Geierlay: visit the almost longest suspension bridge of Germany

Until May 2017 the 360m long Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay or the Geierlay suspension bridge was the longest pedestrian bridge in Germany. At a height of 100 meters above the Mörsdorfer Bachtal it connects the towns of Mörsdorf and Sosberg, of which both are located in the low mountain range the Hunsrück.

When you visit the Eifel or the Mosel area, a visit to this bridge is definitely recommended! Find here all the information for your visit to the Geierlay.

Where can you find the Geierlay?

History Geierlay

To renew the villages, in 2006 the idea arose to build a suspension bridge. At first, this idea was unfortunately rejected because it could not be realized.

However, in 2010, three citizens (among which the later mayor), picked up the idea again. And so the city council decided later that year to actually make a plan to realize the construction of the suspension bridge.

At the end of May 2015, the construction of the bridge started. About 5 months later the bridge was completed and opened on 3 October 2015.

How do you get there?

By (rental)car
The area where the Geierlay is located can be reached the fastest by (rental)car. From the Netherlands and Belgium you can drive there in about 4 hours.

By plane
Do you prefer to travel by plane to the Geierlay in Germany? Find the nearest airports here:

From the above mentioned airports the best way to travel to the Geierlay is by rental car.. You can easily book this via for example Sunny Cars or Rentalcars.com.

By public transport
It is not possible to reach the Geierlay by public transport.

Parking Mörsdorf 

The pedestrian bridge itself cannot be reached by car, but only on foot or by bicycle.

There are various specially designated parking spaces for cars, buses and campers in the Mörsdorf area. It is not allowed to park in the village along the street. Here parking is only allowed for residents who are in the possession of a special permit.

At the visitor center

The number of parking spaces at the visitor center is limited and only suitable for cars. Upon arrival you will receive a parking ticket at the barrier and after you have paid at the ticket machine (cash only) you can leave the parking lot.

Address: Kastellauner Strasse 23, 56290 Mörsdorf.

Paid parking between 06.00-22.00h (06.00-10.00pm).
First 10 minutes are free.
First 2 hours, € 4. Then every 15 minuten € 0,50.

All other parking lots

On the Windorfer Straße you will find a second parking space for cars, as well as a special parking space for campers.

Paid parking between 07.00 – 21.00h (07.00am-09.00pm).
Minimum 2 hours for € 2, € 4 for 4 hours etc.

Parking Sosberg

You can also choose to pay a visit to the Geierlay from Sosberg. Here it is often more quiet, only there are fewer parking places than in Mörsdorf.

Parking with a car is possible at the Gemeindehaus (center) or Kirchweg 11, 56858 Sosberg. Are you on the road with a camper? Then in Sosberg there are no possibilities to park and you can only go to the special parking area for campers at Mörsdorf.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The Geierlay is free to visit 24 hours a day throughout the year. Only when it is very windy it can happen that the bridge is being closed.

Visitor center

In the village of Mörsdorf there is a visitor center where you can find information about the suspension bridge and the surrounding area. You can also go there for a sanitary stop, as there are no toilets on the route to and near the suspension bridge.

Monday – Wednesday: closed.
Thursday – Sunday: 10.30-15.00h (10.30am-03.00pm).
Website: https://www.geierlay.de/

Starting points visit Geierlay

You can visit the Geierlay from both Mörsdorf and Sosberg, where starting from Sosberg is often a more quiet. In addition, try to start at the latest at 10 a.m. in order to avoid the biggest crowds on the walking route and the bridge. And to make sure you can still secure a parking space.

Start from Mörsdorf

From Mörsdorf there are two routes that lead to the Geierlay:

• follow the 1.5 km long paved road to the bridge from the visitor center;
• the 6.4 km long Geierlayschleife.

Do you choose to do the Geierlayschleife? Then you do not only walk over the bridge, but you will also walk underneath it. After a walk of about 900m along a paved road from the visitor center in Mörsdorf you will find the start of the Geierlayschleife at the end of the street, Auf der Lex, .

Here the signage of the Geierlayschleife and your walk through the Mörsdorfer Bachtal start. When you turn left at the junction, you will walk across the bridge after a walk through the forest. When you go straight ahead, you will first walk under the bridge, and then walk back over the bridge to Mörsdorf.

Length: 6.4 km.
Duration: 2-2,5 hours (including time at the bridge)
Difference in height: approx. 150 meter

Start from Sosberg

From the center of Sosberg you follow the signposting along the approximately 1.9 km walking path to the Geierlay bridge. The advantage of starting from Sosberg is that it is usually more quiet.

Is the hike suitable for children?

The Geierlayschleife and the Geierlay bridge are both suitable for children. Only crossing the Geierlay may be a bit scary due to the height of the bridge.

It is advisable to accompany (young) children well and / or keep them in sight when crossing the bridge.

Shoes and equipment

Comfortable shoes such as sports shoes or walking shoes are recommended for a visit to the Geierlay or a walk along the Geierlayschleife.

Drinking water

On the way there is no possibility to refill or buy drinking water. Take sufficient drinking water with you in a reusable water bottle or fill your drinking water at the visitor centre before you start your walk.

Food and drinks

At the bridge itself there are no restaurants or eateries to get something to eat and / or to drink. This is best done in Mörsdorf or Sosberg, but the possibilities are limited.

Facilities

During the walk to the Geierlay and at the bridge itself there are no toilets available. If you want to use the toilet, you can do so at the visitor center in Mörsdorf (€ 0.50 p.p.).

Accommodation nearby Geierlay

From bungalows to holiday parks and holiday homes to cozy hotels. There are several possibilities nearby to stay overnight and to explore the Mosel area and on a short drive from the Geierlay. Nice accommodations are:

• Ferienresort Cochem
• Landhaus Sonne

Geierlay packing list

• daypack
• drinking water
• lunch and/or snacks
• comfortable shoes (hiking shoes, sneakers)
• cash (parking)