Kliding: Waterfall, Hiking Trails and Village Traditions

Kliding is situated in the Moselle Heights of the Vulkaneifel. The waterfall, hiking trails and village traditions give the place several distinctive facets: from a marked path through the Maiwald forest to the traditional baking festival.

The Kliding Waterfall and Its Landscape

The Kliding Waterfall, also called Schießlay, drops about 28 metres and is considered the highest waterfall in the Eifel. It is part of the Klidinger Bach, which rises just on the southern edge of the village and flows into the Erdenbach below the waterfall. From Kliding, a marked path through the Maiwald forest leads to the waterfall. The stream, the height of the falls and the path through the forest make this natural attraction easy to experience and also help you find your way as you explore the landscape.

The Sommeterweg also leads out into the natural surroundings, which can be reached from the edge of Kliding after about 250 metres along the path. This means there are two ways to orient yourself towards nature: the path to the waterfall and a short connection from the village edge, without implying that they are the same route.

Hikes for Different Levels

Kliding is considered a starting point for hikes to the maars. A circular route from Kliding passes a shelter and includes a scrambling section. Sturdy footwear and sure footing are required. Check the route details and conditions before setting out so you can choose a hike that suits your plans.

Another separate hiking option is the HeimatSpur Wasserfall-Erlebnisroute. This circular hike runs from Bad Bertrich to the Kliding Waterfall and passes through rocky gorges and over the heights between Kennfus and Bad Bertrich. The 13.3-kilometre hike is described as difficult. In 2023, it was selected as Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail. When choosing a hike, you can therefore distinguish between the starting points and difficulty levels: the circular route from Kliding includes a scrambling section, while the HeimatSpur is a 13.3-kilometre loop from Bad Bertrich described as difficult.

Baking Festival, Maypole and Village Traditions

The Kliding baking festival has been held every year on the second weekend in May since 1984. Bread dough is traditionally baked in the Backes community bakehouse or in old stone ovens. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the exact event dates in advance. The Deppekoochefest also became a regular part of Kliding’s events after it was established.

The maypole tradition involves a tree from the municipal forest: a fir or spruce is used, and the maypole is put up on the eve of 1 May. Together with the baking festival, these customs show two different sides of village life—one is associated with baking bread together, the other with a seasonal custom.

Church and Culture in Kliding

The Catholic Church of St. Wendelin is a neo-Gothic hall church dating from 1861/62. Its west tower dates from 1904. The different construction phases give the church a clear history: the church building was followed by the tower several decades later.

A report from 2020 mentions a theatre that opened in a former cowshed at Sommeterweg 1. The 30-square-metre space hosted a range of evening events. If you would like to include the theatre in your plans, check the current programme before visiting.

Kliding as a Base for Your Getaway

If you want to focus your trip on nature, hiking and village culture, Kliding offers several different ways to do so. Holiday visitors can choose from two inns as well as holiday apartments. Check availability for your travel dates directly before booking. This lets you choose accommodation to match your preferred focus: the waterfall and hiking, regional traditions, or both.

Culture in the Wider Cochem-Zell Destination

One cultural highlight in the wider Cochem-Zell destination is medieval Cochem Imperial Castle. In the 19th century, Louis Ravené had it restored and rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style as part of the Romantic castle revival. The interior rooms open to visitors include the Knights’ Hall, dining room, hunting room and ladies’ chamber. This regional cultural highlight complements the story of village life in Kliding, but is a separate place within the Cochem-Zell destination.

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Back to the wider travel overview: Cochem-Zell.