Kesternich is a hilltop village in the Eifel on the edge of Eifel National Park. Tall red beech hedges define the village, which is also considered an ideal starting point for hikes. When planning your trip, the historic village centre and the trails through the countryside offer two distinct focal points.
Church and Village History
The listed Church of St Peter and Paul stands in the heart of Kesternich. It is dedicated to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, as well as the 14 Holy Helpers. Its central location and special dedication make the church a prominent feature of the village.
The new church building, constructed in 1899/1900, was blown up by the German military in September 1944; it was rebuilt in 1951/52. This sequence links the history of the predecessor building with the church’s subsequent reconstruction.
Exploring Kesternich on Foot
The Kesternich village walk is about 5.2 kilometres long, takes approximately two hours and includes around 56 metres of elevation gain. The distance and duration may vary slightly depending on the version of the route. There are plenty of benches along the way where you can take in the surrounding landscape; the circular walk offers far-reaching views in almost every direction. The distance, time and elevation figures give a clear idea of the scale of the walk.
The Two Valleys Trail links the river valleys of the Eiserbach and Tiefenbach. The former oil mill on the Tiefenbach is a distinctive historical landmark. In Kesternich, you can choose between a circular walk with specified route details and a trail linking the valleys—two different hiking experiences.
An Annual Event
The children’s carnival party organised by Kesternich’s KG Kester Lehmschwalbe takes place every year. The programme includes performances by children’s groups and the proclamation of the children’s carnival prince or princess. As the date and venue change from year to year, check the event details before your trip if you would like to plan your stay around it.
More Things to Do in the Wider Destination of Simmerath
The wider destination of Simmerath offers a range of swimming options. At Woffelsbach Bay, the swimming area is directly in the lake and is marked off by yellow buoys; swimming conditions can vary with the water level. At the Einruhr natural swimming pool, no chlorine or chemicals are used. The water is treated biologically in a reed pond.
The Rurberg National Park Gate in Simmerath features the “Lifelines of Nature” exhibition, a digital terrain model of the national park and National Park films. Free guided tours into the Kermeter forests start from there. As schedules may change, it is advisable to check the current tour dates before your trip.
For longer hikes, the Panorama Trail in Simmerath covers 15.1 kilometres. Starting at the village square in Simmerath-Strauch, it crosses typical Eifel farmland to the Michelshof wind farm and offers panoramic views of the Eifel landscape, Lake Rursee and the Kermeter on the opposite shore. The 14.2-kilometre Rursee Heights Trail starts at the Rursee Centre in Simmerath-Rurberg. Both routes are considerably longer than the approximately 5.2-kilometre Kesternich village walk; the Panorama Trail also describes specific landscapes and views. The 26-kilometre “Around Lake Rursee” cycling tour is another option by bike.
Discover more destinations: Woffelsbach, Einruhr, Steckenborn, Dedenborn
Back to the wider travel overview: Simmerath.
