Rur-Olef-Route
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
35.2miLength
5,843ftElevation gain
16.5–18hrEstimated time
Loop
Varied loop in the Eifel near Schleiden in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Rur-Olef-Route leads through natural deciduous forests alternating with meadows and fields, over odd paths, through exciting rocky passages, past romantic torrents and grandiose, wide landscapes on the ridges of the Eifel National Park. Special highlights are the former Nazi Ordensburg Vogelsang with the Eifel National Park Center, as well as the picturesque town of Gemünd, the castle and castle church in Schleiden, the beautiful villages of Olef, Oberhausen and Blumenthal and the game reserve in Hellenthal with its unique bird of prey station.
Stages of the Rur-Olef-Route:
1. Gemünd - Hellenthal | 17 km
2. Hellenthal - Einruhr | 20 km
3. Einruhr - Gemünd | 20 km
Highlights:
- Beautiful views
- Local flora and fauna
- NS-Ordensburg Vogelsang
- Castle and Castle Church in Schleiden
- Wildlife enclosure with bird of prey station in Hellenthal
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Obersee
Reservoir
Schützengraben
Ruins
Fledermaushöhle
Cave
Urftsee
Reservoir
Herbert's Eck
Viewpoint
Aussichtspunkt Kickley
Viewpoint
Erlebnisstation 5 Ehemaliger Bewohner von Pleushütte
Attraction
Eifelpark-Vogelsang
Caravan site
Eifelblick Modenhübel
Viewpoint
Schloss Schleiden
Castle
Modenhübel
Peak
Eichhardt
Weather shelter
Ehemaliger Panzerwaschplatz
Attraction
Kollergang
Attraction
Greifvogelstation
Attraction
Olef
River
Gangfort
Peak
Essersee
Pond
Chorruine
Ruins
Top sights
Obersee
Reservoir
Schützengraben
Ruins
Fledermaushöhle
Cave
Urftsee
Reservoir
Herbert's Eck
Viewpoint
Aussichtspunkt Kickley
Viewpoint
Erlebnisstation 5 Ehemaliger Bewohner von Pleushütte
Attraction
Eifelpark-Vogelsang
Caravan site
Eifelblick Modenhübel
Viewpoint
Schloss Schleiden
Castle
Modenhübel
Peak
Eichhardt
Weather shelter
Ehemaliger Panzerwaschplatz
Attraction
Kollergang
Attraction
Greifvogelstation
Attraction
Olef
River
Gangfort
Peak
Essersee
Pond
Chorruine
Ruins
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Get to know this 35.2-mile loop trail near Schleiden, North Rhine-Westphalia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 16 h 11 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Rur-Olef-Route?
Expected weather for Rur-Olef-Route for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 62 degrees/drizzle
- Sun, September 20 - 62 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 64 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 68 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 73 degrees/clear
Where is Rur-Olef-Route located?
Rur-Olef-Route is a trail located in Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park.
How hard is Rur-Olef-Route?
Rur-Olef-Route is considered a hard hike that covers 35.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,843 ft. It takes about 16.5–18 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Rur-Olef-Route?
Rur-Olef-Route is considered a hard hike that covers 35.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,843 ft. It takes about 16.5–18 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rur-Olef-Route a loop?
Rur-Olef-Route is a loop trail that covers 35.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,843 ft. It takes about 16.5–18 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Rur-Olef-Route?
Rur-Olef-Route is a loop trail that covers 35.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,843 ft. It takes about 16.5–18 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Rur-Olef-Route?
Dogs may be allowed on Rur-Olef-Route. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rur-Olef-Route?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Rur-Olef-Route.
How busy is Rur-Olef-Route?
According to trailgoers, Rur-Olef-Route is usually somewhat busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Rur-Olef-Route.
Are there scenic views at Rur-Olef-Route?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rur-Olef-Route features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Herbert's Eck, Aussichtspunkt Kickley, and Eifelblick Modenhübel.
Are there rivers at Rur-Olef-Route?
Yes, Rur-Olef-Route is near Olef.
Is camping allowed at Rur-Olef-Route?
Camping is allowed on Rur-Olef-Route in Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is mountain biking allowed at Rur-Olef-Route?
Mountain biking is allowed on Rur-Olef-Route in Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park. Double check if the trail is mixed use or MTB-only.
Is backpacking allowed at Rur-Olef-Route?
Backpacking is allowed on Rur-Olef-Route. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Rur-Olef-Route?
Yes, Rur-Olef-Route is a forest trail in Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rur-Olef-Route?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rur-Olef-Route, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rur-Olef-Route?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rur-Olef-Route in Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 17, 2026 at 10:36 pm GMT+0