If you choose Berkoth for a hiking trip, you have two routes with different focuses in mind: Hiking Trail No. 92 in the South Eifel Nature Park focuses on the landscape, while the Berkoth Chapel Circular Trail – Route 2 focuses on cultural history. When planning, the specific features of each route matter as well as its theme. This helps you decide whether you would rather take in the hills and streams or focus on the chapel trail and its places of worship.

Hiking Trail No. 92: Hills and Cultural Landscape

Hiking Trail No. 92 in the South Eifel Nature Park runs around the ridge on which Berkoth is situated. Its route follows the Berkother Bach downhill and the Merlbach uphill. Around Krautscheid, the trail offers wide views across the hills of the Eifel. It also highlights a cultural landscape shaped by agriculture. Together, these features mean the landscape theme ranges from the area’s topography and streams to its agricultural character. If you enjoy experiencing the landscape as you hike, the ridge, waterways and views near Krautscheid provide specific points of reference when choosing your outing.

Berkoth Chapel Circular Trail – Route 2

The Berkoth Chapel Circular Trail – Route 2 begins and ends in Berkoth; its starting point is the chapel in the village. The route connects places of worship in Berkoth, Burscheid, Oberpierscheid, Ringhuscheid, Krautscheid and Uppershausen, and is marked with signposts. Asphalt, natural trails and short sections of path alternate; the circular route also passes through open fields and small patches of woodland. Numerous views across the hilly Eifel landscape are another feature of the route. For assessing whether it is right for you, it is important to note that the trail is intended for experienced hikers with a good basic level of fitness. Take this into account alongside the changing surfaces, rather than deciding solely on the basis of the views.

Historical Context

Oberpierscheid branch church was first mentioned in an archiepiscopal decree in 1408. The year refers to this mention, not necessarily to the year the church was built. Krautscheid Chapel has a different historical context: in 1984, it was placed under special protection as a cultural monument. It is also a pilgrimage station on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. The years 1408 and 1984 therefore refer to different things—the first mention of a place of worship and the protection of a cultural monument. When comparing the dates, it is worth keeping these historical statements distinct rather than interpreting both as construction dates.

Planning Your Hike

Travel by car is recommended for the chapel circular trail. The church by the village community centre serves as a landmark for parking; check which parking options are currently available there before setting off. The Krautscheider Hof is listed as a place to stop for refreshments on Hiking Trail No. 92. If you plan to take a break, check in advance whether refreshments will be available at the time of your visit. Trail conditions and signposting can also change, so it is worth checking the current situation shortly before setting out.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Nusbaum, Ammeldingen an der Our, Nasingen, Karlshausen, Rodershausen, Leimbach, Kruchten, Zweifelscheid

For the overview of the wider region: Neuerburg.