Oberscheidweiler: Hiking between the Alf and Sammet valleys

Oberscheidweiler lies on a ridge between the valleys of the Alf and Sammet rivers. Extensive forests and meadows define the surrounding area. Visitors who want to combine their stay with hiking can choose from routes with different profiles: the Mühlenweg leads to the Oberscheidweiler Mill, the 2-Bäche-Pfad is a circular route, and the Roteichenweg is a loop of around six kilometres, starting and ending in the village centre.

Hiking trails and navigation

The 2-Bäche-Pfad can be started in Oberscheidweiler and is laid out as a circular route. It passes through natural valleys and higher terrain in the Sammet and Alfbach valleys. Viewpoints and rest areas are located along the route. The trail thus combines a circular layout with varied scenery and designated places to rest.

The Mühlenweg leads from Oberscheidweiler into the Alfbach valley and to the Oberscheidweiler Mill. White signs bearing the words “Mühlenweg 11” mark the trail. Its destination is clearly named, whereas the 2-Bäche-Pfad focuses on a loop through valleys and higher terrain. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out if needed.

The Roteichenweg is a circular hike of around six kilometres in Oberscheidweiler. It starts and ends at St. Rochus Church in the village centre. Small white signs bear the words “Roteichenweg 13”. Along the way, you will pass a bench with unobstructed views of the Sammetbach valley and a naturally grown red oak hedge. Free parking is available at St. Rochus Church, Brunnenstraße 3. As local conditions may change, check trail and parking conditions in advance if needed.

The Sammetblick-Weg is 4.5 kilometres long, marked locally and includes a short climb. It is therefore shorter than the Roteichenweg loop, which is around six kilometres long; the Roteichenweg is explicitly a circular route. The Sammetbach rises at Holzmaar near Gillenfeld and later flows into the Alf.

Local dialect and nature experiences

The local dialect is called “Owascheepa Platt”, also known as Oberscheidweiler Platt. It is considered a dialect spoken only in Oberscheidweiler; its pronunciation differs from that of neighbouring communities. The dialect adds a distinctive cultural note to the landscapes encountered along the trails.

The Hasborn Sauerbrunnen is considered a highlight of the family hike. Visitors can drink directly from the enclosed spring using a ladle. The water is brown and tastes sour—a striking contrast to the forest and meadow trails.

Bernkastel-Wittlich in the wider region

The broader travel destination of Bernkastel-Wittlich brings together the volcanic Eifel, the Moselle Valley and the forest- and meadow-rich Hunsrück. There, the 816-metre-high Erbeskopf is a popular hiking destination and offers a range of winter sports. The National Park Gate at Erbeskopf provides information about nature and the environment; its interactive multimedia exhibition focuses on forests and moors.

Discover more destinations: Eckfeld, Laufeld, Großlittgen, Karl, Eisenschmitt, Greimerath, Niederscheidweiler, Meerfeld.

See the overview of the wider destination: Manderscheid.