EifelSpur Pingen Hiking Trail
EifelSpur Pingen Hiking Trail
4.7
(276)
1,065
hikers
EifelSpur Pingen Hiking Trail
03:03
11.0km
210m
Hiking
Hike the moderate 6.8-mile EifelTrace Pingen trail to explore ancient mining history and scenic Eifel nature in North Eifel Nature Park.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.79 km
View of the Urft River
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.62 km
Rest Area Under the Oak Tree with a View of the Eifel Hills
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.30 km
Traditional Half-Timbered Houses in Golbach
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.94 km
2.65 km
1.73 km
1.49 km
650 m
497 m
Surfaces
5.60 km
1.58 km
1.29 km
1.27 km
752 m
456 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (510 m)
Lowest point (370 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 19 May
17°C
11°C
88 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park and access the EifelTrace Pingen hike?
The EifelTrace Pingen hike is a circular trail, and you can typically find parking near the official trailheads in the North Eifel region. Specific parking areas are usually well-signposted in villages close to the route, such as Golbach. Always check local signage for designated parking spots.
Is the EifelTrace Pingen hike suitable for dogs?
Yes, the EifelTrace Pingen hike is generally dog-friendly. However, as it passes through the North Eifel Nature Park and often along narrow trails, it's recommended to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Always carry waste bags and clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The EifelTrace Pingen hike is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring offers blooming nature, while autumn provides stunning foliage. Summer is pleasant, especially in the shaded forest sections. For winter hiking, be prepared for potentially slippery conditions due to ice or snow, and always check local weather forecasts.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the EifelTrace Pingen hike or the North Eifel Nature Park?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the EifelTrace Pingen hike or to access the North Eifel Nature Park. However, visitors are expected to respect nature, stay on marked paths, and follow general park regulations to preserve the environment.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the EifelTrace Pingen hike?
The trail guides you through beautiful nature along narrow hiking trails. You'll encounter diverse landscapes, including dense forests, streams, and open areas with picturesque views. The path is generally well-maintained, but expect some natural, uneven surfaces and moderate ascents and descents.
What are the main points of interest along the EifelTrace Pingen hike?
The hike offers interesting insights into ancient mining history with its numerous 'Pingen' – abandoned ore mines. Beyond the historical elements, you can enjoy a View of the Urft River, a tranquil Rest Area Under the Oak Tree with a View of the Eifel Hills, and admire the Traditional Half-Timbered Houses in Golbach.
Does the EifelTrace Pingen hike intersect with other well-known trails?
Yes, the EifelTrace Pingen hike, also known as the EifelSpur Pingenwanderweg, is a dedicated quality trail. It also shares sections with other routes such as the Kall A2, EifelSchleife Kaller Sagen, Ardennen-Eifel-Rundweg, and the Eifelsteig, offering connections to a broader network of paths in the region.
Is the EifelTrace Pingen hike a loop trail?
Yes, the EifelTrace Pingen hike is a circular trail, meaning it starts and ends at the same point. This makes it convenient for planning your trip, as you don't need to arrange transportation back to a different starting location.
What should I bring for a hike on the EifelTrace Pingen trail?
Given its moderate difficulty and approximately 3-hour duration, we recommend bringing sturdy hiking shoes, sufficient water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. A small first-aid kit, a map or GPS device (like the komoot app), and a camera to capture the scenic views and historical Pingen are also good ideas.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the EifelTrace Pingen hike?
While the trail itself focuses on natural and historical immersion, the nearby villages in the North Eifel region, such as Golbach, often offer local eateries, cafes, or pubs where you can enjoy refreshments or a meal before or after your hike. It's a good idea to check opening hours in advance.
What makes the 'Pingen' on this trail so special?
The 'Pingen' are abandoned ore mines or prospecting sites, remnants of historical iron and lead ore extraction in the Eifel region. The EifelTrace Pingen hike provides interesting insights into this ancient mining history, allowing hikers to walk through a landscape shaped by centuries of human activity, making it a unique blend of nature and heritage.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
"EifelSpur Pingenwanderweg" - a varied hike in the beloved North Eifel with interesting insights into the world of mining! Detailed and clearly designed information boards from the Eifel Association explain the history of lead and iron ore mining around Kall. This is also where the name of this Eifel trail comes from: A "Pinge" is a funnel-shaped depression on the earth's surface that was caused by old mining. Such can be seen again and again on the NaTour - in the municipality of Kall there are said to be more than 2000. But the enjoyment of nature on this Eifel trail is also terrific! The EifelSpur leads on eleven kilometers of varied, mostly narrow paths through forest and meadows, where we are particularly impressed by the red sandstone formations. Our conclusion: the EifelSpur Pingenwanderweg is a real hiking highlight for us.
For my second Corpus Christi hike, I chose a route with plenty of forest, and I can say in advance that the Pingen hiking trail is certainly not lacking in cooling shade and is perfect for hot summer days. What I hadn't expected were the long trail sections. As scenic as the Eifel trails and loops are, they generally lead along wider, paved paths, and today that was only the case in the middle section and (logically) near the train station. With the magnificent red sandstone cliffs, the Roman quarry, and later the walk around a large Pingen funnel, there were also a few highlights that fit the name of this Eifel trail. Pinge = mining depression. The many old but well-maintained information boards certainly provide in-depth information, although rarely directly about the surroundings of the respective stations. Nature has reclaimed almost everything in this area, and that's what made it so worthwhile for me to hike. 📔The Eifel Trails and Eifel Loops in the Northern Eifel: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/2542981/-die-eifelspuren-und-eifelschleifen-in-der-nordeifel
One of our last walks here in the Eifel, we go again to 🏡 on Thursday. And for the first time, wear long trousers and a jacket around your waist because the wind is blowing hard and it is quite cold. All the same, a very nice walk and few walkers on the paths.
I really enjoyed today's hike. Not only did the sun shine again today, but the path was wonderful too! Many narrow and easy paths through great forest, the impressive red sandstone cliffs near Kall, the beautiful view over Golbach, really great! There are also information boards for those interested in ore mining in the region. After the past rainy days, the paths are a bit slippery and slippery in places. You have to be careful that you don't take too long. Otherwise, I can warmly recommend the tour.
A beautiful route with many signs for ore mining in the region. Since it was gloriously sunny today, but still very cold, we only paid very little attention to the signs. But the ice crystals found our full attention ❄️☺️
Great varied loop! From red sandstone rocks, pine forests, narrow paths, mossy Wilnis ... 👍. In addition, ample insights into the world of miners and the old ore mining sites, the so-called pingen!
Thanks to Klaus for the preparation. In the best hiking weather we went today with 5 people the Eifelschleife Pingen hiking trail from Kall train station. Very nice and varied hiking trail that I will certainly be happy to hike again. The trails are very well marked. Graduation in the Cortina ice cream parlor.