Grenze, Galgen und Geschichte

“Come along!” calls Willi Basalt, your little hiking guide, waving as he speaks. “We’re going to explore the history of the Eifel on foot—it’s going to be exciting!”

“Welcome to the ‘Borders, Gallows, and History’ loop trail on our History Trail,” calls out the little basalt stone. It comes toward you out of the forest as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “My name is Willi Basalt, and if you’d like, I’ll show you around my beautiful Eifel homeland a bit.” Gunderath has a lot to offer, he tells you right away: from the church dedicated to Saint Quirinus to the vacation park at the popular Heilbachsee. Nearby is the Holzberg Adventure Treehouse, where low-rope climbing obstacles are hidden along the path and suspension bridges await you. Willi is already getting impatient: “Come on, let’s go on a journey of discovery! There’s plenty to experience here!”

The “Borders, Gallows, and History” loop trail takes us around Uersfeld to several reminders of the past. The basalt fountain in town reminds us of the region’s mining days, as does a mine car. The “Dreese Mill” was first mentioned in historical records as early as the 17th century. Our little hiking guide, Willi Basalt, hops around restlessly—he can’t wait to get going and tell you all about his adventures and stories. “Come along on a journey through time!” he calls out.

The “Borders, Gallows, and History” and “Secrets of Nature and Life” loop trails meet in Sassen. Right near where we’re standing, for example, the old quarry and the orchards along the path to Gunderath invite you on a journey of discovery. “Near Kolverath, we’ll follow in the footsteps of the homeless Kamillentraud and turn back the clock to the first half of the 20th century.”