Discover Filz: Eifel Views, Maar Tunnel and Village Traditions

Filz lies on a plateau at an elevation of around 460 metres, offering far-reaching views across the Eifel. Hiking, cycling and village history provide different focuses for a trip. When looking for accommodation, you can start by considering which of these interests you want to shape your days.

Maar, Bird Migration and Geological History

The Ulmen Maar Tunnel connects the Jungferweiher and the Ulmen Maar via a passage about 120 metres long. The tunnel offers a chance to experience geological history. It is accessible with few barriers and free of charge; however, at its narrowest point it measures just 70 centimetres. These dimensions are relevant when planning a visit. Check access conditions before your trip.

The Jungferweiher, together with the Ulmen Maar, is a protected area and is known for its many migratory birds. A circular walk around the lake is recommended, particularly in spring and autumn, during the bird migration seasons. Here, nature and the time of year go hand in hand: the hiking recommendation specifically highlights these two periods of the year.

Hiking and Cycling at Different Scales

Filz is considered a starting point for nearby Eifel hiking trails, including the Eifelsteig and Traumpfade. The Enderttal Traumsteig is also close to Filz. It starts in Ulmen, passes through the area around Auderath and reaches Cochem after around 20 kilometres. The Vulkan-Rad-Route also runs close to Filz and is 77 kilometres long. Filz is also in the Vulkanbike Trail Park area, whose signposted network of trails covers around 750 kilometres.

When comparing route types, it is worth considering their different scales: a circular walk of around three kilometres around the Jungferweiher sits alongside a hiking route of around 20 kilometres, a 77-kilometre cycling route and an extensive signposted network of trails. This makes it easier to decide whether to focus on a single loop, a longer route or cycling trails.

Language, Chapel and Small Monuments

Until the 1970s, Filzer Platt was the mother tongue of people born in Filz and was used almost exclusively in family and village life. In terms of linguistic history, Filzer Platt belongs to the Moselle Franconian dialect group. The village’s history is also reflected in its religious buildings: the chapel is first documented in 1569, while the present building dates from around 1730.

The high altar, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, is joined by figures of Saint Catherine and Saint Barbara, Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint Dominic. There are also three wayside shrines and a wayside image shrine in and around Filz. They are maintained by their builders or their descendants. For a tour through the village’s history, the language, chapel and these smaller monuments each offer a different point of interest.

Village Customs and Event Dates

Today, the bakehouse is fired up only for special baking festivals. If you would like to tie your visit in with one of these events, check the date in advance. The Maypole raising tradition is also still practised in Filz. These customs shape the course of the year in a different way from the enduring traces of local history.

The shelter is used mainly for the annual Hinnig Hüttenfest, held on the first weekend in August. Visitors from outside Filz can also rent the shelter through the mayor; confirm the contact details and availability in advance. If you are planning a trip around the festival, also check the current event date.

Getting There and a Regional Addition

Filz has good transport links to the A 48, which is about six kilometres away. You can take the distance to the A 48 into account when planning your journey. When choosing accommodation, you can consider your journey and the focus you want for your days together.

In the wider Cochem-Zell destination, the medieval Reichsburg Cochem castle offers a distinct cultural and historical highlight. It was restored and rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style in the 19th century by Louis Ravené, as part of the Romantic era’s revival of castles. Interiors open to visitors include, among others, the Knights’ Hall, dining room, hunting room and bedchamber.

Discover more destinations: Ulmen, Zell, Düngenheim, Treis-Karden, Kaisersesch, Grenderich, Brohl, Mittelstrimmig.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Cochem-Zell.