Holsthum: Hiking, Roman Culture and Hops

Holsthum on the Enz and Prüm

Holsthum lies where the Enz meets the Prüm in the South Eifel Nature Park. The town brings together specific cultural and historical connections with routes through river landscapes, forests, fields and orchards. When planning your trip, you can focus on individual historical themes or get to know Holsthum by hiking and cycling.

Roman history and Rochus Chapel

The main building of the Roman estate near Holsthum was built around 100 AD on a hillside high above the Prüm. Its approximate date and location above the river give this historic site a clear connection to both time and landscape.

Another landmark in the town’s history is Rochus Chapel, built in 1866. Every year on the Monday of the parish fair, a procession to the chapel takes place in Holsthum in remembrance of the plague years. The construction date and the recurring tradition represent different aspects: the history of the building and its role as the destination of a local custom.

Hiking trails and a loop with many points of interest

You can explore the landscape around Holsthum on ten local hiking trails with a total length of 82 km. The trails offer different options for planning your hike; available routes may change. So check which trails are currently available before setting out.

One loop with a designated start and return point is Circular Hiking Trail No. 59. It starts in the centre of Holsthum and passes hop fields along the Prüm, the Irrel Waterfalls and the forest below Prümer Burg. On the way back, it runs through fields and orchards, passing the remains of the Roman villa before returning to Holsthum. This route lets you experience a landscape that brings together a river, forest, agricultural areas, and named cultural and natural attractions.

Cycling, hop growing and guided visits

Holsthum is on the Prüm Valley Cycle Route. From Pronsfeld to Holsthum, the Enz Cycle Route follows the river through quiet valleys, picturesque villages and historic landscapes between the Islekhöhen and the Prüm Valley. For orientation, note the distinction: Holsthum is on the Prüm Valley Cycle Route, while the described section of the Enz Cycle Route runs from Pronsfeld to Holsthum.

Hop growing is also part of the town’s history. The Dick family began growing hops in the Holsthum district in 1966. Hop fields are also part of the route of Circular Hiking Trail No. 59. A distillery or hop-growing tour offers visitors another way to get to know the town. Check the participation requirements before your trip.

Geology and place names in the surrounding area

Between Holsthum and Peffingen, Huwelslay lies on the western slope of the Heiderücken sandstone plateau. This geologically distinctive rock formation features calcareous sinter deposits; it also contains a bizarre grotto formed by crust-like lime deposits. This geological feature adds a distinctive rock formation in the surrounding area to the hiking and cultural points of interest.

The Langenstein near Holsthum is described as a menhir. Its name means “Long Stone” in Breton. Together with Huwelslay, it provides another named point of reference for exploring the area around Holsthum.

Discover more destinations: Bollendorf, Ernzen.

Go to the overarching travel overview: Irrel.