Attractions and Places To See around Simmerath - Top 20

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the Urft Dam, which was once Europe's largest reservoir, and the surrounding Urftsee, nestled within the Eifel National Park. The Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir offers scenic paths and reflections in the water. Don't miss the Struffelt Heath and Moor Nature Reserve for its unique moorland and heath ecosystems. The Rursee, located at the foot of the Urft Dam, is also popular for swimming and boat trips.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir provides an easy and scenic walk. The Monschau Old Town, with its medieval charm and half-timbered houses, is a delightful place for a stroll. The Urft Dam and the Rursee offer opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, including boat trips on the Rursee during summer. The Struffelt Heath and Moor Nature Reserve also features accessible wooden walkways, making it suitable for family exploration.

The area boasts several historical and cultural points of interest. The Monschau Old Town is renowned for its medieval townscape, idyllic half-timbered houses, and narrow streets. The Urft Dam is a significant man-made monument from the early 20th century. Nearby, you can also explore Monschau Castle, Zweifall Castle with its impressive gardens, and Steinfeld Monastery, which hosts concerts and art exhibitions. Additionally, villages like Eicherscheid and Kesternich are part of the Monschau Hedge Land, known for its historical 17th-century beech hedge structures.

Simmerath is an excellent base for hiking, especially within the Eifel National Park. You can find numerous routes, including the 'Waterland Route', 'Theme Tour 3 – Slate quarries and bats', 'Rur Panorama Trail', 'Tiefenbachtal Trail', and the 'Wilder Forest of Today and Tomorrow'. For more detailed information and routes, explore the Hiking around Simmerath guide.

Yes, the region offers diverse cycling opportunities. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Former Konzen Station Shelter – View of Roetgen loop' or the 'Serpentines to Rurberg'. If you prefer gravel biking, consider routes such as 'Gravel with a view – your ride along Rursee' or the 'Rursee Loop Trail'. You can find more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Simmerath and Gravel biking around Simmerath guides.

The Monschau Hedge Land is a unique cultural landscape, particularly visible in villages like Eicherscheid, Kesternich, and Höfen. It's characterized by historical 17th-century beech hedges, some reaching 6 to 10 meters high, traditionally used to protect houses and fields from strong winds. The village of Höfen is a prime example of a 'hedge village'. You can explore this landscape via the Höfen Hedge Way circular walk or the Hedgeland Route near Eicherscheid. More information can be found on Wikipedia.

The Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir is highly rated for its beautiful and rustic sections. These well-maintained wooden walkways guide you right along the dam, offering wonderful views and reflections in the water. It's a very pleasant hiking trail, with the northern side exclusively for hikers, while the southern route is also open to cyclists.

The Urft Dam is a significant historical site, once the largest reservoir in Europe when built in the early 20th century. It's located entirely within the Eifel National Park, offering a blend of history and nature. There's a place to stop for refreshments right next to the dam, and the Rursee is situated at its foot. It's a popular destination for hikers and a great spot for a break during a tour.

The Eifel National Park and surrounding areas are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for water activities on the Rursee, such as swimming and boat trips. Even in winter, the region offers opportunities for winter hiking, with accessible paths available.

Visitors are captivated by the Monschau Old Town's lively atmosphere and well-preserved medieval charm. The idyllic half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and cobblestones create a picturesque setting. Many appreciate the vantage point on the 'corpse alley' for its wonderful views of the evangelical church and the Red House. It's a place that feels vibrant even during colder months.

Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. A notable one is the vantage point on the 'corpse alley' in Monschau Old Town, providing a wonderful view of the evangelical church and the Red House. The Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir also offers beautiful views and reflections in the water. Additionally, the Struffelt Heath and Moor Nature Reserve has a viewing platform with a great perspective of the Dreilägerbachtalsperre dam wall.

The Eifel National Park, which surrounds Simmerath, is a haven for diverse wildlife. While specific sightings can vary, the park is known for its rich biodiversity. You might encounter various bird species, deer, wild boars, and smaller mammals. The Struffelt Heath and Moor Nature Reserve, with its unique biotope, is home to many rare plant and animal species.