A 1.3-kilometer nature trail in Laufeld combines a short circular walk with information boards about the forest ecosystem. The town’s history also brings together several themes: St. Willibrord Church, with older and newer sections; archaeological finds from Laufeld; and a museum that showcases toys as well as historic living spaces. When choosing where to visit, you can weigh up whether you’re mainly looking to spend time in the forest or focus on culture and history.
Forest Paths and Nature Trail
Laufeld lies on the southern edge of the Volcanic Eifel and is characterized by extensive forest areas and marked hiking trails. The Laufeld Nature Trail is a short, easy circular route considered particularly suitable for families and visitors interested in nature. Its 1.3 kilometers pass information boards about the forest ecosystem. The nature trail can also be reached via the Maare-Mosel Cycle Route. You can also experience the landscape on designated hiking trails. As route conditions can change, check conditions before setting out.
Church and Archaeological History
Different building phases can be seen at St. Willibrord Church. The west tower dates from around 1500 and was originally a defensive tower with a slit window. The nave was built between 1858 and 1862 in Neo-Romanesque forms. This means that one building brings together an older tower with its original defensive function and a nave designed much later. St. Willibrord Church also houses a statue of Our Lady of Luxembourg.
Archaeology also gives Laufeld its own historical significance: finds from the town contributed to knowledge of the Urnfield and Hallstatt cultures. Archaeologists refer to this context as the “Laufeld culture.” The finds thus complement the church’s architectural history with a glimpse into much earlier cultural contexts.
Doll and Toy Museum
The Laufeld Doll and Toy Museum displays dolls, dollhouses, toy shops, teddy bears and plush toys, as well as tin and wooden toys from the past 100 years. It also presents everyday objects and reconstructed living spaces from the 1950s, around 1900, and an Eifel bedroom. The exhibits thus span everything from toys to different glimpses into former ways of life. Check which exhibits are currently on display before visiting.
Hiking in the Wider Bernkastel-Wittlich Destination
In the wider Bernkastel-Wittlich destination, the volcanic Eifel, the Moselle Valley, and the HunsrĂĽck, rich in forests and meadows, meet. The 816-meter-high Erbeskopf is a popular hiking destination and offers a variety of winter sports opportunities. For a longer hike, the Manderscheid Castle Trail is another option: this moderately difficult circular route runs around the castles of Manderscheid, is 5.4 kilometers long, and has a stated duration of two hours. Compared with the short, easy nature trail in Laufeld, it is a longer hiking option with a different time commitment and difficulty level.
Discover more destinations: Hasborn, GroĂźlittgen, Eisenschmitt, Meerfeld, Wallscheid, Bettenfeld, Oberscheidweiler, Niederscheidweiler
See the wider travel overview: Manderscheid.
