Traumpfad Vier-Berge-Tour

The access path goes from the carpark Erlen Mill in Mendig into the idyllic Kellbach valley. The Vier-Berge-Tour starts here after 700 m and goes upwards over the hill slope. Soon a detour is recommended into the rocky region “Rauhbuur” with massive tuff walls whose stones were used for a long time in the making of baking ovens.

After the car park Schweinsgraben on the L 82 the trail continues along natural forest paths. The second little bridge in the forest earns our attention – it serves to protect the ant path that crosses here! Further uphill an excursion is recommended to the impressive rocky gorges of Marxe-Lay. Shortly afterwards the path goes through wonderful mixed forest.

Just before the edge of the forest, in a sharp left turn, do not overlook the A-oak tree! The climb up the first mountain follows – the Gänsehals – the first glimpses of the Laacher Lake and the Neuwied basin call for a pause to catch one’s breath. A sleepy narrow pass runs uphill and then below the second mountain, the Schmitzkopf, with panoramic views. Reaching the forest again, the trail continues on soft paths uphill to mountain no. 3: Sulzbusch.

The descent leads initially through forests, then fields and meadows, and after crossing the L 82, it goes past refuge caves – the sandy caves. The ascent to the fourth mountain, the Hochstein, requires some degree if fitness. Having reached the top, the trail continues through the forest to the rock viewing point of the Hochstein. Some metres below the next attraction is waiting: the Genoveva Caves. After the descent through silent forest into the Kellbach valley, the acidulous waters of the Erlenbrunnen spring fountain at the starting point are refreshing.

 In some passages surefootedness is required.

Safety guidance – stay safe whilst hiking on the Traumpfade/Traumpfädchen

Hikers like narrow pathways, unspoilt natural trails (leading over the forest floor, across the grass or alongside streams) and rocky climbs which lead to spectacular views. It goes without saying that particular care should be exercised when taking such routes.  

Things to bear in mind when preparing for your hike 

• Wear proper clothing that is appropriate to the weather conditions and that will protect you against the cold and the wet or the heat and the sun.
• Schedule suitable breaks during your hike and make sure that you conserve energy.
• Take sufficient liquids with you. Establishments selling refreshments are not available everywhere.
• When hiking on the Traumpfade, please wear appropriate hiking boots which provide a sufficient foothold on slippery, steep, rocky and uneven paths.
• If you do not feel that you are able to negotiate certain parts of the route, then you should avoid such sections or else turn back. Natural pathways may become muddy and treacherous, especially in unfavourable weather.
• In autumn in particular, please remember that leaves lying on the ground may be concealing bumps, routes, stones or holes in the path.
• You will need to expect route impairments of this kind if you are intending to undertake a hike.
• Before setting out, visit https://www.traumpfade.info/traumpfade/wege-status/ in order to find out whether the route you intend to hike is closed or whether diversions are in place. Construction works, timber felling or other disruptions may also be planned.
• Recommended hiking season: April to October.

Difficulty rating:

Easy tours

...have only slight differences in altitude and can usually be completed in half a day in terms of distance. They are not particularly demanding in terms of fitness and surefootedness. There are no sections of the trail that require a head for heights. Short, steeper sections are possible. Depending on the trail format, some sections may be difficult to walk in wet weather.

Medium tours

...are easy to manage with a normal level of fitness. Path sections may require good sure-footedness, so sturdy footwear is important, hiking poles may be useful. Some longer and steeper ascents and descents are possible. Difficult (partly secured) passages are the absolute exception and can usually be avoided by taking a detour. Natural sections can be difficult in wet weather.

Difficult tours

...require very good stamina and endurance due to the length and/or the meters of altitude to be covered. You also need to be very sure-footed to tackle steep ascents and descents on sometimes challenging paths. Rope-secured sections and/or easy climbing passages, which require a minimum of freedom from shingles, are possible. Sturdy footwear and hiking poles are important. Paths and exposed passages are often difficult or even impossible to walk in wet or wintry weather

Surefootedness and a head for heights are required in some sections.

You should not embark upon the tours in icy conditions. 

Robust footwear is recommended!

Details of route closures can be found at: http://www.traumpfade.info/wegemanagement/

 Aus Gründen der Verkehrssicherungspflicht schließt der Betreiber des Gänsehalsturms von Einsetzen der Frostperiode bis Ostern den Turm. Durch Kondensation kann sich Eis bilden und die Besucher könnten auf den glatten Stufen ausrutschen und sich verletzen. 

A 61 Exit Mendig/Maria Laach - B262 towards Mayen - right towards Mendig/Bell/Obermendig - 200 meter left in Laacher Straße - first option right 300 meter to car park Erlenmühle - 56743 Mendig, car park Erlenmühle (Ernteweg)

56743 Mendig, car park Erlenmühle (Ernteweg)

56745 Bell, Gänsehals, hiker car park Gänsehals

56745 Bell, car park Schweinsgraben at L 82

Destination stop: Ettringen, Roderhöfe (lateral entry to the Hochstein cave)

Line 390 RegioBus: Mayen - St. Johann - Bell - Niedermendig

Destination stop: Bell, Neustraße (approx. 1.5 km to the starting point)

Line 390 RegioBus: Mayen - St. Johann - Bell - Niedermendig

 https://www.vrminfo.de/

• Traumpfade & Traumpfädchen Band  2: Die 19 besten Premium-Rundwanderungen in der Vordereifel, Ulrike Poller & Wolfgang Todt ISBN: 978-3-934342-61-3 
• 27 Premium-Rundwege Traumpfade, Jubiläumsausgabe 10 Jahre Traumpfade,  Ulrike Poller & Wolfgang Todt, ISBN: 978-3-942779-43-2

Tourist-Info Maria Laach, Tel.:  +49 (0)2636/19433, info@vulkanregion-laacher-see.de, www.vulkanregion-laacher-see.de

Projektbüro Traumpfade, Tel.: +49 (0)261/108419, info@traumpfade.info, www.traumpfade.info

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