The Kalkeifel Cycle Path is a low-incline cross-connection between Kylltal cycle path at Bolsdorf and the Ahr cycle path near Ahrdorf. The almost 22 km long route partly uses a former railway line and offers some sights.
Route profile
- Length: 21.6 km (approx. 6 km on the railway line)
- Signposting: consistently available and compliant with standards
- Slopes: Noticeable incline to Hillesheim, then steady incline to Ahrdorf, frequent ramps
- Path condition: Mostly asphalted, every now and then short sections with a water-bound cover. Asphalted from Kerpen.
- Traffic load: Mostly signposted bike path, but frequent town crossings on the road.
- Suitable bike: Everyday bike with gear shift
- Family suitability: Suitable for families, if necessary select sections for children under 6 years of age
- Inline suitability: less suitable
background
The route leads through the green valley of the Ahbach and connects the Ahr with the Kyll and also the cycle routes belonging to these rivers. The cycle path crosses the towns of Hillesheim, Kerpen, Niederehe and Ahütte and ends not far from the former Ahrdorf train station. The route has no given direction.
The railway line that used to run through this valley has been closed since 1973. The cycle path meanders around this route and uses the old route again and again. However, these sections of the railway line are often short and one ramp follows the next.
preparation
getting there
Public transportation
Arrival by train from Cologne or Trier to Oberbettingen / Hillesheim train station
By bicycle
The Kalkeifel cycle path connects the Kylltal cycle path in Bolsdorf with the Ahr cycle path in Ahrdorf.
In the street
There is a signposted parking lot at Ahrdorf train station.
Route description with sights
Corner points of the route
- Bolsdorf - Up to Hillesheim it is 50 m uphill with a slight continuous incline. The path is not asphalted for about 1 km and leads through the tranquil Bolsdorf valley.
- Hillesheim - At the entrance to the village, a city fortification from the 13th century awaits us. Then on the left is the former Augustinian monastery, which is now used as a hotel. The center must be crossed and offers the opportunity to contemplate. Behind the village, it goes up to the railway line, which is used a little more continuously on this section. Here is also the highest point of the route with 480 m.
- Kerpen - The at least 800 year old towers high above the town Kerpen Castle. The pretty village has one too Hostel with restaurant and a bakery.
- Lower marriage - Connection behind the end of town to the Mineral springs route to Downwhere the Maare-Moselle cycle path begins.
- Dreimühlen waterfall - the waterfall is on the right of the route and can only be reached on foot from the bike route. The water of the Quellbach (actually 3 merged streams) crosses the bike path and can be used for a bath on hot days.
- Uxheim-Ahütte - Unfortunately, this place has to be crossed on the road and there is quite a lot of traffic. At the entrance to the village, a large lime works impresses on the left (see Kalkeifel), which the cyclist drives around.
- Blankenheim (Ahr) -Ahrdorf
Distances to Dreimühlen waterfall
The "Dreimühlen Waterfall Natural Monument" is in the district of Üxheim-Ahütte. Information for the route via the Kalkeifel cycle path (starting point, distance):
- Kylltal cycle path, at Bolsdorf 14.6 km
- Hillesheim 11.6 km
- Kerpen 5.2 km
- Niederehe 2.8 km
- Ahütte 1.0 km
- Ahr cycle path, at Blankenheim-Ahrdorf 7.0 km
Other places to stay
trips
- Of Ahrdorf one comes from over the Ahr cycle path up to the Rhine Remagen.
- From there you can go to the Rhine cycle route Continue cycling to the north (Bonn, Cologne) and south (Koblenz).
- In Bonn or Cologne you can switch to the train and drive back to Hillesheim-Oberbettingen.
- In Bolsdorf you can reach the Kylltal cycle path and walk north towards Jünkerath and then into Belgium Venn consequences. To the south it goes to Gerolstein Bitburg and trier.
References to literature and maps
Web links
- Eifel info - relatively official site
- Railroad cycling RP 1.03
- Dr. Schlemmer's railway cycle paths
