Hiking

Our unique event begins and ends directly below the ruins of the Schönecken Castle on the pasture of the Eifel nomads. After a brief, entertaining introduction where you get to know the llamas and learn how to lead such an animal, we will set off together with our knowledgeable guide on our hike.

Our hiking route takes us deep into the Schönecker Schweiz nature reserve. Here, junipers and firs, hazels, mountain ashes, and gorse grow. Spiny blackthorns and gnarled apple trees stand in the untouched meadows, while moss and ivy entwine old oaks: all plants whose aromas can be found in Eifel gin. Amusingly and entertainingly, you will learn about the habitat and the diverse uses of our native flora.

After crossing the Altburgtal valley, we ascend the southern slopes of the valley where the slender juniper with its dark green, spiky leaves and deep blue berries makes a striking appearance. We continue on to the Op Ischt high plateau. Here, on dry ground, mighty firs and larches stretch their bizarrely twisted branches towards the sky.

We soon dive into a beech forest. Moss grows on the shaded sides of the smooth beech trunks. Some trees are entwined with multi-leafed ivy. In a small clearing, we take a break and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Passing by a clearing where besides hazel, also the "Eifel gold" (gorse) has settled, we head back towards the pasture. With a bit of luck, we find one or two of the dark blue shimmering berries on the blackthorns at the roadside or an apple in one of the orchards.

At our open stable, we are welcomed by Stephan Thomé, the owner and master distiller of the award-winning Euelsberger distillery, with his delicious Eifel gin. The distiller shares his first ideas, the origins, and development of Euelsberger, explains the production process, and introduces us to the aroma world of Eifel gin. Enjoy the typical Eifel flavors of the gin and strengthen yourselves with delicious regional specialties while the llamas around you munch on their well-deserved hay or graze in the meadow.

If the weather isn’t quite cooperating, we will move the tasting to our open stable or to our comfortably furnished caravan.

Included: approximately two and a half hours of llama hiking with short breaks
Gin tasting with Stephan Thomé, the owner of the Euelsberger gin distillery
Gin No. 4 neat and with the matching tonic
Finger food with regional specialties, water, and snacks
Guide speaking German and English
for each llama guide, a maximum of one accompanying person or child can be added

What to bring: hiking shoes (depending on the route; sturdy, profiled sole is an advantage), day backpack, water bottle, suitable clothing, possibly headgear (depending on the season for sun, rain, or cold)

Participants: at least 6 people; maximum approximately 14 people

Requirements: average fitness (total distance approx. 7 km, pure hiking time about 2 hours, elevation difference 140m). Unfortunately, dogs cannot be brought along.

Further information/registration and prices at Llama hike with gin tasting.

Time: 21.06.2026 - 15:30
Cost: from 64 €
Location: Llama pasture at Rammenfeld 6, Schönecken
Info Tel.: 06553-8329762
Email: post@eifeltrekking.de