The best running trails in Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm

The House As early as 1052, a medieval defensive structure in Hamm was mentioned, which was repeatedly adapted to contemporary needs over the centuries through alterations and new constructions. It stands on the site of a much older, early medieval refuge castle, where the inhabitants of the surrounding manors could retreat in times of danger during the Migration Period. The present appearance is significantly shaped by the surrounding and defensive walls as well as a residential complex from the Gothic period. The complex has dimensions of 40 x 80 m. The oldest building, still preserved in its basic structure, can be traced back to the Romanesque period and includes, among other things, the chapel, which was converted in the Baroque style in 1700. Two round towers frame a palace from the 14th century, also dating back to the late Gothic period, which was replaced by a Renaissance building in 1586. After a long period of vacancy around the mid-19th century, a fundamental renovation with some structural changes took place from 1885-1896. The Renaissance palace, like parts of the adjacent Gothic building, fell victim to arson by German troops in 1945, who did not want to let any German cultural heritage fall into the hands of the Allies. The post-war reconstruction secured the courtyard facade of the Renaissance palace, but removed the garden side, which was heavily destroyed by the building fabric, and added a small half-timbered structure in its place. The Family The original owners of Hamm were the Counts of Hamm, who served as vogts of the Abbey of Prüm. It was a fief of the Counts of Vianden, with whom they had close family ties. For a long time, the Bidgau was also administered from here. In 1371, the property was passed on through the marriage of the last of their line, Maria von Hamm, to the von Malberg - Milburg family. The last of her name, Anna von Malberg, married Gerhard von der Horst around 1580, the builder of the Renaissance palace. About 100 years later, the property passed through the marriage of the last von der Horst to the Counts Lannoy, who, after a hall collapse in connection with a fire in 1835, in a part of the building no longer preserved today, retreated entirely to their homeland of Clerf (Clervaux/Luxemburg). After the castle stood empty and the estate fell into disrepair, a descendant of theirs, Baroness Sidonie v. Tornaco, finally received the inheritance. She married Count Friedrich v. Renesse and, with him, carried out the aforementioned fundamental renovation. Their daughter Elisabeth married Egon Graf von und zu Westerholt und Gysenberg in 1909. Their son Otto managed and lived in Hamm with his family. After his death in 1980, his son Ferdinand took over the property and the house. Since 1998, Schloss Hamm has been partially accessible to the public through tours, weddings, registry office branch, festivals and cultural events, and much more.

Beautiful place

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.

Perched atop a rocky plateau stands this simple summit cross, which gives the place its name. From here, an impressive view unfolds across the Sauer Valley, the wooded heights of the Eifel region, and as far as Luxembourg. The Kreuzlay is located on the Ferschweiler-Bollendorf plateau and is part of several popular hiking trails, including the Felsenweg 2 (Rock Trail 2) and the "Grüne Hölle" (Green Hell) route. The ascent leads along narrow paths and past rock formations. Due to its scenic beauty and geological significance, the Kreuzlay is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Southern Eifel.

Text according to the information panel: Nature Trail Deluxe – Premium Hiking – German-Luxembourgish Tours Rock Trail 2 – Bollendorf – Beaufort Luxembourg Sandstone Cliffs – Les roches de grès luxembourgeois Rock Trail 2 leads through Bollendorf (Moselle-Eifel) on the German side and through Beaufort (Müllerthal Region – Little Switzerland) on the Luxembourg side. This route is an exceptional hike through the fascinating landscape of Luxembourg sandstone cliffs. On the German side, the Bollendorf rock plateau impresses with its bizarre rock formations, caves, and overhangs. On the Luxembourg side, the trail leads through the romantic forests and gorges of the Müllerthal Region, where mighty rocks, moss-covered boulders, and narrow crevices alternate. The circular route impressively demonstrates how nature and geology have shaped the landscape. Numerous viewpoints and rest areas invite you to linger. Particularly worth seeing are the impressive rock formations near Bollendorf and the Beaufort castle ruins with their medieval charm. The "NaturWanderPark delux" offers a cross-border hiking experience between Germany and Luxembourg. The trails are certified as premium hiking routes and guarantee the highest quality in terms of nature experience, trail design, and signage.

I don't think the bridge is broken. It's just that the railing is missing on one side. But I'm not sure if that's intentional.

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.