Schönecker Castle and Ichter Berg

The trail is similar to Tour 27 in the Kompass-Wanderführer Eifel . Actual walking time - without stops - is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Schönecken is in the part of the Eifel where limestone dominates. Signboards along the trail explain the geology and flora of these particularly lean pastures, mainly used by sheep.

Our loop hike starts crossing the river Nims and provides a good view of the dominating position of the castle Schönecken.

The path up to castle leads through the old centre of Schönecken, and further up on steep stairs, past the Chapel. The castle is the primary tourist attraction. The historic houses of Schönecken huddle at its base. Some houses are being restored.

After the great fire of 1802, many houses of Schönecken were built from the stones of the castle. The castle itself since remained ruined. Built in medieval times, it was the property of the Barons of Vianden, was then taken over by Luxembourg at the end of the 14th century, and was last the property of the archbishop of Trier.

The empty plains around the castle look as if sheep just left; only the pine cones gnawed by the squirrels remain.

Its a steep descent to the valley of the Altburger stream. At the head of the valley is a sign for the Keltenring - a rock formation allegedly used as defense in ancient times. Here, the celtic Treverer, which gave the city Trier its name, fought battles before being defeated by the Romans.

The Ichter Berg is not a real summit, but the high point opens the views. Its a windy place, and one can see Hersdorf which probably is worth a trip, too.

This is followed by a photogenic descend, past Holunder (Elder) in blossom, into the valleys of the Schönecker Schweiz. Continue through the valley of the Schalkenbach, past the rocks of the Jungfraulei into the Nims valley and start.

Text in Deutsch auf palmtreeproduction.com