Best lakes around Einruhr are situated within the Eifel National Park in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This region is defined by its reservoir landscape, primarily featuring the interconnected Obersee, Rursee, and Urftsee. These bodies of water serve as significant attractions, offering diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Einruhr itself is a village nestled by these lakes, providing a base for exploration.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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Popular around Einruhr
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One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful vantage point on the Rursee.
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Very nicely located wooden walkways in good condition.
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Beautiful footpath, partly over wooden footbridges, in the immediate vicinity of the shore.
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According to legend, there used to be elves in Heimbach. Children from Heimbach want to ask them back and have therefore made 25 elf houses and placed them along the way.
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The Urttalsperre is the oldest dam in the Eifel and a popular destination. The dam wall was the largest structure in Europe at the time, has a length of 266 m and a height of 59 m. There is a nice excursion restaurant at the dam wall, which you can reach by boat, bus, car, bike or on foot. The Urftsee is also a very beautiful hiking area with a great path along the shore, which always offers a beautiful view of the Ordensburg Vogelsang.
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The Urttalsperre is the oldest dam (1905) in the Eifel and a popular destination. The dam wall was the largest structure in Europe at the time, has a length of 266 m and a height of 59 m. There is a nice excursion restaurant at the dam wall, which you can reach by boat, bus, car, bike or on foot. The Urftsee is also a very beautiful hiking area with a great path along the shore, which always offers a beautiful view of the Ordensburg Vogelsang.
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The Victor Neels Bridge spans the Urftsee at this point and, with a very successful steel cable suspension bridge construction, forms a great transition for cyclists and hikers. The bridge is named after the former commander of the Belgian forces at Camp Vogelsang. Great experience when it starts to rock 😁.
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The Victor Neels Bridge is a steel suspension bridge with four ropes that has spanned the Urftsee in the Eifel National Park since 2009. The aim and purpose of the bridge construction was to create a connection for cyclists and hikers to get from the Urftseerandweg - coming from Gemünd as well as from Rurberg / Urftsperrmauer - to the height across the lake to the former NS-Ordensburg Vogelsang.
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The primary lakes in the Einruhr area are the Obersee, which is an integral part of the larger Rursee system, and the Urftsee. The Obersee is known for its exceptionally clean water and tranquil natural experience, while the Rursee offers extensive opportunities for water sports. The Urftsee, located within the Eifel National Park, features the impressive Urft Dam.
Yes, the area is very family-friendly. The Naturerlebnisbad Einruhr, located directly on the Obersee, is a natural adventure pool with excellent water quality, playful areas for children, a playground, and a spacious sunbathing lawn. Many trails, such as those around the Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir, are also suitable for families.
You'll find a diverse range of hiking trails. The non-navigable parts of the Obersee offer tranquil natural experiences with well-marked trails like the Eifel-Höhen-Route and Wasserland Route. For a unique experience, explore the Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir, known for its rustic sections and quiet environment. There are also numerous routes for all skill levels, including easy and moderate options. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Running Trails around Einruhr guide.
While the Obersee is a vital source of drinking water and swimming is generally prohibited in its open waters, you can enjoy swimming at the Naturerlebnisbad Einruhr. This natural adventure pool offers a designated area for swimming and water play with microbiologically purified water. The Rursee Center in Rurberg also provides refreshing swimming options.
The region boasts several impressive viewpoints and natural features. The Obersee is often called the 'Amazon of the Eifel' due to its branching shape and deep green woodlands. The Urft Dam itself is a significant man-made monument offering great views. The Victor-Neels Bridge, spanning the Urftsee, also provides scenic vistas of the lake and surrounding Eifel National Park.
Yes, the area is excellent for cycling and mountain biking. The Victor-Neels Bridge connects various hiking and cycling routes, including those around the Urftsee. You can explore a variety of routes, from easy to difficult, suitable for both mountain biking and gravel biking. Check out the MTB Trails around Einruhr and Gravel biking around Einruhr guides for specific routes.
The lakes around Einruhr are beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for water activities and enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, perfect for scenic hikes. Even winter offers tranquil walks around the lakes, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
The most prominent historical landmark is the Urft Dam. When it was built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Urftsee was the largest reservoir in Europe. The Victor-Neels Bridge also has historical significance, named after a former commander of Belgian forces in the area, and was built to reconnect parts of the Eifel National Park after military use.
Visitors frequently praise the serene natural beauty and the quiet environment, especially along the Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir. The diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to water sports on the Rursee, are also highly appreciated. The clean water and family-friendly amenities, like the Naturerlebnisbad Einruhr, make it a popular destination for all ages.
Yes, efforts have been made to improve accessibility. The Victor-Neels Bridge, which spans the Urftsee, is a steel suspension bridge designed to be wheelchair accessible, connecting various routes within the Eifel National Park.
The Eifel National Park generally welcomes dogs on trails, provided they are kept on a leash to protect wildlife. Many trails around the lakes are suitable for dog walking, offering a great way to explore the natural surroundings with your pet.
You can find places for refreshments near the lakes. There is a place to stop for refreshments right next to the Urft Dam. The Naturerlebnisbad Einruhr also has a kiosk with a terrace. Additionally, the villages surrounding the Rursee, such as Rurberg, offer various cafes and pubs.


Still not found your perfect lake around Einruhr? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.