Zilsdorf: Volcanic Trails, Geology and Local History

Zilsdorf combines hiking trails with an unusually tangible volcanic and local history. At Arensberg, the volcanic landscape takes centre stage; in Zilsdorf, buildings tell stories spanning different centuries. There is also a water-treading pool and information boards about mineral and thermal waters. You can tailor your stay to the experiences that interest you most: hiking, geological connections or local history.

Hiking trails with different points of reference

The Vulkanweg is a moderately difficult, 13.3-kilometre circular route from Hillesheim via Walsdorf and Zilsdorf to the Arensberg volcano. Its length and difficulty rating provide a concrete framework for planning this tour. The Vulkan-Panorama-Wanderweg is described differently: it starts and ends at the community centre in Zilsdorf and passes right by the XXL bench. This gives you different reference points for planning. For the Vulkanweg, the length and difficulty are specified; for the panoramic trail, the start and end point at the community centre and the XXL bench provide orientation.

The GEO-Pfad also connects to the community centre: its starting point, C, is located there. Two information boards at this spot provide information about the region’s mineral springs and the mineral and thermal waters of the Eifel. If you are looking for a place to stay for a hiking-focused trip, you can first consider whether the 13.3-kilometre circular route or the community centre as a point of reference will play a bigger role in your day’s plans.

Volcanic traces at Beuel and Arensberg

Beuel lies about half a kilometre from Zilsdorf. It is the remnant of a volcanic stratovolcano and has been dated to about 970,000 years old. Arensberg is also a prominent geological landmark: it is regarded as one of the biggest geological attractions in the Gerolsteiner Land and the only significant volcanic cone from the Tertiary period. It is also a hotspot in the „Vulkaneifel“ bird protection area and the „Gerolsteiner Kalkeifel“ FFH area.

A broad forest track leads from Zilsdorf past a small car park on the edge of the Arensberg forest to the tunnel and into the volcano. Arensberg can therefore be explored both as a geological attraction in the Gerolsteiner Land and via the described route to the tunnel. Those interested in volcanoes will find various aspects here: Beuel’s geological classification, Arensberg’s special status and the path that leads into the volcano.

Water from volcanic deposits

Zilsdorf has a water-treading pool for Kneipp therapy. The springs that feed the Zilsdorf Kneipp pool draw their water from Beuel’s volcanic deposits. This brings together a specific Kneipp facility and the geology of the surrounding area in a local context: Beuel’s deposits are not only part of the landscape’s history, but are also connected with the water in the pool.

Buildings and church history

The Catholic branch church of St. Anthony in Zilsdorf is a two-bay hall church built in 1815. North of Zilsdorf is the „Unter dem Heiligenhäuschen“ shrine, a small plastered building with a moulded round-arched portal dating from 1664. The dates mark two different historical points of reference: the shrine is older than the branch church.

Another church history links Zilsdorf with Walsdorf. For centuries, the Arnulfus Chapel served as the parish church for both villages; it was demolished in 1825 because it had fallen into disrepair. A specific glimpse of local festivities is recorded for 14 June 2026: during the church fair in Zilsdorf, a traditional church fair service was held in the chapel at 10:30 a.m. A group from MV Walsdorf-Zilsdorf took part.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Loogh, Oberbettingen, Kerpen, Bolsdorf, Üxheim, Berndorf, Wiesbaum, Basberg.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Hillesheim.