Discover Rittersdorf

In Rittersdorf, you can explore pilgrimage history, castle culture and trails through the Bitburg Gutland. For planning your trip, Bildchen as a pilgrimage site, Rittersdorf Castle and two circular trails offer different points of interest. For the trails, the distance, difficulty rating and described facilities can help you choose a route that suits your interests.

Cultural heritage in Rittersdorf

The 50th parallel runs along Prümer Straße through Rittersdorf, where it is marked and signposted. Bildchen has been used as a pilgrimage site since the 18th century. The present pilgrimage chapel was rebuilt in 1908/10 and renovated in 1982. This makes it possible to distinguish the long pilgrimage tradition from the construction history of the present-day chapel.

Rittersdorf Castle houses a restaurant and a small local history museum, and regularly serves as a venue for medieval feasts. Before your trip, check the latest information about dining, museum visits and event dates. Civil wedding ceremonies are held in the Knights’ Hall. If you are travelling for a wedding or planning to use the room, confirm the specific arrangements in advance with the local administration. In the Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm, the water castle in Rittersdorf, around 700 years old, has remained almost unchanged since it was built; it offers a striking picture of late medieval and early modern Renaissance residential culture.

Two circular trails, different highlights

The Naturpark Südeifel Hiking Trail 79 is a moderately difficult, 11.7-kilometre circular route. The start and finish are at the car park by Rittersdorf Castle. Check the signposting and current parking conditions before setting out. The route crosses high plateaus and passes through the Bitburg Gutland. This section is characterised by wide fields, meadows and scattered fruit trees. A staircase from Waxweiler Straße leads past St Martin’s Parish Church. Repeated panoramic views take in fields, forests, valleys and hills; Bitburg is visible on the horizon. Several places to stop for refreshments are located along the trail. Check their opening hours and offerings before your hike.

The Rittersdorf Fitness Trail is an approximately 7-kilometre loop for walking and running. Compared with Trail 79, its stated distance is shorter; Trail 79 is also specifically rated as moderately difficult. The Fitness Trail features exercise equipment, wave benches and viewpoints. It starts at Rittersdorf Castle. Parking is available there, and an orientation map is located by the playground. Check the current parking conditions in advance.

The two routes offer different highlights: Trail 79 combines a clearly stated difficulty rating and distance with landscape and panoramic views. On the Fitness Trail, the equipment and wave benches are the main features, alongside its approximate distance. This information offers a practical basis for adding a walking or running loop to your time in Rittersdorf.

Discover more destinations: Mützenich, Hütten, Zendscheid, Röhl, Wawern, Waxweiler, Kesfeld, Echtershausen.

Back to the main travel overview: Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm.