Biersdorf am See – Rotlay, Trails and Bitburg Reservoir

At Bitburg Reservoir, expanses of water, wooded shores and the vivid red hues of the red sandstone come together. The 35-hectare reservoir lies in the Prümtal valley and is considered a popular excursion destination and a tourist centre of the Südeifel. Red sandstone is visible in striking rock formations along the shores. The sandstone’s intense reddish-orange colour gave the road along the lakeside promenade its name, Rotlay.

Rocky landscapes and walking trails by the reservoir

The natural monument “Rotlay”, with its impressive red sandstone rock face, is located by the reservoir. Those interested in the landscape will encounter red sandstone here not only in the place name: it also shapes the rock formations along the shore.

The “Accessible Path at Bitburg Reservoir” is very easy, 1.7 kilometres long and takes about 20 minutes. It leads from the Bitburg Reservoir kiosk to the bridge where the Prüm flows into the reservoir. The path is paved and wheelchair accessible. As path conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Another option is the approximately four-kilometre lakeside circular trail. It runs mostly through wooded areas and is ideal for leisurely walks. This offers a choice of different walking experiences: a short, very easy walk with a stated duration, or a longer loop around the lake that passes mainly through forest. Pedal boats are also available to explore the water from the kiosk at Bitburg Reservoir. If you are planning a boat trip, check availability before you arrive.

Traditions, community life and regional specialities

Recurring events are also part of the character of Biersdorf am See. The Biersdorf am See field archers hold two tournaments each year: the village tournament on the second weekend in August and the “Hammer Zinnenschuss” on the first weekend in October. Their practice course is also open to guests. Check the terms of use before visiting.

Another tradition is Hüttenbrennen on Schafssonntag, the first Sunday after Carnival. After dark, two wooden crosses wrapped in straw and brushwood are set alight. If you would like to plan your trip around this recurring event, check the dates in advance.

At a tasting in Biersdorf am See, you can sample Eifel fruit brandies, which are associated with the traditional craftsmanship of Eifel distilleries. Check the tasting arrangements before your trip.

A trip to the surrounding area

Near Wiersdorf, the modest hermitage is a chapel built by a hermit in 1923, in the woods west of the Prüm. It can be reached on a walk through Wiersdorf. Visiting combines a quiet place of worship with a walk through the landscape—another way to discover the area beyond a stroll by the reservoir.

More places to explore in the Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm

If you would like to include more cultural and natural history attractions in your travel plans beyond Biersdorf am See, the wider Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm destination offers a range of highlights. The Mühlenberger Stollen Bleialf visitor mine offers one-hour tours through the mine. They cover ore mining in Bleialf, from geology to applied technology. A mining trail with numerous information boards explores the area’s mining history.

The Devonium in Waxweiler presents complex aspects of palaeontology and the science of fossil life in a playful way. The Westwall Museum houses a military history exhibition across three accessible levels of a bunker, as well as in underground passageways and rooms. In the Eifelkreis, visitors can choose from a range of themes, including landscapes and trails, as well as geological and military history.

The Rittersdorf moated castle, around 700 years old, has remained almost unchanged since it was built. It offers an impressive picture of late medieval and modern Renaissance residential culture. The castle also has a privately run restaurant serving fine regional cuisine; check whether it will be open on the date of your visit.

Planning your trip

From Biersdorf am See, the A60 is about 10 minutes away, Trier about 30 minutes and Luxembourg about 20 minutes. These approximate times are intended as a guide for planning; no mode of transport is specified.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gondorf, Oberweis, Ehlenz, Halsdorf, Dudeldorf, Fließem, Baustert, Nattenheim.

Back to the main travel overview: Bitburg.