Kerpen: Hiking, Cycling and History
Accommodation in Kerpen
If you’re looking for a hotel in Kerpen, the outings can shape your plans for the day: the history trail passes through the historic town centre, the Genuss-zu-Fuß circular route is a longer hike, and the Kalkeifel Route offers a cycling option. Stage 8 of the Eifelsteig also passes through the Kerpen area. This gives you a choice of different focuses: local history, hiking and cycling.
Local History on a Short Route
The Kerpen History Trail runs for around 1.5 kilometres through the historic town centre, with 15 stops along the way. Information boards explain the history of Kerpen and its castle. At this short distance, the trail is much more compact than the 7.5-kilometre Genuss-zu-Fuß circular hike. If you’d like to combine exercise with a topic from local history, the trail makes for a distinct activity. Signposting may change, so check the current route markers before your visit.
Plan Your Hike and Cycling Trip
The Genuss-zu-FuĂź circular hike starts and ends in Kerpen. It covers 7.5 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes; the ascent and descent are each 238 metres. Along the way, it combines marked trails with views of the Vulkaneifel, woodland and juniper heath scenery, and places to stop for refreshments. The approximate duration and elevation gain give you a concrete framework for planning your day; you can factor in breaks at refreshment stops.
The two hikes offer different experiences: the History Trail combines its 15 stops with local history, while the circular route offers distance, duration and elevation details, as well as scenery and places to stop for refreshments. So you’re choosing not just between a shorter and a longer route, but also between the historic town centre and the surrounding landscape.
There are also marked hiking and cycling routes connected with the Vulkaneifel landscape. Stage 8 of the Eifelsteig passes through the Kerpen area. The Kalkeifel cycling route crosses a geologically varied section with scenic views. Check the current routes and markers before setting off; trail conditions can also change. The two options differ by activity: the Eifelsteig is a hiking stage, while the Kalkeifel Route is for cycling.
Refreshments and Getting There
The Genuss-zu-Fuß route connects Kerpen with Loogh and the Gröner Hof. There, you can visit a cheese dairy, a restaurant and a farm shop. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest opening hours and visitor arrangements in advance. Refreshment venues and their arrangements may also change.
Fritz-von-Wille-Straße is served by bus route 538 from Hillesheim ZOB. Parking is available at the Kleines Landcafé and at the reservoir. Check current bus services and parking options before you travel. This lets you plan your journey separately from your choice of hiking or cycling route.
Discover more destinations: Berndorf, Bolsdorf, Wiesbaum, Basberg, Ăśxheim, Zilsdorf, Oberbettingen, Loogh
Back to the main travel overview: Hillesheim.
