Borler offers several points of interest for an outing: a circular trail around Borler and Bodenbach, Bodenbacher Drees as a geological destination, and historic chapels and houses.
Hiking between Borler and Bodenbach
The circular trail around Borler and Bodenbach passes Bodenbacher Drees and Heyerberg. It is 9 km long, takes about 2.5 hours, and includes 118 m of ascent and 118 m of descent. The route is considered easy. Its length, approximate walking time, and elevation gain provide different points of reference for planning; the duration is an estimate, not a precise minute-by-minute schedule.
Bodenbacher Drees: geology and directions
Bodenbacher Drees is a carbonated spring in the valley of the Bongarder Bach, rising from Lower Devonian sedimentary rocks. The type of rock provides a clear geological context for the site. As a stop on the Geschichtsstraße, the Drees is also associated with Roman traces visible there. The route by car follows the B257 or B410, then the L70 and L72; parking is possible along the road between Bodenbach and Borler. Road and parking conditions may change, so check the current access route and parking situation before setting out.
Chapels and the “Peace, Forest and Chapel” route
The Heyer Chapel, a Neo-Romanesque building and protected cultural monument, stands on Heyerberg near Borler. At the entrance and in the forecourt, 14 Stations of the Cross are arranged concentrically around the chapel. The chapel also continues to be the destination of numerous processions.
The “Peace, Forest and Chapel” route offers another way to explore the village, with its nine stops. These include Bernhardskapelle in Borler, distinctive half-timbered houses in the village, and the former grassland research institute, now the community center. While the circular trail around Borler and Bodenbach can be gauged by its length and walking time, this route leads to several sites connected with the village’s history. Local signs and conditions may change; check them in advance.
Local history in houses and chapels
Borler’s oldest houses are clustered around Bachgasse and the Catholic branch church of St. Leonard. Leonhardskapelle was consecrated in 1875. Two different years are associated with the former Heyer Chapel: it was closed in 1801, and its cemetery in 1805. A bell from the former chapel bears the year 1677 and is now in Borler church. Borler resident Peter Welling left 365 thalers for the construction of a new chapel.
The Vulkaneifel as a regional setting
For a broader geological context for Borler’s local history and trails, consider the Vulkaneifel: 77 maars have been identified there to date. In addition, 350 eruption centers have been counted, around 270 of them from the more recent phase. Ulmener Maar marks the most recent volcanic eruption in the Vulkaneifel, which took place about 10,900 years ago. These regional facts complement the local perspective with the geological setting of the destination.
Discover more destinations: Neichen, Katzwinkel, Mosbruch, Gunderath, Nitz, Retterath, Reimerath, Mannebach
For the broader travel overview: Kelberg.
