Willwerscheid and the Pfarrsteig

Willwerscheid is closely associated with the Pfarrsteig: this challenging hike passes through the village and connects Greimerath, Willwerscheid and Hasborn. It links the landscapes of the Vulkaneifel with historic wayside shrines, wayside crosses, chapels and churches that are open to visitors. The trail is 16.6 kilometres long, or approximately 17 kilometres, and is suitable as preparation for longer pilgrimages such as the Way of St James.

The Pfarrsteig as a defining hiking experience

After passing through Willwerscheid, a meadow path leads into the Hölzerbachtal. The route passes the Neuglück copper mine, follows the Hölzerbach to the Sammetbach and continues through the Sammetbachtal. Alongside religious wayside markers, the valleys, streams and copper mine are specific points along the hike.

Some sections of the Pfarrsteig follow natural trails that can become slippery in the rain. Hiking boots with good grip are recommended, as are walking poles for downhill sections. Trail conditions and waymarking can change; check both before your hike. If you are travelling with children, take the distance and difficulty into account when planning together, and adapt the hiking portion to your group’s pace and interests.

More perspectives in the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination

In the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination, the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley and the Hunsrück, rich in forests and meadows, meet. At 816 metres, the Erbeskopf invites you to hike and offers a variety of winter sports. The National Park Gate at the Erbeskopf provides information about nature and the environment; its interactive multimedia exhibition focuses on forests and moors.

Hiking routes in the wider destination also vary in length and character. The Manderscheider Burgenstieg is a 5.4-kilometre, moderately difficult circular route around the castles of Manderscheid; the stated duration is two hours. This is a shorter option compared with the Pfarrsteig, which is around 17 kilometres long. The two castle ruins in Manderscheid face each other on steep hilltops above the Lieser. The Burgenklettersteig around them consists of three sections and is about four kilometres long in total; one kilometre is secured with cables.

For those interested in pilgrimages, Klausen is another cultural point of reference in the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination. The pilgrimage church of Maria Heimsuchung was consecrated in 1502, and Klausen continues to be a destination for pilgrims every year. A local hike past historic wayside markers and a living pilgrimage tradition thus offer different ways to explore religious history.

Choose the right accommodation base

When looking for accommodation in Willwerscheid, the Pfarrsteig is a tangible point of reference: the route passes through the village. Another simple question can help you choose your base: do you want the challenging hike to be the main focus, or would you like to visit several destinations in the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich area? Compare accommodation locations with the places you want to visit, and check their locations against your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Kövenig, Bengel, Hontheim, Kinderbeuern, Kinheim

Return to the wider travel overview: Kröv-Bausendorf.