Hontheim lies on a plateau 420 metres above sea level in the southern Vulkaneifel, between the rivers Üß and Alf. Open fields and forests shape the surrounding area, along with the Kondelwald, river valleys and nearby maars. The landscape combines an open plateau with woodland and river areas. If you are looking for a destination focused on nature, this is a starting point for exploring on foot and by bike.
Hiking, mountain biking and the Wispelter Maar
Hontheim is a starting point for numerous hikes and mountain bike tours. Cycle routes also lead towards the maars of the Vulkaneifel and the nearby Moselle Valley. For planning a specific tour, it is worth checking the conditions along the route.
The Wispelter Maar lies along the Weißerlay/Wispelt route. It is considered the southernmost maar in the West Eifel volcanic field; the Salzbach flows through it. Its diameter is approximately 400 metres. Those who pay attention to landscape features while hiking will find tangible points of interest here: its geological classification, the course of the stream and the maar’s approximate size.
Thermal baths and wellness in Bad Bertrich
Bad Bertrich is 3 km from Hontheim and offers a Glauber’s salt thermal bath as well as spa and wellness facilities. If you would like to include this different focus in your travel plans, check the facilities and services before your visit.
More experiences in the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination
In the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination, the volcanic Eifel, the romantic Moselle Valley and the Hunsrück, rich in forests and meadows, meet. The 816-metre-high Erbeskopf invites visitors to hike and offers a wide range of winter sports. An interactive, multimedia exhibition at the National Park Gate on the Erbeskopf explores nature and the environment, with a focus on forests and bogs. The region therefore offers both outdoor activities and an exhibition on nature-related topics.
Culture and history add their own highlights: the pilgrimage church of Maria Heimsuchung in Klausen was consecrated in 1502, and Klausen remains a destination for pilgrims every year. The Cusanus Birthplace in Kues is used as a museum and event venue and features a permanent exhibition about Nicholas of Cusa. The Zylinderhaus presents 90 years of German automotive history, with more than 100 cars, motorcycles and vans. Wine lovers can enjoy tastings at the wine shop in the historic vaulted cellars of St. Nikolaus Hospital, featuring wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer; the selection ranges from quality wines to ice wine.
Another cycling option in the wider destination is the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route. It runs for 58.5 kilometres along a disused railway line from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues. A cycle bus takes cyclists from Bernkastel-Kues back to the starting point; the return trip can be booked in advance. Check the timetable before planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Kinderbeuern, Willwerscheid, Kinheim, Bengel, Kövenig.
Back to the wider travel overview: Kröv-Bausendorf.
