Eifelsteig

Route overview

The Eifelsteig is a premium long-distance trail of approximately 313 kilometres from Aachen in the north to Trier in the south, traversing the Eifel mountains of western Germany. The route was designated as one of Germany's first “Premium Trails” by the German Hiking Institute, indicating high quality in waymarking, scenery, and infrastructure. The trail crosses the volcanic landscape of the Eifel with its crater lakes, maars, and basalt formations, the beech forests of the German-Belgian border region, and the vine-covered hills of the Moselle valley near Trier. It passes through the Nürburgring motorsport complex, the historic city of Monschau, and the Roman heritage sites around Trier. The Eifelsteig is well waymarked with the distinctive E-mark and offers regular accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. The terrain is rolling hill country rather than high mountains, making it accessible to most walkers with reasonable fitness.

A premium long-distance trail from Aachen to Trier through the volcanic Eifel region, crossing crater lakes, maars, beech forest, and the Nürburgring motorsport complex.

Trail facts

Country

Germany

Region

Eifel Mountains

Distance

c. 313 km

Typical duration

13–16 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation gain

c. 8,000 m cumulative

Best season

April–October

Trail type

Hill and forest trail

Safety context

Some forest sections are remote with limited phone signal. The volcanic terrain around the maars has steep and unstable edges. Road crossings require care near the Nürburgring.

The route is well marked but some sections are on forest roads. Accommodation in small villages should be booked in advance in summer. The trail is popular with German walkers at weekends.

Highlights

Aachen cathedral and old town Monschau historic half-timbered town Laacher See volcanic crater lake Nürburgring and the Ring Daun maars and volcanic lakes Eifel National Park beech forest Trier Porta Nigra Roman gate Volcanic landscape of the Eifel

Why find a buddy

A two-week German trail through volcanic lakes, beech forests and Roman history — a sociable walk with good infrastructure, interesting geology and plenty of cultural stops to share.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

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