Top 20 Lakes around Heimbach
Best lakes around Heimbach are nestled in the scenic Eifel region, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical interest. The area features prominent reservoirs like the Urftsee and Rursee, alongside the picturesque Heimbach Reservoir. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from national park settings to wooded slopes, providing opportunities for both active recreation and peaceful relaxation. The region also boasts cultural points of interest, such as the impressive Art Nouveau power station in Heimbach.
Best lakes around Heimbach
- The most popular lakes is Victor-Neels Bridge, a bridge that spans the Urftsee in the Eifel National Park. This steel suspension bridge, named after the last Belgian commander Victor Neels, fits well into the surrounding landscape.
- Another must-see spot is Urft Dam, a man-made monument. When built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Urftsee was the largest reservoir in Europe, and it lies entirely within the Eifel National Park.
- Visitors also love Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir, a trail. This beautiful footpath, partly over wooden footbridges, runs in the immediate vicinity of the shore and offers wonderful views of the reservoir.
- Heimbach is known for its diverse reservoirs, natural lakes, and those situated within a national park. These bodies of water provide a variety of options for water sports, hiking, and scenic walks.
- The lakes around Heimbach are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 4900 upvotes and over 3500 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Urft Dam
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Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir
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Victor-Neels Bridge
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View of the Urft Dam and the Urftsee
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Eifel view
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Popular around Heimbach
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Tips from the Community
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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some prominent lakes to visit around Heimbach?
The region around Heimbach features several captivating lakes. The Urft Dam, forming the Urftsee, was once Europe's largest reservoir and lies within the Eifel National Park. The Rursee, particularly near Schwammenauel, is one of Germany's largest reservoirs by water volume. Additionally, the Heimbach Reservoir offers picturesque landscapes and is known for its Wooden boardwalks along its shore.
What kind of hiking trails are available around the Heimbach lakes?
The lakes offer diverse hiking opportunities. The Rursee is highly recommended for hiking, with trails like the 'Jungle Trail Heimbach' along its shore. You can also find trails around the Heimbach Reservoir, including another 'jungle trail'. For more options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Heimbach guide, which includes routes like the 'Heimbach Reservoir loop'.
Can I go cycling around the lakes near Heimbach?
Yes, the area is great for cycling. There are various routes, such as the 'Rursee Loop Trail' and the 'View of Lake Rur – Urft Riverside Trail loop'. You can find more detailed cycling routes in the Cycling around Heimbach guide.
Are there opportunities for water sports or swimming in the Heimbach lakes?
The Heimbach Reservoir is ideal for relaxing activities like pedal boat and canoe tours. While the Urftsee and Rursee are primarily for scenic enjoyment and boat trips, other nearby lakes like the Eiserbachsee and Obersee offer opportunities for swimming and other water recreation.
Are the lakes around Heimbach family-friendly?
Absolutely. Many areas are suitable for families. The Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir are a beautiful and accessible footpath. The Eifel view also offers a great panoramic view with good paths, some accessible with prams.
Are there accessible trails for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, some trails are designed for accessibility. The Victor-Neels Bridge, spanning the Urftsee, features a passageway with an aluminum covering and steel railings, built to be accessible for the disabled. The Eifel view also has good paths, some suitable for prams.
Is it possible to bring dogs on trails around the Heimbach lakes?
Many trails around the Heimbach lakes, especially those in the Eifel National Park area, are dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Specific rules may apply in certain protected zones.
What natural features and viewpoints can I explore around the lakes?
You can enjoy stunning natural beauty and viewpoints. The Eifel view offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Rursee. The Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir provide wonderful views of the water, and the View of the Urft Dam and the Urftsee offers a great perspective of the dam and reservoir.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the region blends natural beauty with historical interest. The Urft Dam itself is a significant man-made monument, once Europe's largest reservoir. Additionally, the impressive Art Nouveau power station in Heimbach, located near the Heimbach Reservoir, provides a striking architectural contrast to the natural environment.
What is the best time of year to visit the Heimbach lakes?
The Heimbach lakes offer beauty in every season. Autumn is highly recommended for its vibrant play of colors, while winter with snow also has a special charm. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. The paths in the national park are generally well-maintained year-round.
Where can I find parking near the main lakes?
Parking is available at various points around the lakes. For instance, there are parking facilities near the Rursee, particularly around Schwammenauel and other access points. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and fees.
Are there mountain biking trails near the lakes?
Yes, the area offers several mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails like 'Lake Rur – View of Woffelsbach loop' and 'Kall Reservoir – View of Woffelsbach loop'. For more options, refer to the MTB Trails around Heimbach guide.
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