In the center of Katzwinkel, the Burbach, Lanzbach and Ringelbach streams join to form the Gäsbach. Local hiking trails, historic buildings and finds from different periods give the village a variety of facets. If you are planning a stay, you can choose between exploring Katzwinkel and taking trips to the wider Vulkaneifel destination.
Streams, elevation and landscape
Katzwinkel lies at an elevation of about 460 to 490 meters above sea level. More than a third of its 385-hectare municipal area is forested. The Teufelsstein is a geological landmark: a rough, rounded mass of solidified lava more than two meters in diameter. The streams, wooded areas and elevation offer several points of interest as you explore the surroundings on foot or by bike.
Hikes and cycling routes
Katzwinkel has around 7.5 kilometers of municipal hiking trails. As trail conditions can change, it is best to check them before setting out. The Afelskreuz is about 1.5 kilometers northwest of Katzwinkel and can be reached via hiking trail 7; check access to the trail locally. The 3.30-meter-high wooden cross stands in the forest on the ridge between Uess and Lieserbach. It is located on an old Roman military road associated with a historic pilgrimage route to the tomb of Saint Matthias in Trier.
A moderate 9.9-kilometer circular hike passes the Afelskreuz. The Karl-Kaufmannweg, the Eifelverein’s main hiking trail No. 2, is a separate route: it runs for around 1.5 kilometers through the Katzwinkel municipal area. This figure refers to the section within the municipal area, not the total length of the trail. For cycling, Katzwinkel is connected to the cycling network via the Ahr-Mosel Cycle Route and Cycle Route No. 30.
Church, buildings and local history
The Catholic branch church of St. Catherine is a three-bay hall church dating from 1810, which was altered around 1950/60. East of the built-up area, on the road to Uess, stands the Heiligenhäuschen, a round, enclosed masonry structure. Both buildings offer different ways to explore local history and historic architecture.
Archaeological finds indicate that the Katzwinkel area was settled more than 4,000 years ago. Finds at Scheidheck also provide evidence of settlement during Roman times, dated from 50 BC to 500 AD. This places the long-standing traces of settlement and the Roman period as two distinct points in time.
Egg singing is part of local customs. On Whit Monday, a string of blown eggs is hung in the village center. The collected eggs are pierced and blown out, then cooked with herbs as scrambled eggs in a pan and eaten on bread. The custom combines a visible tradition in the village center with a specific local dish.
Trips in the wider Vulkaneifel destination
The wider Vulkaneifel destination is characterized by ridges, dense forests, clear streams, fragrant meadows and villages. A total of 77 maars have been documented there, along with 350 volcanic eruption centers, about 270 of them from a more recent period. Most Eifel maars are no more than about ten kilometers from Katzwinkel, though distances vary from one maar to another.
The regional hiking options also differ in scale from the local trails: the Vulkaneifel Trails lead to scenic highlights on both sides of the Eifelsteig. They are marked and signposted, and include half-day hikes, full-day hikes and multi-day hikes. As another point of reference for trips, the Moselle is about 20 kilometers from Katzwinkel; its vineyards and castles offer destinations for excursions.
Discover more destinations: Bereborn, Hörschhausen, Oberelz, Neichen, Uersfeld, Reimerath, Retterath, Lirstal
View the wider travel overview: Kelberg.
