Naurath (Eifel): Meulenwald Forest and Village History

Woodland around Naurath

Naurath (Eifel) lies in a hollow surrounded by Meulenwald Forest, at the southern foot of the Eifel Heights. Extensive woodland defines the surrounding area; the Moselle landscape is about 12 kilometres away. Naurath is a starting point for hikes in Meulenwald Forest. In 2012, the forest was named Forest of the Year for its sustainable, nature-oriented and multifunctional management.

The Meulenwald Route leads deep into the forest, past bubbling mineral springs. It connects woodland sections with the valleys of the Bendersbach, Gumbach, Gladbach and Salm. The landscapes connected by the route include woodland sections and the valleys of the Bendersbach, Gumbach, Gladbach and Salm.

Routes to suit your time and ability

The Eifelsteig Meulenwald Route circular trail is listed as 34 kilometres long and continuously waymarked; two days are recommended. The R1 is 19.0 kilometres long and rated moderate to difficult. Check the current route description before setting out. Mountain Bike Route 2 is technically easy but requires a moderate level of fitness. A long forest section runs through Meulenwald’s sandstone terrain; trail conditions may vary.

These details help you consider routes from different perspectives: the circular trail comes with a recommendation to allow two days, the R1 has a stated length and difficulty rating, and Mountain Bike Route 2 combines a technical rating with a fitness requirement. This makes it easier to plan around the time you have available and the level of challenge you want, rather than focusing on distance alone.

The Brunnenhaus, Hofhaus and village history

The Brunnenhaus, with its spring chamber at Brunnenplatz, is a 19th-century feature and a rare relic of rural village life in the town centre. Another trace of the past can be found at Kirchstraße 14: Naurath’s former Hofhaus of the Counts of Kesselstatt is an imposing transverse farmhouse dating from 1825. It dates from the period when the Counts of Kesselstatt administered Naurath. A brewery offers visits opposite the former Hofhaus; check the arrangements for visits before your trip.

St. Elisabeth Church reopened for visits and services in July 2026 following extensive renovation. Check public access before visiting. Naurath’s older history is also tangible: until 1465, mines in which ore was extracted operated in Naurath, then known as Nuinrait.

An old custom on Kirmes Monday in November involves turning a rooster into a cuckoo. The way the tradition is observed may vary. These historical and cultural details add the story of the village to the landscape, from earlier ore mining to customs passed down over time.

More to explore in the Trier-Saarburg travel region

The wider Trier-Saarburg travel region offers other distinct themes. Trier-Saarburg district has 492 kilometres of cycle paths. Large parts of Saarburg’s curtain walls and a residential tower have been preserved; several viewing terraces and the tower offer panoramic views of the Saar Valley. Along the Viezstraße, fruit growers, fruit brandy distillers, farmers, hoteliers and restaurateurs share information, regional recipes and experiences related to Viez.

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Discover more destinations: Thörnich, Kasel, Klüsserath, Newel, Gusterath, Merzkirchen, Oberbillig, Hermeskeil

Back to the regional travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.