The Säubrennerroute is an interesting connection between the popular long-distance trail Eifelsteig and the bustling Säubrenner town Wittlich. Starting and ending in Wittlich or the Wittlicher Land and including an overnight stay, the route is ideal as a short hiking break and offers an exceptionally diverse mix of nature and cultural enjoyment. Highlights of the tour between Mosel and Eifel are fascinating panoramic views, idyllic vineyard passages, scenic forest paths, varied landscape formations, historic mills, impressive churches and villas, and impressive red sandstone formations. With two daily stages of 22 and 20 km length and an overnight stay in one of our hiking-friendly accommodations, the Eifelsteig motto "Where rock and water accompany you" becomes tangible in body and soul. Via the connecting path from Dreis to Hupperath, the Säubrennerroute is also partially and fully hikeable along two attractive circular routes.
Travel times and prices: www.vrt-info.de
From the Tourist Information at the Market Square, first go through the small alley between Frisör Ehlen and the Kebab House at the market. Across the square at the Lieser and the Lieser bridge, the town is left on the right through the city park. The Säubrennerroute follows the namesake small river up to the former Bastenmühle. Important note!: from the Brückenmühle, hiking is possible on both sides of the Lieser, both paths meet again at the bridge at the Hasenmühle! At the former Bastenmühle, turn left slightly uphill over the agricultural path to the next intersection. From here, the marking of the Lieser trail accompanies the route into the forest. You pass by apple orchards and sheep pastures. At the fork in the forest, the path leads left, uphill over a wide, unpaved forest track. Two paths branch off the forest track to the left. For the Säubrennerroute, take the second turnoff, which leads directly onto the upper vineyard path. Soon the shelter is reached with a wonderful view over the town. A bench invites you to take a short break after the climb before continuing along the Wittlich vineyards at the forest edge. Here, more resting benches invite you to relax and enjoy the panoramic view. The Säubrennerroute leads from the vineyards into the forest. Soon the car park at the fitness trail is reached. Here, cross the road (K54) towards Minderlittgen. Then it goes uphill. Over meadows and fields it continues toward Hupperath, crossing the country road L34, and along the lightly traveled country road it goes right into the village. A short rest is recommended at Hotel Eifeler Hof on the main street. Then continue past the church. The Säubrennerroute leaves Hupperath and leads over quiet forest paths past the former Hotel Victoria. Here the route meets the Eifelsteig and follows the long-distance trail to the left further through the forest. Soon the Burger and Ranzenmühle are passed, it goes uphill over the height under the A 60 motorway towards Belgium until reaching Landscheid. At the edge of town, the route continues with beautiful panoramic views over the Eifel heights. Through a relaxing forest section, the Eifelsteig / Säubrennerroute reaches the Kailbach valley at the outskirts of Niederkail. A detour to the small Eifel village with the Landhotel Lamberty and the historic Peter Zirbes house is recommended and offers deep insights into the life of the Eifel people in the 19th century. With the Kailbach, the route leads from Niederkail for about 7 km along the Salm to Bruch. At the village square, the road bridge (K44) is crossed, then at the beverage market, continue left. Soon the former oil mill is reached. The mill is accessible year-round and a visit is highly worthwhile. Along the Salm it continues through Bruch to the impressive water castle. The castle is privately owned and has some guest rooms available for rent upon request. From Bruch, it goes a bit further through the Salm valley. Soon the Säubrennerroute leaves the Eifelsteig and leads to the neighboring Dreis with a bubbling spring, a fairytale castle, and the more than impressive St. Martin Church. The small Eifel town Dreis is internationally known also through the 3-star gourmet restaurant Sonnora in the eponymous hotel. Rated with 3 stars in the Michelin Guide and 19.5 points in Gault Millau, the extraordinary restaurant is one of the best addresses in Germany and considered an absolute insider tip. In Dreis, the route leaves the Salm and goes uphill over quiet forest paths with fascinating panoramic views back towards the Säubrenner town. At the hiking car park, the country road (L141) is crossed. It continues through dense mixed forest, underneath the A 60 motorway until the Säubrennerroute meets the Eifel Camino pilgrim trail. At the shelter, turn left, downhill a bit, before the route turns right into the Mundwald forest. After a short time, the Hotel Vulcano Lindenhof is reached. Here a stopover is recommended with a breathtaking view over Wittlich and the Wittlich valley from the beautiful outdoor terrace. The Eifelsteig experience loop continues from the hotel with the marking (Säubrennerroute). In switchbacks it goes downhill, past impressive red sandstone rocks to the Roman villa on the Lieser riverbank. From the Roman villa, the Säubrennerroute follows the Lieser trail heading toward downtown. First, the wooden bridge under the motorways A1 / A48 is crossed. It goes a bit along underneath the motorway to the paved bike path / Lieser trail. Along the Lieser, it goes through the "Ohling" back into the town.
Hiking on the Eifelsteig and the Säubrennerroute is characterized by the route over natural paths, which naturally become slippery in rainy weather. We recommend hiking boots with good tread and hiking poles that provide safety on downhill sections.
Backpack with sufficient drinks and first aid kit for blisters and minor injuries, hiking poles and good hiking boots.
The Säubrennerroute is perfectly suited for weekend hiking. Via the connecting path Dreis - Hupperath, Eifelsteig hiking is possible stress-free without changing accommodations.
