The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Herzogenrath

Attention: As of the end of April 2026, there is no longer a bridge here. The only way to cross the Wurm at this point is via these logs. Definitely doable for the brave :)

The Wurm River, largely in its natural state, exhibits an impressive flow dynamic that is unparalleled nationwide. Driven by the force of the flowing water, the river's course is constantly changing, creating new channels, gravel bars, eroding banks, abandoned riverbeds, and new floodplain forests. The abundance of food in the Wurm's gravel and sand deposits makes the river particularly attractive to certain, sometimes rare, bird species. For example, the rare kingfisher finds ideal nesting opportunities in the eroded banks of the Wurm. Beavers have also returned to the Wurm in recent years.

The tour ends before the stairs! The bridge over the Wurm has disappeared! It's not mentioned anywhere, so be careful!

This bench overlooking the Wurmtal valley offers a peaceful moment of stillness above the landscape. From here, the valley slowly opens up, with the Wurm River winding like a narrow line through the greenery and the slopes gently merging into one another. The view changes with the seasons: fresh and open in spring, deep green in summer, and warmly hued as autumn colors the valley. The bench invites you to sit for a moment, absorbing the landscape and letting the silence sink in, while the valley below follows its own pace. It's one of those places where walking pauses for a moment and transforms into looking, listening, and simply being present.

Along the winding paths of the Wurmtal valley, just south of Herzogenrath (Germany), you'll come across a charming wooden shelter. A place where hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers can take a break, enjoy the scenery, and find shelter during unexpected weather changes. Built from natural materials, primarily local wood, the shelter blends beautifully into the valley's green surroundings. It's not a crowded spot, but rather a peaceful retreat nestled in the landscape of meadows, forest edges, and hiking trails. Its simple, natural construction contributes to the ambiance of this tranquil nature reserve without overpowering the landscape.

Along the Wurm, a meandering river in the Eifel region, lies an impressive rock face that attracts both nature lovers and hikers. This striking formation offers a stunning contrast between the flowing water and the rugged geological features.

It has all grown over in the meantime. The route is certainly still passable, here and there you have to search a bit in the green. Lots of shade.

St. Gertrude, along with St. Lambert in Kerkrade and St. Willibrord in Merkstein, is one of the oldest parishes in the area. Possibly founded in the 9th century, the first mention of a church is found in the annals of Rolduc in a document dated 1116. From 1178 until secularization, the parish was incorporated into Rolduc Abbey, which is why clergy from the monastery often served as pastors in Afden. On the other hand, the border between the Diocese of Liège and the Archdiocese of Cologne ran along the Wurm River, and thus Afden was always part of the archdiocese, while the monastery was a significant center of the Diocese of Liège. At that time, the parish of St. Gertrude included, in addition to Afden, the districts of Noppenberg, Ruif, Bierstraß, Römer, Rìtzerfeld (partially), and the suburb of Herzogenraths Kleik (located east of the Wurm River). It was not until 1795 that the diocese's affiliation changed, due to the political and ecclesiastical incorporation of the territories on the left bank of the Rhine into the French state and the associated establishment of the Diocese of Aachen. This changed again with the Kingdom of Prussia's takeover of the territory of today's city of Herzogenrath in the Treaty of Aachen in 1816 and the papal bull De salute animarum, which abolished the Diocese of Aachen in 1821 and re-established the Archdiocese of Cologne. The local parish boundaries remained unchanged during this period. It was not until 1923, when St. Antonius in the Niederbardenberg district became an independent parish, that it took over the districts of Häuser Jüd, Kämmerhöf, and Feldgen. Since 1929, the parish has belonged to the re-established Diocese of Aachen. In 1942, Thiergarten, Ritzerfeld and Bierstraß were assigned to the Sacred Heart Chapel in Thiergarten, as well as other smaller parts of the Christ the King parish in Alsdorf-Busch.