Where rocks can tell stories - "Effel's Landscape Discovery Trail" hiking tip for the day

In the Eifel, rocks can tell stories - this circular tour is all about the famous rocks of Nideggen. The "Effels" itself, the striking group of rocks here, tells you about its life along the leisurely hiking route. The popular red sandstone rocks are not only pretty to look at, they are also of great importance to people and the flora and fauna that live here. The typical red coloring also indicates a desert climate characterized by great dryness and rare but heavy rainfall during the time when the rock layer was formed.

The tour is one of a total of three rounds on the Landscape Discovery Trail. Depending on your mood, you can "only" complete the 2-kilometre Effels circuit or hike the other two circuits on a day tour. The route offers various discovery stations for the whole family and not only leads past magnificent rock formations, but also through idyllic forest passages and up to the roof of the Effels.

The tour at a glance

The starting and finishing point is the parking lot at Zülpicher Tor in the old town of Nideggen. Take the opportunity to combine the hike with a stroll through the town. There are numerous restaurants and cafés where you can stop for refreshments before or after the hike. Along the well-signposted route, you will soon pass the famous rocks and then climb up to the imposing "roof of the Effel". The viewing plateau is perfect for a short breather with far-reaching views over the town and as far as Nideggen Castle. The trail then leads back to the starting point via beautiful paths.

Tip: On the way back, take a detour to the Nideggen National Park Gate and visit the "Nature's treasure trove" exhibition or the digital terrain model of the national park.