Gerolstein Forest Nature Trail

The forest nature trail begins at the Fuchsbau hiking car park near the Hotel Löwenstein and initially runs under the canopy of old, mighty pines through the school forest. Here visitors will find a variety of tree and shrub species in a very small space.

Under the canopy of mighty oaks, the trail leads through the water conservation area to the Büschkapelle chapel. Along spruce and pine forests, past the Grafenkreuz, the visitor reaches species-rich mixed mountain forests with beech, ash, sycamore maple, elm and silver fir. The change in the forest community is caused by a north-south running break in the terrain. Here, layers of red sandstone from the Mesozoic era meet directly with young volcanic formations.

The hiker reaches the Davitskreuz via a hollow path, accompanied by mighty beech trees. Spruce forests and mixed mountain forests line the path up to the Dietzenley. At 618 metres above sea level, this volcanic cone is the highest elevation in the city forest.

The descent over the Heidkopf is characterised by old and mighty pine forests with extensive blueberry plantations. The last section runs along a charming sandy path through an old oak forest characteristic of the Gerolstein city forest and ends back at the starting point.

The remains of an old Celtic rampart can be seen below the wooded hilltop. Carved basalt millstones bear witness to the craftsmanship of our ancestors. The Dietzenley viewing tower, made from whole oak trunks, is a highlight.

The panoramic view from the tower allows visitors to see the unique Eifel landscape from afar. A rustic shelter invites you to linger and enjoy the view.

With good preparation, hiking in the Eifel is great fun.
Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
Carry a rucksack with drinks, provisions and a mobile phone.
For your own safety, please always stay on the signposted paths.

Click here to go to the hike in the RLP tour planner

The logo of the forest nature trail is a squirrel

Public transport

Accessible by train and bus. Gerolstein railway station - bus route 523 to the Waldstraße stop - approx. 15 min. walk to the starting point of the hike

www.vrt-info.de
www.bahn.de

Directions

Please use the navigation-enabled start address in the parking area to enter it into your navigation device.

From Gerolstein town centre, follow Raderstraße up the hill past the indoor and outdoor swimming pools and the police station. Follow the road straight ahead through Waldstraße. Shortly before leaving the town centre, turn left into the street "Zur Büschkapelle". Pass the Eifelsteig Youth Hostel and turn right at the Hubertus Chapel. There is a large car park here, just a few metres from the starting point.

Parking

Free hiking car park (Fuchsbau), Zur Büschkapelle, 54568 Gerolstein