Discover Vordereifel: Heathland, volcanic landscapes and culture

Vordereifel combines volcanic landscapes, expansive ridges and idyllic valleys with hiking and cycling tours, as well as fascinating destinations related to mining and castles. Depending on whether you prefer hiking across open heathland, cycling or discovering historic sites, you can focus your stay on different activities.

Juniper heaths, ridges and far-reaching views

Together with areas in the neighbouring district of Ahrweiler, the juniper heaths of Vordereifel are among the largest remaining stands on acidic bedrock in Rhineland-Palatinate and the neighbouring federal states. The Dr. Heinrich Menke Park, a nature reserve on the western foothills of the Raßberg, also offers an insight into this landscape. Access may depend on weather conditions.

On the Wabelsberg near Langscheid, the heath garden combines an educational trail with a botanical garden. It provides information about the characteristic plant species of the heath and adds botanical insights to the views of the landscape. For panoramic views across the Eifel landscape, visit the 25-metre-high Boos Eifel Tower. Visitors can also climb the Hochsimmer Tower.

Hiking through heathland, forests and meadows

The Bergheidenweg Dream Trail leads through open heathland into the Heidbüchel nature reserve. The Dream Trails in Vordereifel also pass through forests, fields and meadows. This offers a choice of different landscapes for hikes: open heathland on the one hand, and changing stretches of forest and meadows on the other.

The Virneburger Burgblick Dream Tour is an easy, family-friendly circular hiking trail, 3.5 kilometres long, leading to the ruins of Virneburg Castle. If you choose this route, check the latest route updates before setting out. The details on length, difficulty and circular route make it easier to compare this walk with longer hiking plans in the region.

Mining and castles as day-trip destinations

The Bendisberg Mine is a visitor mine with three tunnels. Tours through one, two or all three tunnels offer insights into the geology and mining techniques used to extract ore from the deposit, and lead deep underground. At Naturerlebnis Vordereifel, visitors can also visit, hike to and climb four landscape monuments and a visitor mine.

Visitor attractions in Vordereifel also include Bürresheim Castle, the ruins of Löwenburg and Philippsburg in Monreal, the ruins of Virneburg Castle, museums and viewpoints. Bürresheim Castle can only be entered as part of a guided tour. Check the latest opening details before visiting. This makes it possible to plan a cultural day around a guided visit, or an outing focused on hiking trails or viewpoints.

Cycling and planning a stay to suit you

Vordereifel offers cycling routes for all levels of difficulty; mountain bikers can use specially designated MTB routes. There are also hiking and cycling tours, including multi-day active tours. If you are considering different day plans, you can alternate between cycling, hiking and visits to cultural attractions.

When looking for accommodation, you can start by thinking about which experiences you want to define your stay: hikes across heathland and through nature reserves, cycling tours, or visits to mining sites and castles. This gives you a direction for choosing where to stay, without requiring every day to have the same character.

Discover more destinations: Weiler, Anschau, Luxem, Langenfeld, Weitersburg, Kollig, Kruft, Mendig.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Mayen-Koblenz.