EifelSchleife Mining Trail (Municipality of Hellenthal)

Along the old history of the Eifel mining region and ore prospecting, you experience not only culture but also unique natural landscapes.

The short but quite strenuous hike takes you through enchanting landscapes. Along the Schwalenbach and Prethbach, you discover a ridge line (tank barrier) that was part of the border defense system of the Westwall in World War II. The Westwall extended over 630 kilometers from Kleve to Basel.

Along the way, you notice tunnel entrances to the former ore mine in the middle of the forest. Information boards provide details about the old mining. Ore was prospected in the Eifel over 2000 years ago. In the Middle Ages and early modern period, independent miners worked in the mine. Anyone could mine for themselves with the approval of the mining master and by paying a tithe to the local ruler, the Count of Reifferscheid. The path leads over meadows and fields to the visitor mine “Grube Wohlfahrt”. Since 1985, the “Deep Tunnel” has been developed into a visitor mine. You can participate in guided tours for individuals and groups here.