Best backpacking trails in Eifel National Park
The Eifel National Park was founded in 2004 and is the first and only national park in North Rhine-Westphalia. The park is located on the border between Germany and Belgium and offers many kilometers of hiking, cycling and riding trails. The park is also home to the famous Wilderness Trail, which is divided into 4 stages and runs between Monschau and Höfen. Another well-known through route, the Eifelsteig, runs through the park. Guided tours are offered by park rangers, but the hiking trails can also be explored on your own.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.6 (73)·Hard·13.5 mi·Est. 6.5–7 hrThis route is stage 4 of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section starts in Einruhr and ends in Gemünd. The path leads along the steep slopes of the Obersee lake up to the Dreiborn Plateau, passing through the historic Vogelsang IP site and the ghost village of Wollseifen. Hikers enjoy vast panoramic views over the Eifel National Park before descending into the valley town of Gemünd. Overnight stays are available...
- 4.5 (35)·Hard·12.1 mi·Est. 6–6.5 hrPanoramic, second section of the Wildnistrail long-distance hiking trail near Gemünd in the Eifel, North Rhine-Westphalia. The Wildnistrail ("wilderness trail")is a four-stage hike across the national park from Höfen to Zerkall. This route is the 2nd section between Einruhr and Gemünd. A visit to the Vogelsang Visitor Centre is recommended along the way. There, certified speakers provide information about the military past of the site. From the Eifel View Station Modenhübel, the unrivalled...
- 4.5 (36)·Hard·14.7 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hrScenic section of the Wilderness Trail in the Eifel This route leads past roaring streams, colorful flower meadows, dense forests and offers beautiful panoramic views. The entire wilderness trail consists of four stages that lead across the Eifel National Park. This first stage begins in the west of Höfen and leads south along the Perlenbach. First via Furthsbachweg, which runs along the Furthsbach for a while. At the Belgian border, turn left and enter the Eifel National Park. This section...
- 4.3 (28)·Hard·14.3 mi·Est. 6.5–7 hrIdyllic section of the Wilderness Trail in the Eifel Along the route, nature is deliberately left to its own devices, so that the wilderness is slowly but surely returning. The third part of the popular hiking trail leads through the Kermeter ridge, which is considered the heart of the national park. Here you can enjoy extensive beech and oak forests and discover a lot along the way. The route begins at the national park gate in Gemünd and leads through impressive beech forests, past the...
- 4.3 (44)·Hard·16.2 mi·Est. 7.5–8 hrBreathtaking loop over the Kermeter near Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia. The Kermeter is a mountain range covered with one of the largest areas of deciduous forest in the Rhineland. This hiking route rewards with fascinating views over valleys and lakes in the beautiful Eifel Nature Park. Please note that the route is only partially paved. From time to time, fallen trees may block the path or there may be other small obstacles along the way. The "Wilder Weg" ("Wild Path") is an optional...
- 4.2 (24)·Hard·27.1 mi·Est. 11.5–12.5 hrPopular Loop in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia This is a wonderful, but at over 40 km also quite demanding loop through the Eifel National Park. The route runs almost permanently directly on the banks of the most beautiful waters in the national park, including the Urft and the Rur with their famous dams. There are places to stay and eat. Accessible by bus and train (Simmerath Einruhr stop). Highlights of the hike: - Rurtalsperre - Urft Dam
- 4.2 (35)·Hard·11.2 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrScenic section of the Wilderness Trail in the Eifel, North Rhine-Westphalia The fourth stage takes you from Heimbach to Zerfall. The route leads along rushing streams and fragrant flower meadows, through deep forests and along wide panoramic views. In short,the wonderful wilderness of the Eifel National Park is absolutely enjoyable. Highlights: - Exhibition at the Heimbach National Park Gate - Kayak trip on the Rur - Nideggen Castle with castle museum
- 4.5 (29)·Hard·13.7 mi·Est. 6–6.5 hrPanoramic hiking trail in the Eifel National Park in Einruhr, North Rhine-Westphalia. The route starts in Einruhr and leads up to the Dreiborn plateau. If you come here in May or June, you can experience the magnificent broom blossom. To enjoy the view from the plateau, you have to climb a few meters in altitude. Once you have managed this, you can look forward to a more relaxed second part of the hiking trail along the water and through forests. Highlights of the route: - Vogelsang Red...
- 4.5 (12)·Moderate·4.9 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThird stage of the "Bachtäler Höhenroute" long-distance hiking trail in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia. This is the third and last stage of the Bachtäler Höhenroute. The hike connects two of the most famous reservoirs in the Eifel National Park and leads through the core zone of the park. The starting point is the Büdenbach car park near Schwammenauel. There is also a bus that goes here. The route ends at the Urftsee at the excursion restaurant. From here you can continue...
- 5.0 (13)·Moderate·12.7 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hrSection of the Eifel-Höhe-Route in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia The southern loop of the third stage of the Eifel-Höhen-Route follows the banks of the Urftsee and leads through the wild heart of the Eifel National Park with its wildcats, black storks and numerous other unique animal and plant species. The path is characterized in particular by the magnificent lakes. On the way there are some huts, picnic areas and places to stop for refreshments. Highlights: -...
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Visitor info
Accessibility
Facilities
The easiest way to access the national park is via the information centers (or "national park gates") in Simmerath-Rurberg, Nideggen, Heimbach and Mönschau-Höfen. There is a tourist information office and exhibitions on various topics relating to the national park. Exciting information about flora and fauna is available at the Eifel National Park Center at the "International Place" Vogelsang IP. The center is open all year round, but the daily opening hours vary in summer and winter.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best trail to hike for backpacking in Eifel National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for backpacking in Eifel National Park is Eifelsteig Stage 4: Einruhr - Gemünd, which has a 4.6 star rating from 73 reviews. This trail is 13.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,309 ft.
What is the longest backpacking trail in Eifel National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest backpacking trail in Eifel National Park is Wilderness Trail. This trail is estimated to be 52.9 mi long.
How many backpacking trails are in Eifel National Park?
There are 17 backpacking trails in Eifel National Park.These backpacking trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom 374 AllTrails community reviews.
Which backpacking trail has the most elevation gain in Eifel National Park?
Wilderness Trail has the most elevation gain for backpacking trails with 7,703 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Rurseerunde in 3 Etappen, which has 6,138 ft of elevation gain.
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