The challenging Pfarrsteig connects Greimerath, Willwerscheid, and Hasborn via a route of 16.6 kilometres—around 17 kilometres. The trail combines the landscapes of the Volcanic Eifel with historic wayside shrines, wayside crosses, chapels, and village churches that are open to visitors. If you have longer pilgrimage routes such as the Camino de Santiago in mind, the Pfarrsteig is suitable preparation.

On the Pfarrsteig

The trail passes through Willwerscheid and then follows a meadow path into the Hölzerbach Valley. It passes the Neuglück copper mine, follows the Hölzerbach to the Sammetbach, and continues through the Sammetbach Valley. The named valleys, streams, and mine provide clear landmarks along the route. Together with the religious wayside features, they shape the character of this challenging hike.

Parts of the Pfarrsteig follow natural trails that can become slippery in the rain. Hiking boots with good tread are recommended, as are hiking poles for downhill sections. Take the weather conditions into account when planning your hike. Trail conditions and markings may change; check the latest trail information before setting out.

Make this challenging hike of around 17 kilometres the main focus of your day, and leave some flexibility in the rest of your schedule. This lets you plan your overnight stay around the activities you would like to do in the area.

Hiking and pilgrimage destinations in Bernkastel-Wittlich

The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination brings together the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley, and the forest- and meadow-rich Hunsrück. Another hiking destination, the 816-metre-high Erbeskopf, is also a great place to hike and offers a variety of winter sports. An interactive, multimedia exhibition at the National Park Gate on the Erbeskopf provides information about nature and the environment, with a focus on forests and moors. Bernkastel-Wittlich therefore also offers attractions for visitors interested in nature education or winter sports as well as hiking.

Other hiking opportunities in the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination vary considerably in length and character. The Manderscheid Castle Trail is a moderately difficult, 5.4-kilometre circular route around the castles; the stated duration is two hours. The Manderscheid via ferrata comprises three sections around the two castles and is about four kilometres long in total, of which one kilometre is secured with cables. By comparison, the Pfarrsteig stands out as a longer, challenging hike at around 17 kilometres. The details on distance, duration, and cable protection provide concrete points of comparison when choosing a route.

The wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination also has a distinct point of interest for pilgrims: the pilgrimage church of Maria Heimsuchung in Klausen was consecrated in 1502. Klausen remains a destination for pilgrims every year. The Pfarrsteig’s suitability for preparing for a longer pilgrimage and the established annual pilgrimage tradition can thus be seen as different aspects of travel and hiking.

Discover more destinations: Kinderbeuern, Bengel, Hontheim, Kinheim, Kövenig.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Kröv-Bausendorf.