Looking for an adventure close to home? Or would you like to hike across one of the most beautiful suspension bridges in Europe? Then Suspension bridge Geierlay exactly what you are looking for! Located in Germany's beautiful Hunsrück region, this bridge not only offers breathtaking views, but also cool hiking trails in the area. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just want to enjoy nature, the Geierlay is a must-visit. Perfect for a weekend getaway or as a stopover during a trip to Cologne. In this blog, we share all our tips with you, from parking and walking routes to fun facts and our experience with dog!
What can you expect from Hanging Bridge Geierlay?
Let's start at the beginning because what can you expect from this suspension bridge? In our opinion, a visit to the Geierlay Suspension Bridge, or also called the Geierlay Suspension Bridge, is more than just a crossing. What makes this bridge special is the combination of its impressive height and beautiful surroundings. Because with a height of 100 metres above the valley, it feels like floating, while enjoying panoramic views over the forested hills of the Hunsrück. The views are breathtaking in every season, making this the perfect destination for hikers, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Good to know: Are you afraid of heights? Then the crossing can be exciting. But don't worry, the bridge is firmly secured and completely safe. Even children and dogs can easily join you!
Where is the Geierlay suspension bridge?
The Geierlay hangs out in Germany's Hunsrück region, between the villages of Mörsdorf and Sosberg. This area is not far from the Moselle and is surrounded by forests and hills, making it a perfect place for hikers, photographers and nature lovers. Find the exact location of Suspension Bridge Geierlay here.
Tip: You can park in either village if you like, later in the blog we explain more about the different parking areas!
Useful information for Geierlay suspended platform
Visiting the suspension bridge is an experience in itself, but with a little preparation, you'll get even more out of it. From the best parking spot and costs to the best hiking routes and handy hike tips, we have everything listed for you. Travelling with a dog? We share our experience on that too!
1. What does a visit to the suspension bridge cost Geierlay
A visit to this suspension bridge is completely free! So you do not have to pay any entrance fee to cross the bridge or walk in the area. The only costs you may have are:
- Parking: +/- €12 per day or free (more information on parking below).
- Food & drink: You can choose to eat at one of the restaurants in Mörsdorf or Sosberg, but of course you can also bring your own picnic.
- Overnight stays: Are you making a nice weekend of it? Then you can choose to stay overnight in the area. Find our favourites at the bottom of this blog.
2. Where is the best place to park for the suspension bridge Geierlay?
Before arriving at the suspension bridge, you have to do a small hike, the length of which depends on which car park you choose and range from 1.8 kilometres to 3.4 kilometres.
Parking in Mörsdorf
At Mörsdorf you have four choices for parking. Prices and facilities vary so we list them for you.
- P1 Parkplatz Besucher-Zentrum (1.8 km from Geierlay suspension bridge)
- Costs: You pay €10 for the first 4 hours, and after that you pay €1 per 15 minutes.
(You can pay by debit card, credit card and cash here) - The facilities you can find here are: Visitor centre (opens at 10:00), public toilets (€0.70 payable in cash) and a restaurant.
- Opening hours car park: 06:00 - 22:00
- Costs: You pay €10 for the first 4 hours, and after that you pay €1 per 15 minutes.
- P2 Windorfer Strasse (2.0 km from Geierlay suspension bridge)
- Costs: The first 4 hours cost €8, after which you pay €1 per quarter-hour.
(Note: you can only pay by debit or credit card here) - The facilities you can find here are: Toilets (free when you park there)
- Opening hours car park: Open 24/7
- Costs: The first 4 hours cost €8, after which you pay €1 per quarter-hour.
- P3 Sportplatz (2.3 kilometres from Geierlay suspension bridge) - Here we were!
- Costs: The first 4 hours cost €6, after which you pay €2 per hour.
(You can pay by debit card, credit card and cash here) - The facilities you can find here are: Toilets (free when you park there)
- Opening hours car park: Open 24/7
- Costs: The first 4 hours cost €6, after which you pay €2 per hour.
- P4 Wander-Parkplatz (3.4 km from Geierlay suspension bridge)
- Costs: You can park here for free
- The facilities you can find here are: No facilities.
- Opening hours car park: Open 24/7
Do you have an electric car? Then there are 4 charging points available at address: Kastellauner Str. 16, 56290 Mörsdorf.
Parking in Sosberg
In Sosberg, you also have the choice of parking. However, there is only one car park here close to the Geierlay suspension bridge.
- P1 Wander-Parkplatz Sosberg Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay (+/- 1.9 kilometres from the Geierlay suspension bridge)
- Costs: About €6 for 4 hours.
- The facilities you can find here are: No facilities.
- Opening hours car park: Open 24/7
Read also: Top 10 things to do - Harz National Park!
Read also: The Malerweg: one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Germany
3. Hiking routes to suspension bridge Geierlay
From both Sosberg and Mörsdorf, you can easily follow the signs towards the Geierlay Suspension Bridge. Both routes are well signposted, so you will find the right way without difficulty. You can choose between the default route and the Geierlayschleife. The standard route follows a paved path and is ideal for families with children or prams.
Would you prefer a more challenging hike? Then the Geierlayschleife is a good option. This is the most popular route in the region: a varied hike of +/- 6.4 kilometres that takes you through dense forests, over hills and past beautiful viewpoints. This route offers a perfect mix of nature, adventure and tranquillity, with of course the Geierlay suspension bridge itself as the highlight. After crossing the suspension bridge, you continue walking through a quiet valley and discover the landscapes this region is so famous for. Along the way, you will encounter little to no buildings, giving you a real sense of being away from it all.
Route information Geierlayschleife
- Starting point: Mörsdorf (near the visitor centre)
- Difficulty: Average, some sections are steep, but doable for most hikers
- Duration: +/- 2.5 hours (depending on your pace and photo stops)
- Highlights: The suspension bridge itself, green forests, picturesque valleys and various viewpoints
- Helpful tip: Download an offline map in Google Maps, Maps.me Whether the Komoot app, so you always have the route to hand. After all, mobile coverage is limited in the woods, so it is handy to know which way to go!
You can also use the Komoot app to discover even more walking routes in the area. We used this ourselves and found it incredibly useful! It makes it easy to choose a hike that suits you perfectly.
4. What should you bring for a hike?
The most important thing we took with us on our hike to the Geierlay Suspension Bridge? Without a doubt, our walking shoes! No matter which route you choose, you will always have to walk quite a bit, and it is nice if it is comfortable. Moreover, in autumn and winter the paths can get muddy and slippery, so good shoes are a must. Don't have any yet? Take a look at the website of Beaver or get proper information in one of their shops! Besides sturdy shoes, there are a few more essentials that should not be missing from your daypack:
- Food & drink: Along the way, you will hardly come across any places to eat, so bring something yourself. A snack and a bottle of water are always a good idea.
- Fitted clothing: Provide a windbreaker (it can be quite windy on the bridge!) and an extra jumper if it gets chilly. In summer, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
- Camera or smartphone: Trust us, you want to take pictures here!
Tip: Make sure you go out prepared with a backpack perfect for your adventure! In our webshop you will find a backpack which is ideal for day hikes as well as longer trips. Handy for carrying not only your essentials, but also a powerbank, so you will never run out of battery while taking photos or navigating with Komoot.
5. Is suspension bridge Geierlay suitable for dogs?
Yes and No... it just depends on what kind of dog you have. We took the walk with our dog Kaya and were not quite prepared. In fact, dogs are welcome on the Geierlay Suspension Bridge, but it is good to take a few things into account:
- The bridge moves and can be slippery. For some dogs (like Kaya), this can take some getting used to.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. This is mandatory for the safety of both your dog and other visitors.
- The open construction can be exciting. Some dogs find it uncomfortable to walk across a bridge with open bars.
Is your dog sensitive to heights or wobbly surfaces? Then test how he or she reacts first. We let Kaya quietly sniff and explore the bridge before crossing. She decided on her own that she wanted to walk with us, so we set off with her! Once halfway across the bridge, she had had enough (typical Husky) so we had to carry her the other half.
Unsure if your dog is up to this adventure? Then you can also choose to take another nice walk in the area. There are plenty of routes that are just as fun, but without the wobbly bridge!
Discover the nicest accommodations near Hanging Bridge Geierlay!
Are you travelling by car or motorhome and looking for a nice place to stay? There are plenty of options in the area, whether you are looking for a cosy guesthouse, a cosy holiday home or a campsite in the middle of nature. We often book our accommodation last minute and therefore always have a few favourites ready at Booking.com. These were our top choices:
- Pension Kölzer (Mörsdorf): An atmospheric guest house within walking distance of the Geierlay Suspension Bridge. Super location and well reviewed!
- Ferienhaus Griede (Mörsdorf): A cosy holiday home with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
- Landhof Lieg (Lieg): We stayed here ourselves and found it really a top place! Spacious rooms and a nice atmosphere + dogs are allowed!
- Premium Ferienhaus Das Farmhaus (Lieg): A luxury holiday home with modern facilities and a quiet location.
Camping & Caravan sites
Going by motorhome? Then you can spend the night at P2 in Mörsdorf, close to the Geierlay Suspension Bridge. Not the most atmospheric spot, but practical if you want to set off early. Prefer a nicer motorhome site? Then Moselvorland in Valwig highly recommended, right on the Moselle with stunning views.
Whether you choose a hotel, holiday home or campsite, there is plenty of choice for a successful stay in this beautiful region!
We hope these tips help you plan a visit to Hanging Bridge Geierlay. Still have questions? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram.
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