Hümerich-Runde

ON THE ROAD ON THREE VOLCANOES

The Wachtberg was once a fire-breathing mountain. Like the neighboring volcanoes Stumpeberg, Hohenberg and Dächelsberg, it was formed around 25 million years ago. To this day, only the “hard core” of these volcanoes made of trachyte or basalt rock has been preserved as the so-called Härtlingskuppe. Both types of rock were also quarried here. The 258-metre-high Wachtberg, the central point, has given its name to the municipality of Wachtberg and its 16 villages since 1969. Its water reservoir supplies the surrounding area with drinking water and the Wachtberg is the starting point for a walk over the three volcanoes around Berkum.

THE HÜMERICH CIRCUIT

The approximately 6 km long circular route first leads up to the memorial on the Wachtberg with its fantastic distant views. Through woods and fields, you pass the mysterious “sphere”, which has found a secure foothold on the Hümerich, and then to the Hohenberg with the famous cathedral quarry, which once made the further construction of Cologne Cathedral possible. Finally, the Stumpeberg provides an insight into its volcanic vent and a magnificent view over the Rhenish volcanic landscape. On the way through Berkum, the local volcanic rock can be seen in many forms - from the grave cross to the path border in the show garden to the well-preserved moated castle of Odenhausen. You can find more information about the route under Tour tip.