Ahrdorf – Cycling and local history

Cycling and local history provide two concrete reasons to visit Ahrdorf. From Ahrdorf, cyclists can switch to the Kalkeifel Cycle Route towards Hillesheim as an alternative to the Ahr route. This gives you two clearly defined options for route planning: the Ahr route or the ride towards Hillesheim. If you are planning a cycling trip, this route direction can be a practical factor when deciding to visit Ahrdorf.

Local history and events

A chapel in Ahrdorf is first mentioned in a document from the year 970. This early reference gives the town’s history a specific point in time. For travellers who want to consider the destination’s history as well as a cycling route, this mention provides a point of interest in its own right.

The Ahrdorf soapbox race was relaunched in 2002; it was then held annually. The coronavirus pandemic led to a two-year break, and the race resumed in 2022. If you would like to plan your trip around the race, check the specific event dates separately.

Blankenheim: routes and sights

Both the Ahr Cycle Route and the Ahr-Steig hiking trail begin at the source of the Ahr in Blankenheim. The long-distance Eifelsteig hiking trail passes the source on Stage 7. The routes therefore have different roles: the Ahr Cycle Route and the Ahr-Steig start there, while the Eifelsteig passes the source on one of its stages. For your planning, you can consider the source of the Ahr as the starting point for two routes or as a stop along a long-distance hiking stage. The route types also differ: cycle route, hiking trail and long-distance hiking trail. The two references to cycle routes are distinct: in Ahrdorf, the Kalkeifel Cycle Route towards Hillesheim is an alternative to the Ahr route; in Blankenheim, the Ahr Cycle Route begins at the source of the Ahr.

The Ahr Cycle Route between Blankenheim and Ahrbrück is passable along its entire length, with minor restrictions. Check the route conditions before setting off. The RadBus 899 “Oberes Ahrtal” bus service also runs between Blankenheim and Ahrbrück. Check the timetable before travelling.

The NSG-Bahntrasse nature reserve near Blankenheim includes a seven-kilometre section of the former Ahrdorf–Blankenheim-Wald railway line.

Blankenheim’s sights include the Eifel Museum, as well as the Hirten and Georg gates. Blankenheim Castle was originally built around 1115 as a hilltop castle and was transformed over time from a medieval fortification into a Baroque palace. The date around 1115 refers to the original hilltop castle; the Baroque palace took shape only over time.

The Blankenheim Ghost Parade takes place every year on Carnival Saturday and starts at 7:11 p.m. at the pharmacy on Ahrstraße. Anyone can join in as a “ghost”; a white bedsheet and a pitch torch are required. If you are planning to take part, check the specific date and event details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Reetz, Lommersdorf, Dollendorf, Freilingen, Ripsdorf.

Back to the main travel overview: Blankenheim.