Eifelsteig landscape

Photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash

Eifelsteig

~15 days · 195.8 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance195.8 mi
Days out15
Elevation gain29,843 ft
Gain / mile152 ft
High point2,192 ft
Difficulty index62/100

What the Eifelsteig is known for

Eifelsteig follows Eifel Tourismus's officially published 15-stage itinerary from Aachen-Kornelimünster to Trier. The official source describes 313 km; this hand-chained OpenStreetMap relation 1176757 main-line geometry measures 315.2 km. Approach, excursion, and alternative branches are excluded; named camp markers are overnight planning towns, not campsite assertions.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Eifelsteig on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,690 ft to 7,136 ft over 195.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 75.7 mi · 39%
  • Downhill 68.0 mi · 35%
  • Flat 52.1 mi · 27%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Eifelsteig?

62 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Eifelsteig scores 62/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Eifelsteig take?

Most backpackers hike the Eifelsteig in about 15 days (14 nights out) over its 195.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Eifelsteig?

The Eifelsteig climbs roughly 29,843 ft total — about 152 ft per mile, topping out near 2,192 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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