Best hard 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 (240)·Hard·10.5 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrPopular loop route in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia. This scenic tour is all about the water. The starting point is in Einruhr, and it goes through the lush deciduous forests near the banks of the Obersee. After crossing the impressive Urftsee dam, the path runs along the banks of the Obersee in the direction of Rurberg. After crossing the Paulushofdamm, there are cafés and a snack bar in the village. On the lake's western shore, it then returns to Einruhr. If the whole...
- 4.5 (132)·Hard·16.3 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hrPopular loop hike in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia This route in the Eifel National Park leads around the Rurstausee and always provides wonderful views of the lake and the surrounding Eifel landscape. On the way, it crosses three dams, including the 480 m long "Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel" dam, which is one of the largest dams in Germany. There are overnight accommodations and refreshment stops in Rurberg. Highlights of the hike: - Rursee - Rurtalsperre - wonderful views...
- 4.5 (72)·Hard·11 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPanoramic loop in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia. This marvellous hike is quite long, but apart from a few steep climbs, it is easy to master with a medium level of fitness. Along the way, the beautiful landscape of the Dreiborn plateau and the lakeside paths along the Obersee lake can be enjoyed. There are always benches to rest and eat at for a picnic. There are refreshment stops in Rurberg, at the Urft dam and in Einruhr. The hike can also be walked in a clockwise...
- 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...
- 4.4 (65)·Hard·10.3 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrScenic loop twice over the Kermeter and to the Urftsee in the Eifel National Park. It starts at the hiking car park in Büdenbach. The mountainous hike leads almost exclusively through shady forests, with long ascents and descents, which are always worthwhile because of the great views. This is especially true on summer days, when the glittering lakes and the vibrant green of the forest complement each other beautifully. It goes over the forest-covered ridge of Kermeter and then over its...
- 4.6 (40)·Hard·10.8 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPicturesque hiking trail with great views in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia. Great loop that starts in Einruhr. Parking spaces and a bus stop are available. A special highlight on the tour is the great Obersee. Swimming is prohibited in the Obersee. If you want to swim, there is an integrated natural adventure pool in Einruhr. Highlights of the tour: - Local flora and fauna - Beautiful natural landscapes - Pretty prospects - Rur, Ober and Urft reservoirs - Eifel National Park
- 4.5 (38)·Hard·15.2 mi·Est. 7.5–8.5 hrGreat view hiking loop where you get to see Urft Dam and Vogelsang historic site. Either direction is great and both the Urft Dam and Vogelsang have restaurants you can stop at to have a drink and some food. Paths are clearly marked and well maintained. Some sections have shade and others are in the sun. Great day long hiking trip!
- 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 (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...
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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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