Aqueduct of the former Roman canal near Mechernich-Vussem
Maximilian Hulisz, Tourismus NRW e.V., Aqueduct of the former Roman canal near Mechernich-Vussem

Römerkanal-Wanderweg

Nettersheim
  • Hiking, Regional hiking trail
  • 117 km
  • 38 Hours
  • simple
History step by step: The Roman Canal Hiking Trail follows a Roman water pipeline and leads in 7 stages from Nettersheim to Cologne in the footsteps of Roman engineering.

This wall trail invites you to travel back in time and offers the opportunity to discover the impressive remains of an almost two-thousand-year-old Roman canal in the Eifel.The Roman Canal Hiking Trail stretches over 116 kilometers from Nettersheim to Cologne-Sülz and follows the historic Eifel water pipeline, an engineering masterpiece of the Romans from the 1st century A.D. On seven stages between 13 and 22 kilometers in length, it follows the water in the direction of Cologne.

Along the route, hikers will come across numerous relics of the ancient water pipeline, including the "Grüner Pütz" spring near Nettersheim, the Klausbrunnen fountain and the aqueduct bridge near Vussem. Around 50 information boards along the route offer insights into Roman engineering and the history of the ancient water supply.

The well-signposted route can be walked in both directions and runs parallel to railroad lines, allowing for flexible stage planning. Numerous hiker-friendly hosts along the way invite you to stop for refreshments and overnight stays.

More tours at a glance

  • To Page Ahrsteig

    Ahrsteig

    Blankenheim
    Hiking
    The challenging Ahrsteig trail runs for a total of 85 kilometers from Blankenheim to Sinzig. It accompanies the Ahr on its way through valleys, vineyards and half-timbered villages.
    Learn more
  • To Page Rureifel: Gravelbike-Tour "Familyloop"

    Rureifel: Gravelbike-Tour "Familyloop"

    Simmerath
    Cycling
    This family-friendly gravel bike tour through the Rureifel is also suitable for less fit cyclists.
    Learn more
  • To Page Rureifel: Gravelbike-Tour "Fettochino"

    Rureifel: Gravelbike-Tour "Fettochino"

    Simmerath
    Cycling
    If you haven't gotten your money's worth on the "Heavy Gravel" gravel bike tour, you can tackle a few more kilometers on the Fettochino tour. Let's go!
    Learn more
New tips every two months

Insider tips & excursion ideas

Newsletter

Fancy some mail? Then subscribe here to our every two months newsletter with information on special travel offers, selected short tips for short trips and other insider tips for travelling in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Click here to register