Hike

The Schönecker Switzerland is a little-known but extremely diverse nature reserve in the southern Eifel. It is characterized by deeply incised valleys with clear streams and wide plateaus. Rare orchids bloom on the valley slopes, and slender junipers grow. By the way, it owes its name to the gentian, which grows here just like in the Alps. In the beech forests, the ground in spring is a carpet of blooming snowdrops and wild garlic. In summer, the broom radiates. Narrow hiking trails crisscross the area, where you rarely encounter other people.

Our seven-hour trek begins and ends right below the ruins of Schönecken Castle. After an entertaining introduction where you will get to know the llamas, we start our tour into the nature reserve “Schönecker Schweiz”. Right at the beginning, we hike down into the valley of the Altburgbach. Orchards and the slender silhouettes of the juniper bushes accompany us. Then we climb the ridge "Op Ischt" and enjoy the first views far beyond the plateau. Shortly after, we dive into the beech forest and reach a hidden clearing, where we take our first break. First above, then along the Schalkenbach and the Kupferbach, we continue, right through the forest on narrow paths.

Our destination is the enchanted Krausbuche in the district of Fleringen. At this location, there was already a court beech in the Middle Ages, just as gnarled and entwined as the present beech.
The Krausbuche is probably one of the very rare Süntel beeches, also known as snake or cripple beech, witch or devil wood. It grows out of massive dolomite rocks, its roots cling firmly to the stone. The trunk, branches, and twigs are often twisted and entwined, forming a shading roof over the rocks with deeply hanging foliage. Many legends and stories are woven around the rare tree.

Near this magical place, we take a longer break before turning southwest again. For a short while, we wander through the fields of the ridge "Op Ischt" and then dive back into the beech forests. On a steeply dropping rocky spur high above the Altburg valley lies the ancient Celtic refuge. It is easy to imagine why the Celts chose this secluded place as a retreat. Following the Altburgbach, we will reach our starting point again after about seven hours. Upon arrival, we must bid farewell to our loyal companions, the llamas.

Included: approximately seven-hour hike with breaks
German and English-speaking hiking guide
one animal per llama guide
one accompanying person can be booked per llama guide

What to bring: ankle-high hiking shoes with firm, slip-resistant soles, day backpack, water bottle, rainproof clothing, headgear (depending on the season for sun, rain, or cold; please no umbrellas)

Participants: at least 4 people; a maximum of about 14 people

Requirements: Average fitness required (total distance about 15 km, elevation difference 280 m, walking speed with llamas about 3.5-4 km/h), minimum age for leading an animal: 10 years. Participation under 18 years only in the company of an adult. Unfortunately, dogs cannot be brought along.

More information/Registration and prices at Llama Hike: Magical Places (Group Tour).

Time: 01.05., 04.06. and 20.09.2026 - 09:00 am
Cost: from 95 €
Location: Lamaweide at Rammenfeld 6, Schönecken
Info-Tel.: 06553-8329762
Email: post@eifeltrekking.de