Manderscheid Burgenstieg (Castle Trail)

Around Manderscheid, you'll hike along narrow paths through dense forests, steep slopes, and directly past two of the most impressive castle ruins in the Eifel region. The Manderscheid Castle Trail with the Rittersteig Trail is one of Germany's most popular day hikes – it's no coincidence that it was awarded third place in the 2020 "Germany's Most Beautiful Hiking Trail" poll.

From the town center, you first climb up paved paths until you soon reach the Rittersteig Trail – a partly narrow, rocky path with an alpine character that requires surefootedness. You'll soon reach the Liesertal Valley, where the river winds its way through the landscape in wide loops. At the Belvedere viewpoint, you'll have a view of the medieval castles and the town of Manderscheid.

The trail then leads you down to the Niederburg Castle, where you walk directly past the massive ruins and can admire the stonework up close. This is followed by the final, steeper climb up to the Kaisertempelchen, a small pavilion with panoramic views of the Liesertal valley and the castles. From here, you return to the village via a comfortable path. Sturdy footwear is a must, and the nearly six kilometers require a good level of fitness in some sections.