Biersdorf am See: Reservoir, Trails and Rotlay

Explore Biersdorf am See through its distinctive destinations and trails: the Bitburg Reservoir and its shoreline, the Rotlay natural monument, and walking trails of varying lengths offer specific points of interest. There are also recurring events, a tasting of Eifel fruit brandies, and a hiking destination nearby in Wiersdorf.

Bitburg Reservoir: Water and Red Sandstone

The 35-hectare Bitburg Reservoir lies in the Prümtal valley and is considered a popular excursion destination and a tourist hub in the Southern Eifel. Striking red sandstone rock formations are visible along the shores of the reservoir area. The natural monument “Rotlay,” with an impressive red sandstone cliff face, is also located at the reservoir. Rotlay is also the name of the street along the lakeside promenade; the street name refers to the sandstone’s intense reddish-orange colour.

Pedal boats are available to explore the water from the kiosk at Bitburg Reservoir. If you are planning a ride, check locally before your trip to find out whether they are available. This lets you combine views of the shoreline with the rock formations or explore the reservoir from the water, if pedal boats are available.

Walking Trails by the Reservoir

The “Accessible Trail at Bitburg Reservoir” is very easy, 1.7 kilometres long and takes about 20 minutes. It runs from the Bitburg Reservoir kiosk to the bridge where the Prüm flows into the reservoir; the trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible. As trail conditions can change, check them before your visit.

An approximately four-kilometre circular trail also follows the shore of the reservoir. It runs mostly through wooded areas and is ideal for a leisurely walk. This gives you two different routes to choose from: a roughly 20-minute route to the bridge and a longer circuit along the shore, whose wooded stretches shape its character. Which one you choose depends on whether you have a short outing or a longer walk in mind.

Recurring Events

The Biersdorf am See field archery club holds two tournaments every year: the village tournament on the second weekend in August and the “Hammer Zinnenschuss” on the first weekend in October. Its practice course is also open to visitors. Ask about the current usage arrangements before your visit.

Another annual tradition is Hüttenbrennen, the burning of hut-shaped structures. In Biersdorf am See, it takes place on Schafssonntag, the first Sunday after Carnival. After dark, two wooden crosses bound with straw and brushwood are set alight. If you want to time your trip to coincide with one of these recurring events, check the specific date in advance.

Hiking and Regional Tastings

The hermitage near Wiersdorf is close to the destination. The simple chapel was built by a hermit in 1923 and stands in the forests west of the Prüm. It can be reached on a hike through Wiersdorf and adds a destination with its own history to the walking trails by the reservoir.

At a tasting in Biersdorf am See, you can sample Eifel fruit brandies associated with the traditional craft of Eifel distilleries. Confirm tasting availability before your trip. From Biersdorf am See, the A60 is also about 10 minutes away, Trier about 30 minutes and Luxembourg about 20 minutes. These approximate travel times provide an additional guide when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Oberweis, Bettingen, Fließem, Metterich, Olsdorf, Halsdorf, Dudeldorf, Oberweiler

For the main travel overview: Bitburg.