Kliding – Waterfall and Hiking Trails

Kliding is located in the Moselle Highlands of the Volcanic Eifel. When choosing a place to stay, the main attractions are the Kliding Waterfall, various hiking options, and local customs. Hiking routes vary in their starting points, terrain, and difficulty—useful to know when planning your time in Kliding.

Waterfall and Hiking

The Kliding Waterfall is also known as Schießlay. It plunges around 28 meters and is considered the highest waterfall in the Eifel. The waterfall is part of the Klidinger Bach: the stream rises just outside Kliding’s southern edge and flows into the Erdenbach below the waterfall.

A marked trail leads from Kliding through the Maiwald forest to the waterfall. Kliding is also a starting point for hikes to the maars. A circular route from Kliding passes a shelter. It includes a climbing section that requires sturdy footwear and sure-footedness. Check the route details before setting out.

The HeimatSpur Wasserfall-Erlebnisroute differs in its described route: it is a circular hike from Bad Bertrich to the Kliding Waterfall and is rated as a difficult 13.3-kilometer hike. The trail passes through rocky gorges and over the heights between Kennfus and Bad Bertrich. In 2023, it was voted Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail. When choosing a hike, both the starting point and the level of difficulty are therefore important.

Village Life and Local Character

Kliding’s bread-baking festival has been held every year on the second weekend in May since 1984. Traditionally, bread dough is baked in the Backes communal bakehouse or in old stone ovens. Check the current festival dates before your trip. Since its founding, the Deppekooche festival has also become a regular part of Kliding’s events.

The Maypole tradition involves a fir or spruce tree from the local municipal forest. The tree is erected on the eve of May 1. The Catholic Church of St. Wendelin adds a historic building to the village landscape: it is a Neo-Gothic hall church dating from 1861/62, and its west tower dates from 1904. The term “hall church” refers to a church interior in which the nave and side aisles are of similar height.

A 2020 report mentions a theater that opened in a former cowshed at Sommeterweg 1. The report describes a 30-square-meter room and a varied program of evening events. Check the current program for upcoming performances.

Location and Accommodation Planning

At Sommeterweg, you can reach the natural surroundings about 250 meters from the edge of Kliding. This adds to the hiking options without requiring a longer trek.

Kliding has two inns and holiday apartments that may be of interest to visitors.

Discover more destinations: Düngenheim, Brohl, Kaisersesch, Grenderich, Treis-Karden, Cochem, Walhausen, Filz.

Back to the regional travel overview: Cochem-Zell.