In Nitztal, you can choose between circular trails of varying lengths, a climb through the forest and a timed cycling route. The trails offer different highlights: some lead to Steinbüchel or along the Nitzbach stream, while others combine forest with open fields and meadows. You can therefore choose a route based on the activity you have in mind and the landscape features described for each one.

Hiking: a short loop or a panoramic trail

The Almenackerweg is a circular trail about 2.5 kilometres long, starting and ending at the Schützenstraße car park in Nitztal. The 7.9-kilometre Panoramaweg Nitztal also starts and ends at the same car park. The two loops differ considerably in length: the Panoramaweg is more than three times as long as the Almenackerweg.

The Panoramaweg leads from Nitztal through a peaceful forest and climbs to Bleiberg. From Schälkopf, there are views down over Nitztal. Bleiberghütte is also on this trail and can be rented for barbecues in summer. Those who choose the longer loop will find both forest and a climb, as well as a named viewpoint along the way.

Steinbüchel, the stream and changing landscapes

The Nitzblickrunde leads from the village centre up to Steinbüchel, which is 524 metres above sea level, and offers views of the Nitztal valley. It is suitable for families with children. The Bürresheimrunde also leads up to Steinbüchel, with views across the Nitztal valley on the climb. Both trails include the same elevation, but their descriptions emphasise different features: the Nitzblickrunde focuses on its starting point in the village centre and its suitability for families, while the Bürresheimrunde highlights the climb and the views.

On the way back to Nitztal, the Schlossweg follows the small Nitzbach stream. The Steinbachweg is another trail, with the Finnenhütte and its barbecue area along the way. The Grube Bendisberg, a visitor mine, is also a separate point of interest nearby: it is about 700 metres from the St.-Joster-Weg.

The Eifeltraum hiking trail between Kürrenberg and Nitztal combines hillside forest with open fields and meadows. This changing landscape sets it apart from trails whose descriptions focus on a viewpoint, a high point or the course of a stream.

Cycling the Bergzeitfahrstrecke

The Bergzeitfahrstrecke Nitztal is a permanent, timed cycling route. It starts in Mayen-Nitztal and finishes in Kirchwald. Over approximately 2.5 kilometres, it gains around 240 metres in elevation, with an average gradient of about 5 percent. The route length, elevation gain and gradient therefore provide concrete points of comparison when choosing a tour.

The starting station is in Nitztal, at the intersection of St.-Johanner-Straße and Kirchwalder Straße. Those planning a cycling trip rather than a hike can use the described route and its elevation gain as a guide; the hiking trails, by contrast, offer different impressions of forest, valley and views.

Culture in the wider destination of Mayen

In the wider destination of Mayen, Genovevaburg Castle stands on a rocky outcrop above the market square and is considered a landmark of the town. The Late Gothic castle consists of an upper castle with the 34-metre-high Goloturm tower and a lower-lying outer castle. Genovevaburg houses the EifelTotal and Deutsches Schieferbergwerk exhibitions of the Eifelmuseum. This adds a distinct cultural highlight in Mayen to the trails and landscapes of Nitztal.

Large sections of Mayen’s town wall have been preserved, and a restored battlement walk can be accessed as far as Genovevaburg. Every summer, the castle becomes a venue for theatre, music and social gatherings during the Burgfestspiele Mayen. Guided town walks in Mayen are also available on request. The historical town tour takes visitors through the town centre and lasts around 90 minutes; with the Hearonymus app, visitors can start a digital town tour at their own pace and play audio information at points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Ettringen, Gering, Hatzenport, Kottenheim, Bassenheim, Vordereifel, Kürrenberg, Kobern-Gondorf.

Back to the wider travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.