Arft: Juniper Heathlands and Hiking Trails

Forest and Heath in the East Eifel

The area around Arft includes elevations with wild-rose and juniper heathlands, interspersed with broom and heather heath. The juniper stands are usually dense and, in places, up to 3 metres high. Descriptions of the landscape thus alternate between open heathland and areas characterised by shrubs and trees, alongside the mixed forests surrounding Arft. If you are looking for a natural setting for your holiday, these distinctive landscapes may be an important reason to consider Arft more closely.

The heathlands also feature in the names and descriptions of several hiking trails. The Bergheidenweg and Wacholderweg are both award-winning Eifel Traumpfade trails and cross the municipal area of Arft. They are complemented by the Historischer Schulweg, a scenic 9-kilometre circular hiking trail. It connects heathland with paths through mixed forests and along streams. The stated distance gives you a specific point of reference when including this circular hike in your day’s plans.

Hiking Trails with Different Highlights

In addition to heathland, forest paths and streams are also part of the route description for the Historischer Schulweg. This sets its stated route apart from the two award-winning Traumpfade trails, whose names put mountain heath and juniper in the foreground. The Jubiläumsweg 100 of the German Alpine Club, Koblenz Section, also crosses the municipal area of Arft. You can use different criteria to choose between the circular routes described here: the specific distance helps you gauge the length of the Historischer Schulweg, while the Arfter Runde is noted for being family-friendly and for its trail conditions. This lets you plan your hiking day according to whether clear guidance on distance or these features matter more to you.

Another option is the family-friendly “Arfter Runde”. It follows well-maintained hiking trails through forest and juniper heath, then passes through the village of Arft. Forest, heath and the route through the village are all part of its description.

Nature Experiences

Guided activities are also available in the area: Wacholderwacht offers guided nature hikes as well as events for school classes or groups of five or more. This may appeal to travellers looking for a hike with a nature guide or travelling as part of a group. An excursion led by medicinal herb specialist Hedda Edel also takes place in Arft, usually once a year. If you are interested in medicinal herbs, this excursion offers an additional activity with a different focus from the hiking trails described above.

When choosing your holiday apartment, the focus you want for your holiday may be decisive: would you mainly like to hike, or include guided nature activities in your days?

More places to discover: Bermel, Nachtsheim, Kobern-Gondorf, Andernach, Spay, Pillig, Lonnig, Rüber.

Back to the main travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.