Part of the Schneifel lies within the municipality of Sellerich. At the same time, the area’s history spans from the construction of a new church after the Second World War to memorial sites above Hontheim. Hiking trails, a forest barefoot trail and theatrical performances round out the options. Depending on your interests, you can make the landscape, local history or culture the focus of your Sellerich getaway.
Hiking and nature around Sellerich
A municipal development report from 2020 describes a 80-kilometre network of hiking trails in the municipality of Sellerich, with nine routes. Further hiking trails border the area via the North Eifel Nature Park. The Schneifel also lies partly within the municipality. Sellerich therefore combines a quantified local trail network with additional trails bordering the area via the North Eifel Nature Park, as well as a landscape whose name also applies to part of the municipality.
In the district of Hontheim, you’ll find several different leisure spots. Alongside a barbecue hut, there is a footbath used for Kneipp applications and a forest barefoot trail. On the trail, you can walk barefoot over gravel, bark mulch, sand or grass. Another footbath is located on the Schneifelweg. If you plan to use these facilities, check current visitor access before your visit.
Church history and memorial sites
The branch church of St. Isidore in Sellerich has a precisely dated construction history: the cornerstone was laid on 13 July 1952, and the ceremonial dedication followed on 26 August 1953. Its history leads back to Hontheim. The branch church there served Sellerich, Sellericher Höhe, Herscheid and Hontheim before being completely destroyed by the effects of war in 1944/45. It was subsequently rebuilt not at its former site in Hontheim, but in Sellerich. The decision to choose this new location led to some disputes between the villages.
The Marienkapelle stands above Hontheim, at the edge of the forest. It commemorates liberation by the Americans in 1944/45. Near the chapel are two historic columns from the former Reich Labour Service camp, or RAD for short. Together with the history of the branch church, these sites tell of different forms of remembrance: reconstruction after destruction and commemoration of the events of 1944/45.
Theatre and views
The cultural programme may also play a role in choosing when to travel: the theatre association stages performances in Sellerich several times a year. If you’d like to include a performance in your plans, check the dates in advance.
The Eifel-Blick “Schwarzer Mann” is near the destination, by Sellerich. From there, panoramic views stretch across villages, lakes, river valleys, hedgerow landscapes, heaths and moors. Panorama boards provide information about visible sights, villages and distinctive landscape features; benches invite you to linger. This viewpoint offers a contrast to Hontheim’s local and church histories: the focus here is on the far-reaching views and interpreting the visible landscape.
More things to discover in the Eifelkreis Bitburg-PrĂĽm
The wider destination of Eifelkreis Bitburg-PrĂĽm also offers a range of themes for excursions. Guided tours at the MĂĽhlenberger Stollen Bleialf visitor mine last one hour. Visitors learn about ore mining in Bleialf, from geology to applied technology. As operating information varies by season, check tour dates in advance.
The Devonium in Waxweiler uses playful methods to explain complex concepts in palaeontology and fossil life. The Westwall Museum takes a different approach: it is housed across three accessible floors of a bunker, with a military history exhibition in its underground corridors and rooms. Both destinations offer different ways to explore natural and military history in Eifelkreis Bitburg-PrĂĽm.
The water castle of Rittersdorf, around 700 years old, has remained almost unchanged since it was built and gives an impressive picture of late medieval and early modern Renaissance residential culture. The castle is home to a privately run restaurant serving refined country cuisine. Check whether the restaurant is open before visiting.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Ammeldingen Bei Neuerburg, MĂĽtzenich, Waxweiler, Oberstedem, Irrel, PrĂĽm, Sinspelt, Seffern.
Back to the main travel overview: Eifelkreis Bitburg-PrĂĽm.
