Unique glimpses into the volcanic history on the Eppelsberg mountain. Live volcanism at Lake Laacher, with a view of Maria Laach Abbey, fantastic views of the Kruft Forest Lake and wonderful views of the Pellenz.
Highlights at Traumpfad
The tour starts at the carpark near the Roman tumulus in Nickenich. The path first goes round an idyllic valley before a short climb goes past an impressive ash wall (black wall). This site is just as impressive as the wide view of Nickenich.
After a short climb, a detour to a rest at the Hermann Hut is rewarding with its fantastic panoramic view. Afterwards the trail goes slightly downhill and goes past the edge of the mining pit at the Eppelsberg. After a passage through a mixed forest a resting place at the Kruft Forest Lake is reached. The assault to the summit starts on gently climbing forest paths, but shortly before the rock the path becomes very steep uphill, along an impressive recess in the rock to a rock spur called Teufelskanzel with a fabulous distant view towards Kruft and the Neeuwied basin. A comfortable ridge path leads to the refuge hut “Am Krufter Ofen” (Kruft Oven), then the path goes in serpentines downwards through a mighty beech forest. The path continues across open fields to Lake Laacher and reveals the first glimpses of the Maria Laach Abbey.
A detour along the nearby bank to the lake is rewarding to marvel at the so-called mofettes. Soon the path turns right and climbs steeply upwards. Finally, comfortable forest paths lead over the L 116 and initially through mixed forest to the celtic tree circle. The last part of the stretch is characterised by recurring great views of the Siebengebirge mountain range and the Pellenz hills. Continuing along the edge of the forest, the path curves round the sportsfield back to the Roman tomb.
In some passages surefootedness and a head for heights is required. This trail should not be hiked in icy conditions.
Safety guidance – stay safe whilst hiking on the Traumpfade/Traumpfädchen
Hikers like narrow pathways, unspoilt natural trails (leading over the forest floor, across the grass or alongside streams) and rocky climbs which lead to spectacular views. It goes without saying that particular care should be exercised when taking such routes.
Things to bear in mind when preparing for your hike
Difficulty rating:
Easy tours
...have only slight differences in altitude and can usually be completed in half a day in terms of distance. They are not particularly demanding in terms of fitness and surefootedness. There are no sections of the trail that require a head for heights. Short, steeper sections are possible. Depending on the trail format, some sections may be difficult to walk in wet weather.
Medium tours
...are easy to manage with a normal level of fitness. Path sections may require good sure-footedness, so sturdy footwear is important, hiking poles may be useful. Some longer and steeper ascents and descents are possible. Difficult (partly secured) passages are the absolute exception and can usually be avoided by taking a detour. Natural sections can be difficult in wet weather.
Difficult tours
...require very good stamina and endurance due to the length and/or the meters of altitude to be covered. You also need to be very sure-footed to tackle steep ascents and descents on sometimes challenging paths. Rope-secured sections and/or easy climbing passages, which require a minimum of freedom from shingles, are possible. Sturdy footwear and hiking poles are important. Paths and exposed passages are often difficult or even impossible to walk in wet or wintry weather.
Sturdy shoes are recommended for the tour!
You can find trail closures at: https://www.traumpfade.info/traumpfade/wege-status/
A61 Exit Kruft - B256 to Kruft - L119 towards Nickenich - 56645 Nickenich, Laacher Straße, car park at Tumulus
56645 Nickenich, Hauptstraße/corner shooting range
56645 Nickenich, car park Kellerkreuz (L 116)
56642 Kruft, car park at Waldsee (K 53)
Destination stop: Nickenich, Oberdorf
Line 395 Niedermendig - Maria Laach - Nickenich - Andernach
Destination stop: Kruft, railway station
RB 23 Kaisersesch-Mayen-Andernach - Pellenz-Eifel line (Lahn-Eifel-Bahn)
RB 38 Kaisersesch-Mayen-Andernach - Pellenz-Eifel line (Lahn-Eifel railway)
Tourist-Information Maria Laach, Tel.: +49 (0)2636/19433, info@vulkanregion-laacher-see.de, www.vulkanregion-laacher-see.de
Projektbüro Traumpfade, Tel.: +49 (0)261/108419, info@traumpfade.info, www.traumpfade.info
Traumpfade-App
Traumpfade-App für iOS: App bei iTunes download
Traumpfade-App für Android: App bei Google play download
This tour is presented by: Traumpfade im Rhein-Mosel-Eifel-Land, Author: Nicole Pfeifer
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