Wild Eifel

The Eifel National Park is still a "development national park," a kind of nature promise for the future. But numerous hiking trails, bike routes and lakes are already attracting nature lovers - as is a special wilderness trail. 

The Wilderness Trail in the Eifel National Park stretches in four stages once across the national park, they are each between 18 and 25 kilometers long. Those who want to enjoy the experiences in nature undisturbed on these stages without having to worry about everyday hassles can book the Wilderness Trail as an arrangement - in this case, the organization of transport and overnight accommodation is taken over as an organizer by the Monschauer Land tourist association. Certainly a prime condition, in order to become acquainted in a comfortable way with the beauties of the Eifelregion. After all, there is a lot to discover there: The Castle Museum in Nideggen, for example, just 15 kilometers from Lake Rursee, is home to the very first castle museum in North Rhine-Westphalia. Motto: Visit just one castle, but also know about all the others.

The art nouveau hydroelectric power plant in Heimbach, which was commissioned in 1905, offers a mix of architectural and technical experience - it is located virtually directly on the Rursee. The climatic health resort of Heimbach is also proud of its castle: Hengbach Castle dates back to the 11th century and is open to visitors free of charge. It is also home to the Heimbach/Eifel International Art Academy. In Heimbach, however, you can also spend the night in nature chalets. The private hideaways are located on a waterfront property in the middle of the Eifel National Park.

The Obermaubach reservoir in the municipality of Kreuzau, on the other hand, is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts: pedal boats and paddle boats can be rented here for families, but sailors or surfers will also find correct conditions if the wind is right. The fact that it is also possible to hike or bike on such a charming lake with its lovely surroundings doesn't really need to be mentioned. But there is one special highlight: The RurUfer cycle path starts in Belgium near the sources of the Rur and leads over 180 kilometers along the Rur through North Rhine-Westphalia to Roermond in the Netherlands. Quite international - and very varied.

In this article ranger Nina introduces you to the Eifel National Park.

Here you can experience something: With the GästeCard you can travel free of charge on all buses and trains in the area of the Rhein Sieg Transport Association (VRS) and the Aachen Transport Association (AVV). In addition, you will receive discounts at numerous sights and leisure facilities in the Eifel National Park Adventure Region. The GästeCard is valid for the entire duration of your stay. More info: click here.
By the way, you can find tips on how to travel comfortably and inexpensively on long-distance and local trains with Deutsche Bahn here.

Cover photo: Lake Rursee lies in the middle of the Eifel National Park near Heimbach © Tourismus NRW e.V., Dominik Ketz