There are numerous partner trails along the Eifelsteig, which also serve as feeders to the Eifelsteig, including the Buntsandstein route. This partner trail is in no way inferior to the main route of the Eifelsteig in terms of quality and attractiveness and also meets the strict criteria of the German Hiking Association with regard to natural hiking trails with beautiful views - preferably without asphalt and reflecting almost all the beauty of the Eifel in a very small area.
Around 220 million years ago, a desert climate prevailed in the Eifel, characterized by great aridity and rare but heavy rainfall. These washed red-colored sands and stones into the widely ramified rivers. The river deposits solidified together with sand dunes to form red sandstone. Much later, the Rur river began to persistently and patiently cut its way deep into the mountain rump. This created the impressive rocks that can be hiked today on the red sandstone route.
The Buntsandsteinroute hiking trail in the Eifel begins at Kreuzau railroad station, leaves the town and runs through the Rura floodplain to Üdingen. There, the path gradually climbs so that the impressive panorama of the Obermaubach reservoir can be enjoyed on the Mausauel. Via the Eugenienstein and above the Rather Felsen rocks, the route finally reaches Nideggen on winding, natural paths through the Hindenburgtor and the Christinenley rock formation and more than lives up to its name. From the market square in Nideggen, the partner trail of the Eifelsteig initially runs below the castle, then along the Effelsfelsen and through the Kühlenbusch to Abenden. Between Abenden and Hausen, the edge of the Eifel National Park is touched for the first time and on the last 5 kilometers to Heimbach, only the Hausener Busch stands in the way of the hikers. However, this is quickly climbed and the smallest town in NRW attracts visitors with its gastronomic offerings. From Heimbach, the red sandstone route now climbs steadily through the national park to the "Black Cross" on the Kermeter, from where it descends to the Urft dam wall and finally joins the Eifelsteig after just over 40 km.
The red sandstone route is "accompanied" by the Rurtalbahn railroad between Kreuzau and Heimbach. Hikers therefore have the perfect opportunity to hike by train: you can start and end your individual hike at one of the 11 stops or interrupt it with a short train ride to get to your next stage on the red sandstone route.
If you would like to experience the Bunter Sandstone Route in comfort and without having to plan your own route, simply book the 3-day package on the Bunter Sandstone Route.
The red sandstone cliffs pose a natural risk of falling rocks. Please keep your distance from the edges of the cliffs and do not stay below the rock faces. Observe warning signs and instructions to avoid accidents and protect nature.
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