Sellerich: Nature, Hiking Trails and Local History

Hiking trails and viewpoints nearby

A municipal development description from 2020 puts the municipality’s hiking trail network at 80 kilometres, comprising nine routes. Further hiking trails connect to it via the North Eifel Nature Park. The Schneifel area overlaps only partially with the municipality; it does not describe the entire municipal area. For planning purposes, it is therefore helpful to distinguish between the municipal trail network and the adjoining trails.

The “Schwarzer Mann” Eifel viewpoint is near Sellerich. From there, the panorama stretches across villages, lakes, river valleys, hedgerow landscapes, heathland and moors. Panoramic information boards describe visible attractions, places and distinctive features of the landscape; benches invite you to linger. The viewpoint thus complements the hiking trails and landscape in the municipality, but is not itself part of the local trail network.

Hontheim: Kneipp footbath and barefoot path

In Hontheim, next to a barbecue hut, there is a footbath used for Kneipp treatments. A forest barefoot path is also right by the hut. It takes you over gravel, bark mulch, sand and grass—a different way of experiencing your surroundings than walking in the water. Another footbath is located on the Schneifelweg in Hontheim; no additional use is described here for this one. If you plan to visit one of these facilities, check its current accessibility in advance.

Churches and places of remembrance

The history of the branch church of Saint Isidore is linked to the relocation of a village. The former branch church in Hontheim served Hontheim, Sellerich, Sellericher Höhe and Herscheid. It was completely destroyed by the effects of war in 1944/45 and was not rebuilt on its former site. Instead, the new church was built in Sellerich. The decision led to some disputes between the villages. The foundation stone for Saint Isidore was laid on 13 July 1952; the church was ceremonially consecrated on 26 August 1953.

Another place of remembrance is the Marienkapelle (Chapel of Mary) on the edge of the forest above Hontheim. It commemorates the liberation by the Americans in 1944/45. Nearby are two historic columns from the former Reich Labour Service (RAD) camp. Together with the church’s history, these places offer insight into different chapters in the history of Sellerich and Hontheim.

Culture and regional additions

The local theatre group gives performances in Sellerich several times a year. A municipal publication dated 5 March 2025 reports on these performances; if you would like to plan your visit around one, check the latest dates.

Further cultural and historical attractions are in the wider travel destination of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm. The Mühlenberger Stollen Bleialf visitor mine has a mining trail with information boards on the history of mining. Hour-long guided tours through the mine cover everything from ore extraction in Bleialf to geology and applied technology. Tours are seasonal; check the dates before your visit. The Devonium in Waxweiler introduces visitors to palaeontology and the science of fossil life in a playful way. The Westwall Museum houses a military history exhibition spread across three accessible bunker levels as well as underground passages and rooms.

The roughly 700-year-old Rittersdorf moated castle is another regional example: it has remained almost unchanged since it was built and offers a glimpse of late medieval and modern Renaissance residential culture. The castle also has a privately run restaurant serving fine country cuisine. Check whether the restaurant is currently open before visiting. These destinations broaden your view of the Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm, but are distinct from the places and offerings in Sellerich and Hontheim.

Discover more destinations: Wallersheim, Schloßheck, Schwirzheim, Schönecken, Schlausenbach, Prüm, Rommersheim.

For the wider travel guide: Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm.