Eifelsteig Part 1 2018

Ah yes, the Eifel! A glorious region and western German mountain range with the Eifelsteig leading from Aachen to Trier.

Aachen where Charlamagne alias Charles the Great alias Karl der Große was anointed and crowned Emperor of the Romans by the pope, marking him the first western European Emperor since the antiquity. Long live the Emperor!

And Trier, the pride of all that is German! The oldest city in the country, originating back to the Romans, Treveris. Several monuments and cathedrals are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly the Porta Nigra.

I hope you took notice of my slight exaggeration, yet it is quite monumental and historic.
Back to the matter at hand.

The Eifel is a low mountain range with its highest peak, Hohe Acht, reaching 747 m / 2451 ft. Geologically the Eifel is composed of metamorphic rock, mostly slate. However the southern part is defined largely by its volcanic history. Crater lakes, tuffs and signs of lava streams tell a story of volcanic activity, which in some parts can still be seen today (gases in the Laacher See).

Taking a look at the picures above, it sums up my first part of the Eifelsteig. It was still early in the year in March and the weather caught me off guard. I got sick after just a couple of days and fittingly took refuge in the Monastery of Steinfeld near Nettersheim in the northern part of the Eifel.

More Eifel?! Here is second part!

Enjoy the hike!