Daily Approach Plans
Interactive topo maps with high-fidelity GPS routing and location recon photos.
Day
1 • Apr 1
Insertion & Plateau Recon
- 09:32 AM DB ICE/RE from Cologne Hbf → Trier → Bus to Berdorf.
- Establish basecamp at Trail-Inn Natur & Sporthotel.
- Initial shakedown hike on the B2 route to test gear and gauge local rock conditions.
Distance4.2 km
Elev
Δ+80m
Recon: Berdorf Sandstone
Formations
Day
2 • Apr 2
Wollefsschlucht Ascent (Route E1)
- Bus deployment to Echternach Basilica.
- Steep initial push to the Trooskneppchen viewpoint (pacing required).
- Navigate the Wollefsschlucht (Wolf's Gorge) via ancient rock stairs between towering 40m walls.
- Sustained hike along the Aesbaach valley returning directly to basecamp.
Distance13.5 km
Elev
Δ+380m
Recon: Wollefsschlucht
Steps
Day
3 • Apr 3
Subterranean Sector (Route 2)
Headlamps mandatory. Expect extreme narrowing and zero-visibility sections.
- Approach march from Berdorf to the Wanterbaach climbing crags.
- Infiltrate Raiberhiel (Robber's Cave) – requires climbing dark stone steps inside a vertical fissure.
- Traverse the Kuelscheier rockfall labyrinth.
- Extract via Consdorf bus station back to Berdorf.
Distance9.8 km
Elev
Δ+210m
Recon: Kuelscheier Fault
Entry
Day
4 • Apr 4
Teufelsschlucht (German Border)
- Cross the border to Ernzen (Felsenland Südeifel).
- Descend into the Teufelsschlucht (Devil's Gorge) - a 28-meter deep, 1m-wide tectonic fissure.
- Study the 190-million-year geological history at the nearby Dinosaurierpark.
Distance6.0 km
Elev
Δ+120m
Recon: Teufelsschlucht
Descent
Day
5 • Apr 5
Mullerthal Hydrology (Route 3)
- Track alongside the Black Ernz river.
- Hit the Schiessentümpel cascading waterfalls.
- Navigate to the Kallektuffquell (tufa springs) – watch footing on wet limestone.
- Stay alert for forestry detour markers in this sector.
Distance11.0 km
Elev
Δ+150m
Recon: Schiessentümpel
Falls
Day
6 • Apr 6
Final Views & Extraction
- Morning: Berdorf Aquatower for 360-degree views (or 14m indoor climbing in Echternach).
- Midday bus to Trier Hbf.
- 19:08 PM: Board direct train back to Cologne Hbf (Arrival 21:47 PM).