Gönnersdorf: "Hippelsteinchen" and distant views

Scenic circular walk with magnificent panoramic views over the Volcanic Eifel around Gönnersdorf.

Scenic circular walk with magnificent panoramic views over the Volcanic Eifel around Gönnersdorf.

On this varied circular trail through various nature reserves, we encounter geological and botanical highlights.

The Gönnersdorfer Leyen are a 200-metre-long and up to 25-metre-high dolomite rock chain on the right slope of the Kyll valley. The limestone rocks were formed about 380 million years ago. There is an information board at the foot of the rocks.

A special rock formation is the Hippelsteinchen. Geologically, it is a dolomite and mushroom rock. Several dolomite blocks are layered on top of each other so that the rock formation resembles a mushroom, about 5 metres high and just as wide. It is not impossible that the stone has served as a boundary stone since ancient times, probably even as a signpost and cult site.

The Gönnersdorf limestone grasslands are semi-arid limestone grasslands. They emerged from forests and were kept open by grazing. Without use or care, they would revert to forest.

For this hike you have to follow the orange arrows.