameter of around 400 metres. If you are interested in the volcanic landscape, it offers a concrete example of the region’s maar scenery.

Hiking, mountain biking and wellness

Hontheim is considered a starting point for numerous hikes and mountain biking tours. Cycling routes lead towards the maars of the Volcanic Eifel and the nearby Moselle Valley. This gives you different ways to explore the area actively.

Bad Bertrich is 3 km from Hontheim and is known for its Glauber’s salt thermal baths, spa and wellness facilities. This adds another focus to your trip planning alongside nature and outdoor activities. Check the latest offers and options before visiting. If you choose your accommodation based on your interests, you can consider Hontheim as a base for hiking and mountain biking tours, and Bad Bertrich as a point of reference for wellness.

Another perspective: Bernkastel-Wittlich

The wider travel destination of Bernkastel-Wittlich brings together the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley and the Hunsrück, with its many forests and meadows. At 816 metres, the Erbeskopf is a popular hiking destination and offers a variety of winter sports. The National Park Gateway at the Erbeskopf provides information about nature and the environment. Its interactive multimedia exhibition focuses on forests and peat bogs. The destination therefore offers a wide range of themes, from outdoor activities to learning about nature and the environment.

Cycling and hiking options can also be distinguished by the type of outing. The Maare-Mosel Cycle Route runs for 58.5 kilometres from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues along a disused railway line. The Manderscheid Castle Trail is a moderate 5.4-kilometre circular hike around the castles of Manderscheid; the stated duration is two hours. The two medieval castle ruins face each other on steep rocky spurs above the Lieser. This offers a choice between a longer cycling route and a clearly defined hike with a focus on castles.

Bernkastel-Wittlich offers further distinctive highlights for cultural discoveries. The pilgrimage church of Maria Heimsuchung in Klausen was consecrated in 1502; Klausen remains a destination for pilgrims every year. In Bernkastel-Kues, the vinotheque combines tastings of wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer with the historic vaulted cellars of St. Nicholas Hospital. The selection includes 100 wines, from quality wines to ice wine.

Museums also cover a range of topics: the Cusanus Birthplace in Kues is used as a museum and event space and features a permanent exhibition about Nicholas of Cusa. The Zylinderhaus focuses on 90 years of German automotive history; visitors can see more than 100 cars, motorcycles and vans. This gives you the opportunity to choose your own regional highlights from history, wine and technology.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kinheim, Willwerscheid, Bengel, Kinderbeuern, Kövenig.

To the wider travel overview: Kröv-Bausendorf.