The leaning tower of St. Pankratius Church is the landmark of Kaisersesch and dates back to the 13th century. The historic town centre is framed by the church and the former “prison”. Other historic traces in the centre include the remains of a medieval castle manor house with a chapel and battlement. In the historic centre, you can visit the old cinema and the open-air stage. The stage’s programme may vary. Informative night watchman tours offer insights into the town; their availability and dates may change.
Local history and special places
The Old Prison building is also known as “Prison” or “Bullesje” and houses a local history museum. Its exhibits document life in a small Eifel town from the early 20th century through the post-war period and into the 1960s. They include household items, craft tools and technical equipment. The Depeschenreiterbrunnen (Courier Rider Fountain) on Alter Postplatz commemorates the era of postilions, stagecoaches and courier riders. The Pilgerbrunnen (Pilgrim Fountain) offers a place to pause in Kaisersesch.
Landscape and cycle paths
The landscape around Kaisersesch and in the wider area is characterised by plateaus and valleys. A cycle route of about 17 kilometres from Kaisersesch towards Maifeld passes the Römerturm and Schwanenkirche near Roes, then continues via medieval Pyrmont Castle. It connects to cycle paths towards Maifeld and the Moselle. The Römerturm stands on the eastern edge of town: built in 1997 on the remains of an earlier watchtower, it offers views across the Eifel landscape.
Another option is the Eifel Slate Cycle Route, an approximately 30-kilometre circular tour that can be started in Kaisersesch. You should have some experience before tackling the full loop: the route features several steep climbs and is not suitable for road bikes. If you choose a shorter option, you can ride 11 kilometres downhill from Kaisersesch to Monreal. You can take the train for the return journey or the climb back up. Check route conditions and train connections before setting out. There are also sections of the Way of St. James in the area around Kaisersesch. This adds another type of route to cycling: the Way of St. James is designed as a pilgrimage route, unlike the cycle routes, which vary in length and format. When planning, you can therefore first choose between a pilgrimage route and a cycling tour, then compare the distance and route type that suit you.
Accommodation in Kaisersesch
Kaisersesch has a motorhome parking area; a pilgrim’s room is also available in the former prison. Check the availability of these facilities before you arrive. When looking for other accommodation, you can use the town’s history and cycle paths as a guide to choosing where to stay.
Discover more destinations: Kaifenheim, Landkern, Leienkaul, MĂĽllenbach, Laubach, Illerich, Walhausen, Brohl.
Back to the higher-level travel overview: Cochem-Zell.
