Weißer Stein

Weißer Stein is a recreation and winter-sports area located by the village of Udenbreth, part of the municipality of Hellenthal, right on the German-Belgian border in a district known as Zitterwald. For decades it has drawn both winter-sports enthusiasts and visitors seeking scenic viewpoints and family-friendly attractions.

Where exactly is Weißer Stein?

The hill sits in the southwestern corner of North Rhine-Westphalia, directly against the Belgian border. It reaches an elevation of 690 metres, making it the highest summit on the left bank of the Rhine within all of North Rhine-Westphalia. It also happens to be the second-highest point in Belgium, surpassed only by Signal de Botrange. Because the surrounding terrain — including Udenbreth itself — sits only slightly lower, the summit itself is barely noticeable; it feels less like a distinct peak and more like a broad, gently rolling upland plateau.

What is there to do here in summer?

Outside the winter season, Weißer Stein functions as a general recreation area for visitors of all ages. It offers a sports field and an extensive children's playground fitted with new, sturdy play equipment. A lookout tower was built here at the end of 2014, offering an "Eifel view" from a height of 720 metres, reached via 147 steps. At the base of the tower stands a climbing wall measuring 16 metres in length and 3 metres in height, open to anyone wanting to test their climbing skills.

Why is it a popular winter destination?

Weißer Stein has been a favourite spot for active winter-sports fans in the Eifel region for many decades. Its main draw is a toboggan run up to 350 metres long, equipped with a toboggan lift that lets visitors ride down repeatedly without hiking back up on foot. When snow conditions allow, cross-country skiing trails are also laid out in the surrounding area, rounding out the site's appeal as an all-season winter destination.

Who is it best suited for?

The combination of year-round infrastructure — playground, sports field, lookout tower, climbing wall — with seasonal winter offerings like tobogganing and cross-country skiing makes Weißer Stein equally suited to a family day trip or as a base for anyone planning an active stay in the Eifel. The view from the tower over the surrounding hills and border forests is an added bonus for landscape photography enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Weißer Stein? The hill reaches 690 metres above sea level, making it the highest point on the left bank of the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia and the second-highest point in Belgium.

Is there a lookout tower on site? Yes. The tower was built at the end of 2014, is reached via 147 steps, and offers views over the Eifel landscape from a height of 720 metres.

What winter activities does Weißer Stein offer? A toboggan run up to 350 metres long with a lift, plus cross-country skiing trails when snow conditions permit.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the area has an extensive playground with new equipment and a sports field, and there is also a climbing wall next to the lookout tower.

Where exactly is this place located? Near Udenbreth, in the municipality of Hellenthal, in the Zitterwald area, right on the German-Belgian border.