EifelLoop Heaven and Earth (City of Zülpich)

Beautiful distant views, picturesque villages, and pristine nature await you on this wonderful Eifel loop route. The geological hiking trail is a highlight!

Experience a wonderful cross-section of topography, flora, and fauna south of Zülpich. Along the foothills of the Kalkeifel, you will climb enchanting heights with magnificent distant views and traverse dreamy valleys, such as the Schluchtbachtal nature reserve. Particularly beautiful are the wild and herb meadows that you will pass repeatedly. Due to the location in the rain shadow of the Rureifel, the High Fens, and the Hocheifel, the Kalkeifel is dry and warm. Here you find plants usually found more in southern regions. Species-rich beech and oak forests dominate the landscape. The species spectrum in their herb and shrub layers is especially large. Especially in spring, the herbs stand out due to their blossoms. Away from the forests, calcareous dry grasslands with their abundance of flowers provide ample habitat for protected species. Hand orchids and cat's paws, wound clover, and bear's garlic sprinkle the meadows. And it smells wonderful!