Lirstal in the Elzbach Valley

Lirstal lies in the Elzbach Valley. The meadows around the village are considered floodplain meadows, where the Elzbach and Uersfelder Bach meet. Hiking trails associated with Lirstal lead through meadows, fields, floodplains, forests, and volcanic landscapes. The village’s history also comes to life through specific names, buildings, and memorials. Lirstal is seen more as a destination for a peaceful, relaxing stay than as a place with a packed program of attractions.

Hiking and Cycling

A hiking route suggestion published in 2024, titled “The Upper Elzbach and Its Side Valleys,” follows a circular route through the upper Elzbach Valley and includes Lirstal. The stretch from Retterath to Lirstal offers open views. Check the route suggested before setting out, as trail conditions can change.

The Elztal Cycle Path also has a specific connection to Lirstal: the first two construction sections between Uersfeld, Lirstal, and Oberelz were completed in 2011. Information about the construction history complements the hiking trails with a cycle path whose development can be traced through a dated section.

Chapel, Church, and Local History

The former chapel in Lirstal stood on a hill beside the village and burned down in 1825. St. Martinius was the patron saint of this chapel and is also the patron saint of Lirstal. An old altar slab from the former chapel was set into the outside wall of the new church as a memorial. This preserves a link between the history of the vanished place of worship and the later church.

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima was solemnly consecrated on May 4, 1952, and built to the plans of Prof. Dr. Fritz Thoma of Trier. It is considered the only church in the Diocese of Trier dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. The village’s history also reaches far back: Lirstal was mentioned on June 15, 1336, under the historical name “Leppelzal.” The present-day village developed from the former hamlets of Liersdal and Teurnebach.

Lirstal is also associated with the “Border, Gallows, and History” section of the History Trail. It comprises 16 stops over 10.2 kilometers. Alongside the history of individual churches and settlement areas, this themed circular route provides another point of reference for the village’s history.

A Peaceful Base for Your Stay

Lirstal is considered a starting point for excursions to nearby sights. If you are looking for a packed program of attractions, you can take the village’s character into account when choosing where to stay.

The Vulkaneifel: The Wider Region

Across the wider Vulkaneifel destination, the region’s volcanic history becomes apparent on a broader scale: 77 maars have been identified in the Vulkaneifel to date. In addition, 350 eruption centers have been counted there, about 270 of them from the more recent phase. Ulmen Maar marks the most recent volcanic eruption in the Vulkaneifel, which took place about 10,900 years ago.

The Vulkaneifel Trails are also part of the wider range of regional routes. They lead to scenic highlights on both sides of the Eifelsteig, are marked and signposted, and include half-day hikes, full-day hikes, and multi-day hikes. These regional hiking options provide a useful point of reference if you want to compare different time frames for hikes when planning your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Neichen, Welcherath, Sassen, Mosbruch, Drees, Mannebach, Gunderath, Berenbach.

Return to the overview of the wider travel region: Kelberg.