Schwarzer Mann

The Schwarzer Mann is a mountain in the western Eifel, part of the Schnee Eifel range. It stands near the Belgian border within the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park. The summit reaches 697.8 metres and is the highest point in the Schnee Eifel. Three villages lie close by: Halenfeld to the east, Sellerich to the south and Bleialf to the west. The Alfbach stream rises on its northern slopes while the Litzenmehlenbach flows down the eastern side.

The mountain is made of quartzite and hosts a rare wildcat population among its spruce forests. A small boundary stone called the Tranchotstein marks the summit area. It was named after Jean Joseph Tranchot, a French geographer who surveyed the Rhinelands for Napoleon in the early 19th century. The lead ore mine near Bleialf gave the mountain its name, as miners returned with blackened faces.

Visitors find a well-developed hiking network and the largest skiing area in Rhineland-Palatinate. The heavily wooded ridge offers long views across the Eifel countryside. The nearby villages provide simple inns and farm shops for refreshments. The Tranchotstein stands as a quiet reminder of the region’s mapping history. The mountain remains a peaceful spot for walkers and skiers alike.