You can travel to Jünkerath by train or car. The area offers a variety of attractions: trails through the Eifel landscape, the reservoir, and the history of the railway and ironworks. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you would mainly like to hike, spend time by the water, or learn more about the region’s transport and industrial history.
Train Travel and Trails Around Jünkerath
Jünkerath station opened in 1871 on the Eifel Railway, which connects Cologne and Trier. If you arrive by train, you can start a stage of the Vulkaneifel Trail at the station. A section of the Way of St. James also passes through Jünkerath. In addition, there are numerous well-marked regional hiking trails where you can explore the Eifel landscape on foot.
For cycling, the Kyll Cycle Route is one of the routes around Jünkerath. It runs for 123 kilometres from the source of the Kyll to its mouth in the Moselle near Trier. The routes therefore differ not only in their courses but also in how you might like to travel: the Way of St. James and the regional trails are hiking routes, while the Kyll Cycle Route is a cycling route. This distinction can help you plan your stay around your preferred activity, without combining the different routes into a single itinerary.
Reservoir, Shoreline Trails and Fishing
The Jünkerath Reservoir lies amid the green landscape of the Schneifel. More than half of the reservoir has been left in its natural state, providing protected habitats for animals and plants. There are quiet spots, benches and peaceful paths along the water for walkers and hikers. This means that waterside trails and natural areas sit side by side.
On warm summer days, the reservoir becomes a natural bathing area. If you would like to swim there, check the local bathing conditions before your visit. The reservoir and the surrounding Kyll waters are also used for fishing. The ASV Jünkerath manages the fishing waters and maintains the fishing spots. If you plan to fish, it is advisable to check the local regulations, access arrangements and permits before travelling.
Castle Ruins and Railway History
The ruins of Glaadt Castle are in the Glaadt district of Jünkerath. The ruins date from the 14th century and were built by Count Dieterich of Schleiden. They make a short detour for history enthusiasts and hikers. Jünkerath’s history also has an industrial dimension: the ironworks was founded in 1687 and shaped the region’s economic development.
Around 700 iron casting-ladle wagons were manufactured in Jünkerath and exported to 43 countries. The Jünkerath Railway Museum displays exhibits from 150 years of Eifel railway history. The collection includes uniforms, lamps, telephones, stamps, signs, ticket punches, signal box levers, tools and other equipment. The museum is at Mühlengasse 3a in Jünkerath-Glaadt, on the first floor of a former mill. Check the museum’s current visitor regulations before your visit.
A railway wagon for transporting casting ladles can also be seen opposite the old station: the 72-tonne vehicle is visible to rail passengers. It offers another connection to the town’s manufacturing history, while the museum exhibition covers various aspects of railway heritage.
Geological Background of the Vulkaneifel
For regional context, 77 maars have been identified in the Vulkaneifel to date. In addition, 350 eruption centres have been counted there, around 270 of them from a more recent phase. The Ulmen Maar marks the most recent volcanic eruption in the Vulkaneifel, which took place around 10,900 years ago. These figures offer a distinct perspective on the geological history of the Vulkaneifel and complement Jünkerath’s local attractions with a regional natural context.
Discover more destinations: Hallschlag, Gönnersdorf, Schüller, Kerschenbach, Lissendorf, Steffeln, Ormont, Feusdorf.
For the higher-level travel overview: Obere Kyll.
