Eifelsteig Stage 12

The 12th stage of the Eifelsteig leads from Manderscheid to the monastery Himmerod.

The first section of the stage follows the route of the classic "Lieser Trail" with all its interesting attractions, like the exhilarating views of the castles, the cliff path and the deeply cut valley. It then passes along a side valley up to the heights of Großlittgen and across open terrain with a boundless view over the plateau into the Salm Valley.
"Volcanic Alpine Eifel" is how this section of the Eifelsteig Trail is known, which is interestingly also the name attributed to the second section of the Lieser Trail. No wider than a beaten track, the trail runs along what are at times some very steep slopes in the Lieser Valley and in some places requires sureness of foot, care and attention. A certain level of fitness is also required throughout this section of the trail but hikers are rewarded with a unique experience close to nature: you leave the usual signs of civilisation far behind after just a few metres, with no roads and no dwellings visible for the next 15 kilometres. To the trail: Like the first section of the Lieser Trail, this section also passes along a track. The trail starts in the Burgenblick car park in Manderscheid. The Lieser Trail begins on the other side of the car park above the castles at the entrance to the town of Manderscheid. From then on, it always follows the signs for the Eifelsteig Trail, along what are, at times, quite steep slopes along the Lieser Valley.

Highlights along the way: Manderscheid castles; Manderscheid Maar Museum; Manderscheid "Steinkiste" Rock Museum; Manderscheid Local History Museum; Lieser Trail; Cliff walk; Burgberg panoramic viewing platform; Panoramic vista over the Salm Valley; "Mouse hole" tunnel; Burgberg nature adventures lodge with panoramic platform; Himmerod Abbey