Top 20 Huts and Cabins around Ernzen

At the end of the 18th century, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, also Duchess of Luxembourg, had the land surveyed by engineers and cartographers. Here, on the border between the possessions of the Abbey of Echternach and the County of Vianden, a boundary stone was erected on the site of a cross that had marked the border for centuries. The massive, square stone, over a meter high and 80 cm wide, now bears the name of the esteemed sovereign, the "Maria Theresa Stone". On the east side of the marker stone is the coat of arms of the "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation", the double-headed eagle. This testifies to the fact that the Abbey of Echternach was an imperial abbey directly subordinate to the emperor. The year of construction, 1771, is engraved above the imperial coat of arms. The coat of arms of the Counts of Vianden can be seen on the west side of the stone. The two crosses on the sides date from the Prussian era (1816). The border ran from the Maria Theresa Stone in a westerly direction through a deeply cut valley, popularly known as the "Moarkendell" - "boundary stone valley". The Moarkendell still marks the border between the districts of Bollendorf and Wallendorf today. (Felsenland Südeifel)

From the viewpoint on this plateau, you have a wide view over the river Sauer and the wooded slopes of the German-Luxembourg Nature Park. This rock is a popular destination for hikers and is located on several hiking trails.

The name dates back to Maria Theresa (1717–1780), Archduchess of Austria and ruler of the Austrian Netherlands, which included the area around Bollendorf in the 18th century. Today, the Maria-Theresien-Stein primarily serves as a waypoint within the ‘Grüne Hölle’ (Green Hell) listening tour. It is integrated into the route guidance and is presented as a stop with scenic and historical significance during the tour.

Text according to the information panel: The large, sculpted stone was erected during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, around the 18th century. It marked the border between the lordships of Echternach and Vianden, thus forming the border region between the Duchy of Luxembourg and the Electorate of Trier. The east side of the stone displays the coat of arms of Echternach Abbey: Saint Willibrord with his bishop's staff. The west side, however, bears the coat of arms of the County of Vianden with a rampant lion. On the Echternach side, one can also see the letters A.O. (Abbatia Ordinis – Abbey Order) and E.E. (Echternachensis Ecclesiae – Church of Echternach). On the Vianden side, the letters C.V. (Comitatus Vianden – County of Vianden) can be read. The stone was restored and re-erected in the 1970s. Originally, it stood slightly further south, directly on the historical border. Today it is located on the hiking trail between Bollendorf and Wallendorf.

From the observation tower, a sweeping view opens up across the Sauer Valley, the wooded hills of the Southern Eifel region, and as far as neighboring Luxembourg. The tower can be reached via well-marked hiking trails. The ascent through the striking sandstone cliffs, which give this landscape its distinctive character, is particularly appealing. At the top, the area invites you to take a relaxing break and enjoy the magnificent view.

A small hut with a bench stands next to the Maria Theresa Stone. A historic boundary stone from the 18th century. A detailed information panel explains it.

A small viewing platform offers a view of Bollendorf. Several benches invite you to rest.

Here a small bridge leads over the stream. The small waterfall is pretty to look at.