Wanderreise: AhrSteig Schnuppertour Etappen 1 & 2

The AhrSteig - a journey through constantly changing scenery on 7 stages
The AhrSteig award-winning hiking trail follows the lively little river Ahr for around 100 km from its bubbling source in Blankenheim to its mouth in the mighty Rhine.
Shaped by the course of the river, the wild and romantic Ahr Valley is one of the most beautiful low mountain ranges in Germany. Crisp climbs to the rocky ridges of the Ahrgebirge coupled with short breaks in the dreamy river landscape are evidence of the challenging nature of this route. Diving into the fresh green of lush meadows, being enchanted by the fascinating play of light in the mixed forests and enjoying spectacular views are further facets of this impressive route.


Day 1:
Individual arrival in Blankenheim | Overnight stay in Blankenheim
Spend the day in Blankenheim, where there is plenty to discover. For example, the source of the Ahr, which rises in the vaulted cellar of a half-timbered house, the Eifel Museum in the center of Blankenheim and the Roman villa.

Day 2: 1 stage of the AhrSteig | Blankenheim-Freilinger See 11.9 km
The source of the Ahr, located in the heart of Blankenheim, is the starting point of the first stage of the AhrSteig. The historic old town captivates with its medieval charm, centuries-old town gates and romantic half-timbered ensembles. It is worth making a detour to the mighty Blankenheim castle, which has stood above the town since the 12th century. From there, we catch our first glimpses of the heights of the Ahrgebirge. Our route now takes us past the Eifel Museum, which houses permanent and temporary exhibitions on folklore and natural history.
We continue through winding alleyways, along the Schwanenweiher pond, following the upper reaches of the Ahr down into the valley. We reach the railroad underpass, turn right and then left after the underpass. Then it becomes more challenging and we hike steeply uphill. After passing a railroad embankment, the route climbs steeply. The route soon joins a forest path that leads through dense beech woods above the Ahr valley. Before reaching the plateau of the Birker Berg, the Oberahreck viaduct lies slightly off the route. The effort of the climb is rewarded with a spectacular view of the heights of the Hohe Eifel to the south. The route takes us past cornfields, along quiet forest paths on the 484 m high Bohrsberg, to the shores of Lake Freilingen. The local recreation area around Lake Freilingen offers numerous leisure opportunities. In summer, the lake is a haven for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The local restaurant is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and reflect on your impressions.

>> Return journey to Blankenheim from Freilinger See VRS timetable information

Day 3: Stage 2 AhrSteig | Freilinger See - Aremberg approx. 11.5 km

>>Ride to Freilinger See VRS timetable information

The tour begins on the shore of the Freilinger See and passes the outskirts of Freilingen in the direction of Lommersdorf. After crossing the L115, the trail leads up to the 534 m high Hühnerberg via hidden meadow paths. From the summit plateau, we enjoy an outstanding panoramic view of the Ahrgebirge, the North Eifel and the mountain ranges of the Hocheifel with the 747 m high, striking summit of the Hohe Acht.
The trail leads us along fragrant rough pastures via the "Am Gericht" parcel of land into the Lommersdorf forest. The extensive forest is a place of peace and relaxation. Rest areas and a refuge run by the Eifelverein invite you to linger. Following the old Roman road, the AhrSteig initially leads us downhill through the natural Aulbach valley after crossing the K41. After a few hundred meters, a steep ascent branches off and, after passing a forest aisle with rare plants, we reach a small church at the edge of the path on enchanted forest paths. The guardian angel chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of hikers, Archangel Rafael.
The village of Aremberg, located south-east of the mountain of the same name, is reached via charming meadow paths and field margins. This picturesque gem boasts pretty alleyways and the splendidly furnished parish church of St. Nicholas, built at the end of the 18th century. You can completely forget everyday life from the sun terrace of the Burgschänke inn. From here, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the entire AhrSteig trail, all the way to the majestic Nürburg.

>> Return journey from Aremberg to Blankenheim via Müsch

Individual journey home from Blankenheim or optional extra night and hike on stage 3 AhrSteig