Mitsommer: Lamas, Alpakas & Lagerfeuer

On the longest day of the year, the eifelnomaden invite you to the midsummer hike – an evening tour through the nature reserve Schönecker Schweiz, where llamas and alpacas set the rhythm. The route leads to the ancient Celtic refuge, up to the high plateau “Op Ischt” with a wide panorama over the Eifel and back to the fire bowl. The conclusion features a grill buffet, summer herbs, and Eifel gin – right in the pasture of the eifelnomaden.

Hike

Mid-summer, Celts and a magical place
The midsummer hike starts and ends at the pasture of the Eifel nomads, directly below the ruins of Schönecken Castle. After a brief introduction – where each participant meets their llama or alpaca and learns how to lead such an animal – the group heads down into the valley of the Altburgbach. There, the first highlight awaits: hidden among mighty beech trunks rises a rock on which an ancient Celtic refuge throne. Centuries ago, people retreated here when it became too dangerous in the open plains. At the time of the solstice, this place unfolds a special atmosphere.
A narrow path leads up to the cliff – and on the high plateau "Op Ischt," the view opens up: with clear air, the panorama stretches all the way to the High Venn.

Healing herbs of the midsummer night
Along the way, the group discovers – guided by an expert – the hidden treasures of the path's edge: St. John’s Wort, yarrow, and meadow sage – healing herbs that have been associated with the summer solstice for centuries and whose effects can be experienced up close that evening.

Llamas as a key to slowing down
What distinguishes Eifel nomads tours from ordinary hikes: The llamas set the pace. Whoever leads a llama focuses on the animal and stops thinking about everything else. Monotasking instead of multitasking. The gentle creatures perceive the finest sounds and smells and direct attention to things that bipeds often overlook.

Campfire, barbecue buffet, and Eifel gin
Back at the pasture, the fire is already flickering in the fire bowls. The barbecue buffet offers Eifel meat and fresh sausage, assorted salads, antipasti and dips, farmer’s bread and cheese – vegetarian options are also available. In addition, there are non-alcoholic drinks, as well as beer, wine, and Eifel gin No. 4 from the Euelsberger distillery.

What participants can expect
• Hike with llamas and alpacas through the nature reserve Schönecker Schweiz
• Ancient Celtic refuge on a ridge – a magical place at the solstice
• Broad panorama on the high plateau "Op Ischt" up to the High Venn
• Healing herbs of the midsummer night: St. John’s Wort, yarrow, meadow sage
• Campfire, barbecue buffet (vegetarian options also) and Eifel gin
• DWV certified hiking guide, bilingual German/English
• Suitable for all – average fitness, no prior knowledge required

Duration: approx. 4 hours (including breaks), hiking distance 6-8 km, altitude difference 110 m
Participants: Minimum 4, maximum 14 people (few spots available)
Minimum age: 10 years for leading an animal; under 18 years only with adult supervision
What to bring: Hiking shoes with treaded soles, day backpack, water bottle, weather-resistant clothing, possibly a warm sweater for the evening

Further information/ registration and prices at Midsummer: Llamas, Alpacas & Campfire.

"“The Celtic refuge at the solstice, the last light over the High Venn, an alpaca that seems completely unimpressed – and then the crackling fire, the llamas peacefully grazing in the evening light, nice people, and good conversations. For me, this is pure Eifel."
– Julietta Baums / eifeltrekking.de

Time: 5:00 p.m.
Cost: 79 € per llama leader, 55 € companion
Location: Lama pasture at Rammenfeld 6, Schönecken
Info-Tel.: 06553-8329762
Mail: post@eifeltrekking.de