In Harspelt, the parish church of St. Maria Geburt, historic crosses and gravestones bear witness to several centuries of history. Those interested in local history will find a variety of architectural and commemorative forms here. Hiking trails with different starting points and themes add to the experience of the region; the MĂĽhlenrunde, for example, starts in LĂĽtzkampen.
Historic Sights in Harspelt
The Catholic parish church of St. Maria Geburt in Harspelt is a hall church dating from 1741. At the entrance to the churchyard stands a slate beam cross, probably dating from the first half of the 19th century. The churchyard is also home to four slate gravestones belonging to priests from the late 18th and 19th centuries. The church, cross and gravestones thus represent different forms of religious commemoration and span the period from the 18th to the 19th century.
Other crosses make their own mark: a tall, richly carved wooden cross stands at DorfstraĂźe 18 and is dated to either 1819 or 1929. West of Harspelt, on the road to Sevenig, there is a shaft cross with relief decoration from the 17th century. For these historic sights, the differing dates apply to the specific details: the beam cross probably dates from the first half of the 19th century, while two possible years are given for the wooden cross. Together, the buildings and crosses show how much their forms and dates can vary.
The MĂĽhlenrunde: the Irsen, Mills and Traces of Flooding
The 6.2-kilometre Islek Pfädchen – Mühlenrunde Lützkampen hiking route starts in Lützkampen, passes the former Harspelter Mill and follows the Irsen to the former Lützkämper Mill; from there, it returns to the village. Both former mills are located on the Irsen. The route also passes blown-up Westwall bunkers and anti-tank barriers. This brings the history of the mills and traces of the Westwall together along one trail, though they are distinct historical themes.
In parts of the Irsen Valley, traces of the 2018 flood are visible along the Mühlenrunde; their visibility may change over time. Preparation is particularly important for navigating the route: the Islek Pfädchen trails have no trail markers or signposts. Follow the route description or use GPS navigation, and check trail conditions before setting out.
More Trails to the Three-Country Region
Two other routes focus on different themes. The Welchenhausen Sculpture Trail runs from Stupbach through Welchenhausen to the three-country region near Ouren. Nat’Our Route 1, by contrast, is a cross-border circular trail along the Our to the European Monument in Ouren. Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium meet there, and a bridge crosses the three-country region. The monument consists of five stones and commemorates the founding of the European Community in 1957. When choosing, consider whether you are more interested in the sculpture trail or a circular hike with a historical destination.
Cultural Attractions in the Wider Eifelkreis Bitburg-PrĂĽm Destination
In the wider Eifelkreis Bitburg-PrĂĽm destination, cultural topics range from mining to palaeontology. The MĂĽhlenberger Stollen Bleialf visitor mine includes a mining trail with numerous information panels on the area's mining history. One-hour tours through the tunnels cover ore mining in Bleialf, from geology to practical technology. Check seasonal opening information before visiting.
The Devonium in Waxweiler presents complex ideas from palaeontology and the study of fossil life in a playful way. Military history is the focus of the Westwall Museum, housed on three accessible floors of a bunker, with an exhibition in underground passages and rooms. Rittersdorf Water Castle is around 700 years old and has been preserved almost unchanged since it was built; it offers a glimpse of late-medieval and early modern Renaissance residential culture. The castle also has a privately run restaurant serving fine country cuisine. Check whether the restaurant is open before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Leidenborn, Strickscheid, Mauel, Herzfeld, Eschfeld, Jucken, Dackscheid, Lichtenborn.
Back to the wider travel overview: Arzfeld.
