Best lakes around Kermeter are situated in a forested upland within the Eifel National Park. This region is characterized by extensive deciduous forests and is bordered by several significant lakes. The area offers a variety of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, with the Rur Reservoir, Urft Reservoir, and Obersee being notable examples. The Kermeter region provides diverse landscapes, from water bodies to accessible forest paths.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
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Popular around Kermeter
Next stop: Wilderness! – Germany’s Eifel National Park by public transport
Bikepacking through the Eifel – The Reservoir Loop
Accessible routes in Germany’s Eifel National Park
Winter hiking trails in Eifel National Park
Eifel National Park information centres and facilities
Themed tours around the Eifel National Park
Wilderness Trail – four stages through Eifel National Park
Colored leaves, mud and your bike in NRW
Hiking around Kermeter
MTB Trails around Kermeter
There is also a rest area and an information board about water-bound migratory birds.
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One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful vantage point on the Rursee.
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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 dam in Schwammenauel ends the Rurstausee, the Rur continues to flow, initially through Heimbach.
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The Heimbach power plant on the Urft dam was put into operation as early as 1905. The RWE Industrial Museum is located in the power plant.
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It is worth taking a look at history and of course the combination of old and new buildings
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Very nice view from here, you can manage the 16-18% quite well, at least with an e-bike. At least if you put it in a low gear and don't just try to climb the incline with motor support.
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For stunning panoramic views, visit Eifel view, which offers expansive vistas of the Rursee. Another great spot is the Hirschley viewpoint, providing impressive views of the Rursee. You can also find a View of the Rursee from its wild and romantic embankment.
Yes, the Kermeter region is very family-friendly. The "Wild Kermeter" area features a 6.2-kilometer barrier-free network of paths, perfect for families with strollers or those seeking easy walks. The Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir is also suitable for families, with its beautiful and rustic sections. Many viewpoints, including Eifel view, are also marked as family-friendly.
The Rur Reservoir (Rursee) is a hub for water activities, offering opportunities for swimming at the Rurberg Rursee Centre and Einruhr's nature adventure pool. You can also enjoy non-motorized water sports such as stand-up paddling, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing. Boat trips are also available on the Rursee for a relaxing experience.
The Urft Reservoir holds historical significance as it was the largest reservoir in Europe upon its completion in 1905. The Victor-Neels Bridge, spanning the Urftsee, is a notable steel suspension bridge named after a former Belgian commander. Additionally, from the View of Vogelsang IP and Lake Urft, you can see the former NS-Ordensburg Vogelsang, which now serves as an International Place for tolerance and diversity.
The Kermeter region, part of the Eifel National Park, offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore trails like the "Eifel National Park by public transport – Wild Kermeter" or "Beech halls and oak slopes - Theme Tour 2 - Eifel National Park." For more options, check out the dedicated guide for Hiking around Kermeter.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Paths encircle the Rursee, offering a 27-kilometer route that can be extended to 42 kilometers by including the Obersee and Urftsee. The Urftseerandweg provides a dedicated round walk for cyclists along the northern shore of the Urft Reservoir. For more cycling routes, explore the Gravel biking around Kermeter guide.
The Kermeter lakes offer beauty in every season. Autumn is highly recommended for its vibrant play of colors, while winter snow also provides a special charm. The paths in the National Park are generally well-maintained and suitable for year-round visits. A bus shuttle service operates on weekends from May to October, connecting Gemünd via Wolfgarten to the Urft Dam, which can be convenient.
Yes, there are restrictions, particularly on the Urft Reservoir. To protect its crucial habitat for various bird species and wildlife, bathing and boating are not permitted on the Urftsee, and its southern shore is not accessible by path. The Rursee, however, allows for swimming and non-motorized water sports.
The surroundings of the Rursee boast numerous restaurants and cafés in resorts like Rurberg, Woffelsbach, and Einruhr. These towns provide convenient spots to relax and refuel after exploring the lakes.
The "Wild Kermeter" area is particularly noteworthy for its accessibility, featuring a 6.2-kilometer barrier-free network of paths. This area also includes a tactile guidance system for visually impaired visitors. The Victor-Neels Bridge is also built for the disabled. You can find more information on fully accessible areas at nationalpark-eifel.de.
The Obersee functions primarily as a pre-basin for the Rur Dam and is vital for providing drinking water. It is an integral part of the larger Rur Reservoir system, separated by the Paulushofdamm. While specific recreational activities directly on the Obersee are less highlighted due to its function, its natural beauty is accessible as it's included in the cycling routes around the Rur and Urft Reservoirs.
The Urft Dam is a significant engineering marvel, completed in 1905, making the Urft Reservoir the largest in Europe at the time. At the dam wall, extensive information detailing its technology and construction is available. The water from the Urft Reservoir is channeled through the Kermeter uplands to the hydroelectric power station in Heimbach for energy generation.


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