Rursee Höhen Path

The 14.2 km long route starts at the National Park Gate in Rurberg. Here you can get all information about the National Park region and Rursee as well as nice souvenirs and regional delicacies. You can also visit the exhibition “Lifelines of Nature” free of charge and learn fascinating facts about “water” – including a real beaver to pet.

At the beginning, the route first follows a few hundred meters along the extensive green area of the Rursee Center before shortly after crossing the L128, turning right into the forest along the Kleinerbach. After leaving the stream, you reach at the roadside the water tower of the “Heinrich-Geis Tunnel.” This tunnel connects the Obersee with the Kalltalsperre in a 3.7 km long underground passage. The water is treated there to drinking water and supplies the entire Aachen area with drinking water via the Dreilägerbachtalsperre.

The path rises and then leads us over fields and meadows. Upon reaching the L166, you come across a Soviet war cemetery. In memory, 10 granite steles with engraved names of Soviet war victims have been placed here. Continuing the route and after enjoying some beautiful views of the slopes of the Eifel National Park, you reach the outskirts of Kesternich. Here you reach the highest point of the hike. After passing the outskirts of Steckenborn, you enter the Weidenbach valley and reach after a few kilometers the Weidenbacher Mill built in 1807. The idyllic building was formerly powered by a water wheel and mainly milled rye and oats. The last miller worked there until the 1950s. In 1960, the mill, threatened by decay, was transferred to private ownership and extensively restored.

The route finally ends again in Rurberg, where you pass through the village and along the Rursee shore past cafés and restaurants where you can relax and end the day comfortably.

Highlights along the route

• Great panoramic views of the lake
• National Park Gate Rurberg
• Heinrich-Geis Tunnel
• Soviet war cemetery
• Weidenbacher Mill