Leimbach: Cycling and Hiking in the Southern Eifel Nature Park

Leimbach is located in the Southern Eifel Nature Park. The landscape around the village is characterised by gentle hills. Two main themes can help you plan your stay: cycling along the former railway line near Weidendell and hiking through the varied landscape of the Southern Eifel. There is also the preserved Weidendell Tunnel, which connects the cycle route with the history of the railway.

Cycling and Railway History near Weidendell

The hamlet of Weidendell lies in a narrow valley right beside the Enz. The Enz Valley Cycle Route runs there along a former railway line and through a historic railway tunnel. The Weidendell Tunnel, near Leimbach, is 125 metres long and lies on the former railway line between Pronsfeld and Neuerburg. Its portals are well preserved; the middle section of the tunnel ceiling provides shelter for bats. The tunnel is considered one of the highlights of the Enz Valley Cycle Route. On this stretch, the riverside setting, former railway line and historic structure come together. For travellers wishing to combine cycling with regional transport history, the line’s present-day use and the physical traces of the former railway are two closely connected themes.

The railway line that includes the tunnel was officially opened on 6 July 1907 and closed on 28 May 1989. From 2002, the former railway line was converted into a cycle path. This allows three phases to be distinguished: the railway era, closure and subsequent conversion to a new use. The tunnel can therefore be viewed not only as part of a cycle route, but also in the context of the railway line’s transformation.

Hiking in the Southern Eifel

There are numerous hiking trails around Leimbach through the varied landscape of the Southern Eifel. Impressive gorges are among the popular hiking destinations in the area. The gentle hills around Leimbach and the narrow valley of Weidendell on the Enz showcase different landscapes. In addition to the historic cycle route, hiking offers a distinct way to explore the area. If you are choosing between cycling and hiking, the difference is clear: the cycle route is defined by the former railway line and tunnel, while hiking focuses on the landscape and gorges.

Cycle Routes in the Wider Southern Eifel Region

Beyond Leimbach, the wider Southern Eifel region offers a setting for longer cycling tours. The Enz Cycle Route follows the river through quiet valleys, idyllic villages and historic landscapes. It includes a former railway section between Pronsfeld and Neuerburg with two tunnels. The Enz Cycle Route can also be combined with the Prüm Cycle Route to form a circular tour lasting three to four days. This duration refers to the combined circular tour and provides a separate planning framework for multi-day cycling in the wider Southern Eifel region.

Plan Your Stay

When looking for a hotel in Leimbach, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: cycling and railway history near Weidendell, hiking trails and gorges, or a multi-day circular tour in the wider Southern Eifel region. This will help you tailor the local activities and regional tour planning to your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Berkoth, Niedersgegen, Karlshausen, Kruchten, Zweifelscheid, Emmelbaum, Rodershausen, Heilbach

Go to the main travel overview: Neuerburg.