Wallendorf between the Sauer and Our rivers
Accommodation in Wallendorf
Wallendorf lies on the border with Luxembourg, at the confluence of the Sauer and Our rivers. A nature reserve within the municipal area and traces of a Celtic settlement above the village give this destination several facets. Nature and history stand side by side here—from the river valleys to a settlement site with a history spanning centuries.
Hiking and experiencing the landscape
Route No. 44 of the Southern Eifel Nature Park leads from Gentingen via Niedersgegen to Wallendorf, then along the Our Valley via Ammeldingen and back to Gentingen. The route is 15.9 kilometres long, making it suitable for an extended hike. Route details may change; check the current route description before setting off.
The Castellberg plateau lies above Wallendorf. The wooden Römerturm observation tower stands at the edge of the plateau. From there, you can look out over the valleys of the Sauer and Our rivers.
The 47.5-hectare “Langenberg and Bocksberg near Wallendorf” nature reserve is located within the municipal area of Wallendorf. It aims to preserve and develop south-facing semi-dry grasslands on extremely steep slopes, dry meadow grasslands, orchards and dry-stone walls. Shrub formations, areas of mixed deciduous woodland, and spring hollows with adjoining wet meadows are also among the protected habitats of numerous threatened animal and plant species. The variety of these areas shows that the landscape consists not only of open meadows, but also of trees and shrubs, walls and damp spring areas.
Castellberg and its history
As early as the 4th century BC, a Celtic settlement covering more than 40 hectares was established on Castellberg above Wallendorf. Around 130 BC, the Treveri built a large, town-like oppidum there, protected by a massive encircling fortification wall. Before Caesar’s Gallic War (58–50 BC), the oppidum was one of the most important settlements of the Treveri. Coins of the Treveri, including silver and gold coins, were also minted on Castellberg.
After the Roman conquest of Gaul, a temple precinct was established at around the start of the Common Era at the highest point of Castellberg. A small settlement of merchants and artisans adjoined the sanctuary; it may also have included accommodation for pilgrims. The settlement came to an end in stages: it was partly abandoned during the Germanic invasions of the 3rd century and completely abandoned at the end of the 4th century. Castellberg thus reveals a long sequence of settlement, religious life and, ultimately, abandonment.
Church and living tradition
Wallendorf itself also has historical landmarks. The parish church of St Peter and St Paul was built in 1748 and dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul and, secondarily, to Saint Barbara. The single-nave rubble-stone building has a three-sided chancel and a west tower. “Single-nave” describes a church interior with one main nave; the three-sided chancel describes the shape of the chancel’s end. Together, these features give a clear architectural picture of the church and its history.
A local tradition is the carnival club “Schmetterling’s” Kappensitzung, which it holds every year. Details of each event may vary. Alongside the church, this tradition shows another side of Wallendorf, distinct from its landscape and early settlement: culture is reflected both in the historic building and in recurring local customs.
Choose the right focus for your stay
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Wallendorf, the focus you want for your stay can help guide your choice. A hike along the 15.9-kilometre circular route, the landscape around the Römerturm, the nature reserve or the history of Castellberg all offer different ways to explore the area.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Irrel, Speicher, Mützenich, Prüm, Wolsfeld, Schlausenbach, Auw bei Prüm, Schwirzheim.
Back to the overview of the region: Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm.
