Nattenheim lies on a ridge between the Nims and Kyll rivers; the Bitburg exit of the A60 is 1 km away. The village also lies directly on an old Roman military road. These two points of reference bring together the landscape and history. Visitors can therefore choose between different perspectives: Nattenheim’s Roman traces and historic buildings, or a walk through the countryside. Both are distinct ways to get to know the village.
Roman Traces in Nattenheim
Two Roman milestones, dated to AD 121 and 139, were found in the area of the Roman road; a Roman temple precinct stood on the Nattenheimer Kopf. Roman connections thus range from the military road and its milestones to a dedicated place of worship. The various finds offer several points of connection to the village’s history, rather than reducing it to a single building or discovery.
St. Hubertus and the Historic Village Setting
The Catholic branch church of St. Hubertus dates from 1875. The building is Neo-Romanesque and constructed from limestone blocks; sandstone details characterize its design. In front of the church stands an 18th-century baptismal font from the previous church. The church site thus brings together a dated building and an older baptismal font with a history of its own.
St. Hubertus is surrounded by well-preserved farmhouses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Nattenheim and its immediate surroundings are also home to eleven old, well-preserved wayside crosses. The village setting therefore extends beyond the church: farmhouses and wayside crosses add further historic forms to the religious and Roman traces. Visitors who want to experience different historical layers can see them side by side in the village setting.
Walks and Countryside
The Nattenheim walk starts at the multi-generational square and leads up Trimberg, Nattenheim’s highest hill. It stands 435 m above sea level. The route offers expansive views across the Nimstal valley and the hills of the Bitburger Land. The named high point and the view give the walk a clear focus on the landscape.
The Hexenweg is lined with meadows, fields and a small spruce plantation. The landscape along the walk also includes a quarry: part of it was left to nature and has developed into a remarkable biotope. Open spaces, the small spruce plantation and a biotope thus stand side by side as distinct landscape features. Together with views across the Nimstal valley and the hills of the Bitburger Land, they offer a different way to experience Nattenheim than its church and Roman finds.
Two Focuses for Your Stay
When planning your visit, you can choose between the cultural history reflected in the village setting and the landscape along the walk. Those particularly interested in Roman remains and historic architectural forms can focus on the road, milestones, temple precinct and St. Hubertus. Those who prefer to take in the elevated setting, views and landscape features can follow the walk to Trimberg and explore the areas described along the Hexenweg. This comparison helps you choose your own focus without turning the individual attractions into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Stahl, Oberweis, Niederweiler, Metterich, FlieĂźem, Baustert, Bettingen, Olsdorf
For the main travel overview: Bitburg.
