Neroth: Hiking, Volcano and Local History

Neroth combines hiking trails, a volcanic landscape and traces of local history. If you are looking for a destination where a circular hike, geological features and cultural history offer distinct points of interest, Neroth has plenty to explore. The following features provide a basis for choosing Neroth as a destination.

Hiking around Neroth

The Eifelsteig, a long-distance hiking trail, passes directly by Neroth. A clearly defined circular route is “Around Neroth: Forests, Volcano, Ruins”. It follows marker 1 in a wide loop through woods and fields around Neroth. The moderately challenging hike is 15.6 kilometres long and takes 4 hours and 10 minutes. The route is marked throughout with a white 1 on a blue background. Since route information may be updated and trail markers should be checked on site, verify the key details before setting out and follow the markers.

The two trails represent different types of hiking: the 15.6-kilometre route is a circular trail around Neroth; the Eifelsteig is a long-distance hiking trail that passes directly by the village. If you are looking for a circular hike with a stated duration for your stay, it offers a concrete basis for planning. The Eifelsteig, by contrast, is a different type of hiking trail.

Volcanic landscapes and traces of the millstone quarry

Nerother Kopf is an extinct volcano that formed around 15,000 years ago. Its wooded area contains lava bombs, volcanic rock formations known as “Krotzen”, and remains of a millstone quarry. Geological features and traces of the millstone quarry can be found side by side. Together with the village’s historical themes, they offer more than a single perspective on Neroth: natural and local history provide distinct points of interest for planning your trip.

Wire industry, castle house and caves

The Mousetrap Museum draws on Neroth’s former wire goods manufacturing. Theodor Kläs introduced wire weaving in the 19th century, and Josef Pfeil’s workshop forms the core of the museum. This connects the history of local industry with a specific workshop.

Neroth is also home to architectural and cave monuments: the ruins of Nerother Burg, the castle house and the millstone cave area are protected heritage sites. The surviving castle house is a 15th-century ruin. Two gables, each 12 metres high, and its retaining wall remain. The millstone cave can no longer be entered.

Another historical trace leads to Neroth Cave: the Nerother Wandervögel association was founded there on New Year’s Eve 1919/20. Local associations also maintain traditional customs, including celebrations such as Radschieben, the Easter Eierlage, Maypole raising, the village festival and the Christmas village. If you want to include a particular celebration in your plans, check in advance whether it falls within your travel dates.

Practical information

Neroth has three establishments serving regional cuisine. Free parking is available at the church and at two hiking car parks along the L27. The village also has a salt cave. Since the availability of establishments, parking and facilities may change, check the conditions that matter for your visit before you travel.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Berlingen, Duppach, Densborn, Gees, Kopp, Müllenborn, Salm, Pelm.

For the main travel overview: Gerolstein.