Photohike Altenahr: Teufelsloch, Teufelsley & Ahr Loop – A Morning of Rock and Light
- Lars-Henrik Roth
- 20. Juli
- 3 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 17. Okt.
A touch of wilderness. A first ray of light. And a trail that leads deep into the past.
Distance: 8.24 km, Elevation gain: 320 m, Difficulty: T3
Long before sunrise, I step out of the car in the valley of Altenahr. The world is still silent. No sound, no movement—just the steady murmur of the Ahr river somewhere below. My cameras are ready, my backpack is light, the headlamp switched off. It’s one of those rare days when everything aligns: the light, the air, and the inner restlessness that’s been calling me to these rocks for days.
🌄 Chasing the Light – The Ascent
From Altenahr station, the trail winds gently—and then steeply - through the forest. I follow the “Baumgeisterweg” (Tree Spirits Trail), where gnarled oaks cast long shadows and the first light catches on beech leaves. Still in twilight, I reach the Schwarzes Kreuz (Black Cross) - the view back down the valley is promising. But I want more. My goal: the Teufelsloch (Devil's Hole), a legendary rock crevice high above the Ahr valley.
Then it happens. Timing, light, composition - everything comes together. Just as I arrive, the sun rises on the horizon, shining straight through the Teufelsloch. A golden beam cuts through the darkness of the rock. I press the shutter - again and again. Each frame is different. Each tells its own story.
🪨 Teufelsley & Schrock – Ridgewalk with a View
Beyond the rocky arch, the trail gets narrow. And steep. The Teufelsley towers in front of me like a natural balcony. From up here, the Ahr valley opens up like a mythical panorama. The view of Altenahr, Castle Are bathed in morning light, and the winding river - it's a scene full of drama and depth.
Today, I’m shooting with two cameras:
The Canon R7 with the RF 24–240mm—perfect for detail work, compression, and flexible framing
The Canon R6 Mark II with the EF 16–35mm f/4L IS USM - ideal for ultra-wide compositions, sunstars, and immersive rocky perspectives
The cliffs glow golden, while wisps of mist drift through the valley. I explore, experiment, play with lines, depth of field, and shafts of light. It's that state of deep focus where nothing else matters.
At Schrock, the view widens again. The valley spreads out like an open hand. Hills, river curves, soft layers of distance. I pause, absorb, breathe it all in.
🌿 The Power of Details – Small Wonders Along the Way
After descending to the Ahr, the landscape changes. The wild gives way to the quiet. Bees buzz among blackberry blossoms, a longhorn beetle rests in a sunspot. I switch to the R7 with the telephoto lens, stepping back to get close. Now is the time for the small things - those often overlooked. The things that remain after the big views fade.
I find bellflowers, delicate seed heads, shimmering light on water. The Ahr gurgles beside me, the light now soft and calm. One last look back - the cliffs, the ridge, the journey I walked.
The hike ends near the makeshift bridge by the winegrowers’ cooperative. Not spectacular—but perfectly fitting.This trail doesn’t pose. It resonates.
📸 Photography Tips for This Hike
Timing is everything: Be on the trail at least 30 minutes before sunrise to catch the light at the Teufelsloch.
Two-camera setup: Use R7 + RF 24–240mm for flexibility and detail; R6 Mark II + 16–35mm for wide angles and depth - no need to constantly swap lenses.
Sunstars: Use aperture f/22 and a light ND filter to catch harmonious sunbursts.
Slow down: Many subjects here don’t reveal themselves at first glance. Pause, breathe, look twice.
🧭 Conclusion
This photohike was more than a hike - it was an encounter. With rock, light, air, and silence. I walked alone, yet everything was present: adventure, beauty, awe.
If you're ready for a ridgewalk between light and depth, between wilderness and quiet - this is your trail.
⚠️ Trail Safety Notice
This route includes narrow, steep, and exposed rocky paths - especially near Teufelsloch, Teufelsley, and Schrock.
➡️ Sure-footedness, sturdy hiking boots, and a head for heights are essential! ➡️ Not recommended in wet conditions or for inexperienced hikers.
💡 If you're unsure, sections can be bypassed via wider alternative paths.The experience remains powerful - even at a safer distance.
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