Naurath (Eifel): Forest, Village History and Trails

Naurath (Eifel) combines a wooded setting with traces of village history. The village lies in a basin surrounded by the Meulenwald Forest, at the southern foot of the Eifel hills. Extensive woodland defines the surrounding area; the Moselle landscape is about 12 kilometres away. If you are looking for a hotel, you can tailor your stay to the themes that define Naurath: hikes in the Meulenwald, cycling routes or historic details in the village.

The Meulenwald Forest and route profiles

The Meulenwald was named Forest of the Year in 2012 in recognition of sustainable, nature-oriented and multifunctional forestry. Naurath is a starting point for hikes in the Meulenwald. The Meulenwald Route leads deep into the forest, past bubbling mineral springs, and connects woodland sections with the valleys of the Bendersbach, Gumbach, Gladbach and Salm. The Eifelsteig Meulenwald Route Experience Loop is 34 kilometres long, fully waymarked and recommended for two days. This recommendation gives the route a clear timeframe for planning your trip.

Mountain Bike Route 2 has a different level of difficulty: it is technically easy, but moderately challenging in terms of fitness. A long forest section runs through the Meulenwald’s sandstone terrain. The technical rating and fitness requirement should be considered separately. Current trail conditions may vary; check them before setting off. The cycling network concept for Trier-Saarburg district lists a total of 492 kilometres of cycle paths—a different measure from the length of individual routes.

Local history and village life

The former manor house on Kirchstraße is associated with the period when the Counts of Kesselstatt administered Naurath. The house at Kirchstraße 14 is a substantial cross-passage house dating from 1825. The village’s administrative history and the date of the house are two separate historical points of reference. As early as 1465, Naurath was called Nuinrait; at that time, there were mines where ore was extracted. This mining history thus dates back significantly further than the manor house, which dates from 1825.

In the village centre, the well house on Brunnenplatz, with its well chamber, is a rare relic of rural village life and a feature of the 19th century. It adds another theme to the history of administration and mining: life in the village in earlier times.

Visits and traditions

St. Elisabeth’s Church in Naurath reopened for visits and services in July 2026 following extensive renovation. Check public access before visiting. A brewery opposite the former manor house offers visits. Visitor arrangements may vary, so check them before you arrive.

An old custom is also part of Naurath’s village culture: on the Monday of the November church fair, a rooster is renamed “the cuckoo.” The specific arrangements may vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: Mannebach, Longen, Rascheid, Ockfen, Geisfeld, Wehr, Ralingen, Welschbillig.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trier-Saarburg.