The best gravel rides around Winkel (Eifel)
4.2
(16)
53
riders
12
rides
Gravel biking around Winkel (Eifel) offers routes through a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, featuring rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic valleys. The region's terrain includes former railway lines converted into cycle paths and tracks around maars (volcanic lakes). These routes often involve varied surfaces, from compacted gravel to forest tracks, providing a diverse experience for gravel bikers. The Eifel region is known for its volcanic origins, extensive natural deciduous forests, and basalt formations.
Best gravel bike trails around Winkel…
Last updated: July 3, 2026
20
riders
43.1km
03:14
750m
750m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3.8
(4)
10
riders
24.2km
01:52
450m
450m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(9)
17
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(2)
5
riders
36.3km
02:30
590m
590m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
25.4km
02:01
450m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Winkel (Eifel)
Tips from the Community
Very beautiful artificial lake created, for big and small, what
1
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A beautiful former railway bridge. It's beautiful to look at from both above and below.
1
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A truly amazing experience for young and old. Turn on the lights – even though the tunnel is lit. And in hot weather, it's like riding through a "refrigerator."
0
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A well-maintained cycle path runs around the maar, and beautiful views are guaranteed.
0
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A comfortable bench with a beautiful view—we enjoyed taking a chat break here early in the morning and enjoying the morning atmosphere!
1
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The Sarmersbach XXL or panoramic bench was built in November 2020 and is the largest bench in Rhineland-Palatinate. At 3.25 meters high and 6.27 meters long, it is unique. Over 6 cubic meters of Douglas fir wood were used. You can easily reach the bench via a wooden walkway – no climbing required! However, enter at your own risk. Anyone who takes a break here will be rewarded with a magnificent view.
6
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The Afelskreuz (indulgence cross, mistakenly interpreted as the "Eifel Cross") stands on an old Roman military road. For centuries, pilgrims from the Bonn-Cologne region have traveled this route to the grave of the Apostle Saint Matthias in Trier. This path is therefore also popularly known as the Pilgrim's Route. Another name is the "Piglet Route," because farmers and traders drove their cattle along the Afelskreuz to the markets in Kelberg and Mehren until the 1830s. It is noteworthy that the cities of Trier and Cologne are equidistant from the Afelskreuz (Afelskreuz), some 90 kilometers away. The Romans already established a well-developed network of paths, which can still be seen today. Hörschhausen was a junction of several Roman-era paths and roads. There was also a path from Hörschhausen to Bongard, which crossed the main road between Uess and Lieser at the Afelskreuz.
6
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Winkel (Eifel)?
Winkel (Eifel) offers around 20 gravel bike trails, providing a variety of options for exploring the region's unique volcanic landscape.
What is the typical difficulty level for gravel biking in Winkel (Eifel)?
The gravel bike trails in Winkel (Eifel) are generally considered moderate to difficult. There are no easy routes listed, with the majority of trails featuring challenging terrain and significant elevation changes, making them suitable for experienced riders.
What are the average distances and durations for gravel bike routes in this area?
Most gravel bike routes in Winkel (Eifel) range from approximately 40 to 60 kilometers (25 to 37 miles) in length. You can expect to spend between 3 to 4.5 hours completing these trails, depending on your pace and the specific route's elevation profile.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options in Winkel (Eifel)?
Given that most routes are rated as moderate to difficult, with significant distances and elevation, the area is less suited for young children or beginner families. However, experienced families might enjoy sections of routes that utilize former railway lines, which tend to have more consistent gradients.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails around Winkel (Eifel)?
The terrain is diverse, shaped by volcanic activity. You'll encounter rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic valleys. Surfaces vary from compacted gravel and forest tracks to paths around maars (volcanic lakes) and converted railway lines, offering a varied experience.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Winkel (Eifel)?
The best times for gravel biking in Winkel (Eifel) are typically spring and autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild, and the natural scenery is particularly beautiful. Summer can be pleasant, but be mindful of potential heat, while winter may bring snow or icy conditions on higher trails.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in Winkel (Eifel)?
Yes, many of the gravel bike trails in Winkel (Eifel) are designed as loops. For example, the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel – View of Daun from Daun Viaduct loop from Niederscheidweiler and the Panorama Bench Sarmerzbach – View of Daun from Daun Viaduct loop from Schalkenmehren are popular circular options.
What are some notable viewpoints or landmarks along the gravel bike routes?
The region offers several scenic viewpoints and historical landmarks. You can find stunning vistas like the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg or the Eifel View (Kreuzberg). Additionally, historical sites such as Manderscheid Upper Castle and Manderscheid Lower Castle are within reach.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Winkel (Eifel)?
The komoot community rates the gravel bike trails in Winkel (Eifel) highly, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic beauty of the volcanic landscape, and the unique experience of riding on former railway lines.
Are there any routes that follow old railway lines?
Yes, the region is known for its converted railway lines, which offer unique gravel biking experiences. The Cycle path on a railroad line – Holzmaar loop from Ulmen is a prime example, incorporating a section of a former railway line into its route.
Can I expect to see any volcanic maars on the routes?
Absolutely. The Eifel region is famous for its volcanic maars. Routes like the View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – View of the Schalkenmehren Maar loop from Auderath offer direct views and paths around these distinctive volcanic lakes.
Are there any routes that offer views of the Mosel River?
While Winkel (Eifel) is inland, some routes extend towards the Mosel region. The Bullay Railway Bridge – Mosel cycle path at Ediger-Eller loop from Kliding provides an opportunity to experience the transition from the Eifel landscape to views near the Mosel River.
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