Discover Borler: circular trails, chapels and village history

Borler can be explored for travel planning through its specific trails and its village and church history. A circular trail around Borler and Bodenbach passes the Bodenbacher Drees and Heyerberg; there is also the “Peace, Forest and Chapel” trail with nine stations. Heyer Chapel, historic houses and the former grassland research institute, now the community centre, offer further points of interest in the village.

Circular Trails and Bodenbacher Drees

The circular trail around Borler and Bodenbach passes the Bodenbacher Drees and Heyerberg. It is 9 km long, rated easy and estimated to take about 2.5 hours; the route profile includes 118 m of ascent and descent. These details provide a specific framework for planning, although the duration is approximate. The “Peace, Forest and Chapel” trail has nine stations. Local signage and conditions may change; check both before setting off. The details answer different planning questions: the circular trail is described by its length, difficulty rating and approximate duration, while the other trail is described by its number of stations.

Bodenbacher Drees is a carbonated spring in the valley of the Bongarder Bach and rises from Lower Devonian sedimentary rocks. In the wider area around Borler, the Drees is also a stop on the History Trail, where Roman traces can be seen. The site therefore brings together geology and historical traces as different aspects of the surrounding area.

Chapels and Village History

Heyer Chapel, a Neo-Romanesque chapel and a protected cultural monument, stands on Heyerberg near Borler. On its approach and forecourt, 14 Stations of the Cross are arranged concentrically around the chapel. The chapel remains the destination of numerous processions. The former Heyer Chapel was closed in 1801 and its cemetery in 1805. A bell dated 1677 from the former chapel is now in Borler Church. Borler resident Peter Welling left 365 thalers to fund the construction of a new chapel.

Borler’s oldest houses are clustered around Bachgasse and the Catholic chapel of ease, St. Leonhard. Leonhard Chapel was consecrated in 1875. Stops on the “Peace, Forest and Chapel” trail include Bernhard’s Chapel in Borler, distinctive half-timbered houses and the former grassland research institute, now the community centre. The individual stops thus bring together different facets of the village: religious buildings, half-timbered architecture and the changed use of a former institute building.

Getting to the Drees

The route to Bodenbacher Drees follows the B257 or B410, then the L70 and L72; parking is available on the road between Bodenbach and Borler. As road and parking conditions may change, check them before setting off. When planning your trip, you can choose between the routes described, the village’s history and its chapels, depending on your interests.

The Vulkaneifel in a Wider Context

Across the wider Vulkaneifel destination, 77 maars have been identified to date. A total of 350 eruption centres have also been counted there, around 270 of them from the more recent phase. Ulmen Maar marks the most recent volcanic eruption in the Vulkaneifel, which took place about 10,900 years ago. The Vulkaneifel Trails also offer a range of durations across this wider destination: half-day hikes, day hikes and multi-day hikes. The trails are marked and signposted. Together, the geological figures and hiking options provide a regional context that goes beyond the specific route details for Borler.

Discover more destinations: Nitz, Mannebach, Berenbach, Sassen, Lirstal, Gunderath, Uersfeld, Brücktal.

View the main travel guide: Kelberg.