A Winter Journey Through Volcanic Landscapes

✨ A Winter Journey Through Volcanic Landscapes ✨

Lace up your boots and step into the dramatic heart of the Eifel, where ancient volcanoes, rugged limestone cliffs, and quiet winter forests set the stage for an unforgettable hike. Expect sweeping views over the Kyll valley, striking rock formations near Gerolstein, and the serene open landscapes as we move toward Oberbettingen.

❄️ Snow can be expected, adding an extra touch of magic to this already spectacular route.

📅 Date: Sun 04.01.2026
🕢 Meeting point: 07:30 at Düsseldorf Hbf (feel free to join anywhere along the way)

🚆 Train schedule:
Dep: 07:40 Düsseldorf Hbf, Platform 16 RE 1 (26852)
Arr: 08:11 Köln Hbf platform 9
Dep: 08:21 Köln Hbf, Platform 7 RE22 (10015)
Arr: 10:02 Gerolstein

🥾 Hike details:
• Distance: 17.6 km
• Elevation: ↑ 520 m | ↓ 390 m
• Duration: ~5:05 (Komoot estimate)
• Difficulty: Difficult

🌋 What awaits us on the trail:
• Dramatic volcanic and limestone formations around Gerolstein
🏯 Kasselburg a medieval hill castle ruin on a basalt outcrop in Pelm near Gerolstein, dating back to the 12th century
🛕 Erlöserkirche & Roman Villa Sites – Around Gerolstein you find the 19th-century church and foundation remains of Villa Sarabodis (Roman era)

🔗 Komoot tour:
[https://www.komoot.com/tour/2732571200?share_token=awKT9Tl2EDEylAgi6r0sCBm7XOaqzNUcVbXSZjvALsJV6FTZYE&ref=wtd]

📣 How to get the Telegram group link:
Sign up for the event on Meetup and wait for the Telegram group link, or leave a message under this announcement. There’s no need to be in the Telegram group to participate.

📡 Telegram channel: [https://t.me/hikenrw]
👥 Meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/Dusseldorf-Wandern-Meetup]
🌦 Important: Regardless of the weather, the event will NOT be cancelled.

Come for the challenge, stay for the views, and enjoy a true winter adventure through one of Germany’s most fascinating landscapes. ❄️🥾