Gillenbeuren is considered an artists’ village and a peaceful place in the distinctive Eifel landscape. Art, hiking and cycling offer different ways to shape your travel plans. The Erdenbach rises near Gillenbeuren and flows into the Ueßbach near Bad Bertrich.
Sommernachtsraum: Art in the Garden
Sommernachtsraum is an open-air art exhibition in Dorothea Kirsch’s park-like garden in Gillenbeuren. A report from 2025 describes the exhibition as a series to which Kirsch has been inviting artists for more than 20 years. For the 2025 edition, trees in the garden served as exhibition spaces; almost life-size wooden sculptures welcomed visitors. Both the works and their presentation in the garden shape each edition.
Dates and participating artists may vary from one edition to another. So check whether an exhibition is taking place during your travel dates, and when.
Hiking: Circular Trail or Stage
The HeimatSpur Weiherbachtal Circular Trail is an easy 8.2-kilometre loop. The route lists the Weiherbachtal, Erdenbachtal and Spanik viewpoint as highlights. It follows the two valleys to a lookout point with views over Lutzerath, the Vulkaneifel and the Moselle Heights. If the route changes, distances or viewpoints may also change; check the latest route information before your hike.
Another hiking option is the fourth stage of the Eifel-Camino from Kaisersesch to Lutzerath. It is around 19.9 kilometres long, takes about 4 hours and 51 minutes, and is rated easy. South of Alflen, the route passes through meadows and fields towards Gillenbeuren and then continues to Driesch. At more than twice the length of the circular trail, this stage requires different day planning. Detours or maintenance work may affect the details.
Cycling the Vulkaneifel Challenge
Gillenbeuren is listed as one of the stage locations on the Vulkaneifel Challenge. This challenging road cycling tour is almost 133 kilometres long and includes more than 2,100 metres of elevation gain. Its route features demanding climbs, quieter stretches and sections with little traffic. This makes the tour considerably longer than the hiking routes mentioned above.
A further look at the wider destination of Cochem-Zell
In the wider destination of Cochem-Zell, Reichsburg Cochem offers a distinct historical attraction. In the 19th century, Louis Ravené had it restored and rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style as part of the Romantic castle revival. The interiors open to visitors include the Knights’ Hall, dining room, hunting room and ladies’ chamber.
For many tourist destinations in Cochem-Zell, a visitor programme from July 2025 notes good public transport connections and suitable bus or train routes. Check the connection to your specific destination before travelling, as individual routes may change.
Discover more destinations: Lutzerath, Auderath, Meiserich, Urschmitt, Bad Bertrich.
Back to the wider travel overview: Ulmen.
