4.6
(31336)
112,563
hikers
1,149
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Kalltalsperre are set within the Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park, offering diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. The region is characterized by idyllic gorge forests in the Kall valley, impressive rock formations, and dense woodlands. Hikers can find scenic viewpoints overlooking the Kalltalsperre reservoir and the surrounding Eifel hills. The area's status as a drinking water reservoir ensures a pristine environment.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
4.8
(170)
575
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(28)
89
hikers
15.0km
04:09
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(52)
172
hikers
19.3km
05:26
390m
390m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(9)
30
hikers
27.6km
07:49
600m
600m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
27
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Splendid view, remarkable place
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You'll find the Kaiserfelsen (Emperor's Rock) right near the dam.
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The Urft Dam (Urfttalsperre) is the oldest valley dam in the Eifel region, built around 1900–1905 to regulate the Urft River and supply water for drinking water and power generation. Together with the Urft Lake (Urftstausee), the dam is part of an impressive network of reservoirs in the Eifel National Park, offering fantastic views, especially from a specially located viewing platform on the dam wall. The official Eifel-Blick Urftstaumauer panoramic viewpoint is located directly on the Urft Dam wall. From here, you have a spectacular view of: • 💧 The Urft Lake (Urftstausee), a large artificial lake with a water capacity of up to 45.5 million m³, stretching approximately 12 km. • 🏞️ The dam wall itself is an impressive structure of natural stone and technical hydraulic engineering that was once intended to be the largest dam in Europe. • 🌳 The surrounding nature of the Eifel National Park, the wooded slopes and the plateau around Gemünd, together form a picturesque and wide panorama. • 🏰 The former Ordensburg Vogelsang, a well-known historical site in the distance, is part of the broader Eifel landscape that you can see from this viewpoint. The viewing platform itself once stood on the site of the dam keeper's house (between 1924 and 1926), but it was destroyed during World War II. Today, it offers an open panoramic viewpoint with free access all day long. The view of the Urft Dam spillway from the viewing platform on the Urfttalsperre dam wall is one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Eifel National Park. From here, you can experience the wide view of Lake Urft (Urftstausee), the imposing dam, and the surrounding wooded landscape—a perfect combination of nature, technology, and history in one viewpoint.
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Impressive view over the dam
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A beautiful vantage point to look into the Kall valley.
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Beautiful colors in nature and along a stream
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The Kalltalsperre region offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities. While this guide focuses on family-friendly options, the komoot community has recorded over 1,100 routes in total, with more than 570 considered easy, making it simple to find a suitable path for your family.
Yes, there are several easy paths around Kalltalsperre that are suitable for families with young children. While some trails might involve natural terrain, many sections around the reservoir itself are generally well-maintained. For a moderately challenging but rewarding family experience, consider the Kaiserfelsen (Emperor Rock) – View of the Kall Reservoir loop, which is just over 5 km long and features manageable elevation changes.
Family hikes around Kalltalsperre offer a chance to discover several interesting natural features. You can explore the impressive sandstone formations at Kaiserfelsen (Emperor Rock), enjoy views of the Kall Reservoir, or even experience the unique Keltzerbach Crossing by stepping stones (with an easier path nearby). The area also features idyllic gorge forests and clear streams.
Absolutely! Circular routes are ideal for family outings. A popular option is the Kaiserfelsen (Emperor Rock) – View of the Kall Reservoir loop, which is a moderate 5.3 km trail. Another great choice for families looking for a slightly longer, yet still manageable, circular walk is the View of the Eifel – Panoramic View of the Eifel loop, covering about 8.6 km with gentle elevation.
The Kalltalsperre region is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming flora and fresh greenery, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. Summer is perfect for longer days and warmer weather, though the gorge forests provide pleasant shade. Even in winter, with appropriate gear, the trails can be magical, especially after a fresh snowfall. Consider the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out.
Yes, the Kalltalsperre area is generally dog-friendly, making it a great destination for families with furry companions. However, it's always important to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas and near wildlife. Please also ensure you clean up after your dog to preserve the natural beauty for everyone.
The 'Kallbrück' hikers' car park is a convenient and well-known starting point for many trails around Kalltalsperre. It offers easy access to various routes, including those suitable for families, making it a practical choice for a day out in nature.
Yes, many trails offer scenic viewpoints. You can find panoramic vistas of the Kalltalsperre reservoir and the surrounding Eifel hills. A notable spot is the View of Kalltalsperre from the Krönungsweg, which provides a beautiful perspective of the reservoir and its surroundings.
The Kalltalsperre area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the gorge forests, and the well-maintained paths that make hiking enjoyable for all ages. Many highlight the beauty of the reservoir and the unique rock formations.
While the immediate area around the reservoir is primarily natural, the nearby municipality of Simmerath offers various cafes and restaurants where families can enjoy a meal or a snack after their hike. It's a short drive from the main hiking access points.
The terrain around Kalltalsperre is diverse, ranging from wide forest paths to narrower trails through idyllic gorge forests. You can expect a mix of natural surfaces, including earth, gravel, and some rocky sections, especially near features like the Kaiserfelsen. While some routes have gentle inclines, many family-friendly options are designed to be manageable for various fitness levels.


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