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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Kreis Düren

Kreuzau

Attractions and Places To See around Kreuzau - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Kreuzau, a municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, are situated on the Rur river. The region offers a diverse range of attractions, including natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. Its location at the edge of the North Eifel Nature Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities. Kreuzau serves as a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area.

Best attractions and places to see around Kreuzau

  • The most popular attractions is Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir, a trail that features beautiful and rustic sections with wooden walkways and reflections in the water. This path offers a scenic and quiet environment directly along the water's edge.
  • Another must-see spot is Mariawald Abbey, a religious building known as a notable spiritual site. It is often included as a stop on local hiking routes, offering opportunities for rest.
  • Visitors also love Heimbach Art Nouveau Hydroelectric Power Station, a man-made monument from 1905. This power plant draws its water from the Urft Dam and was once the largest storage hydropower plant in Europe.
  • Kreuzau is known for its natural trails, historical monuments, and religious sites. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from scenic boardwalks to significant cultural landmarks.
  • The attractions around Kreuzau are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3100 upvotes and over 1600 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir

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Beautiful footpath, partly over wooden footbridges, in the immediate vicinity of the shore.

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The Heimbach reservoir is not actually a dam, but a so-called compensation basin. It serves to compensate for the fluctuations in the water level caused by the intermittent operation of the peak current power plants in the Urft and Rurtalsperre. These two hydropower plants usually only produce electricity when larger demand peaks are expected or measured in the general high-voltage network, which is usually the case in the mornings of working days. In the rest of the time the machines are idle and therefore no water inevitably flows into the reservoir. The usable space of the reservoir is therefore filled with water within a few hours when the power plants are in operation. Then the storage volume is dosed and drained in such a way that the underflow of the river bed of the Rur is continuously exposed to an amount of water that meets the ecological requirements of the flowing water and the requirements of other requirements. Source: nationalparktor.de/nationalparkstadtheimbach/wasserinfos/wasserinfos.html

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Mariawald Abbey

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Unfortunately, Mariwawald Monastery will be closed during the year 2018. The ten monks who live here are now very old and can not operate the monastery without support. In addition, the monastery does not generate enough money to finance the monastery. At the moment there is still discussion about a continued use of the buildings. It is hoped that it will continue to be a spiritual place that honors the centuries-old tradition.

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The hydropower plant from 1905 draws its water from the Urft Dam and was once the largest storage hydropower plant in Europe. The power plant building is now a listed building and can be viewed on guided tours.

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Hindenburg Gate

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The Hindenburg Gate is a colorful sandstone rock. The rock was created in the Triassic during the period of Buntsandstein about 220 million years ago from rubble and sand. The rivers that flow into the basins from the mountains brought with them sand, gravel and clay fragments. At that time, medium-sized sandstones as well as piles of various sizes were deposited in a depression, which, after solidification, form today's conglomerate. The sand came from a mountain range in today's central France and was deposited and solidified in the Eifel area. The rock is predominantly red in color. Locally, however, the dyeings go from gruesome to black. The formation of the rock can be thought of as having been washed down by heavy rainfall debris from the hills into the valley - into a depression - and leveled there.

The Eifelverein, Ortsgruppe Nideggen, decided in the meeting on 24.03.1918 the following: "Enthusiasm awakened the suggestion of the chairman, a rock group in the jungholz, a giant gate as towed by Cyklopenhänden, Hindenburgtor to call and so our greatest general a natural monument to dedicate, as it might hardly be found more beautiful and mighty in German lands. "

SOURCE:
geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GC2P3M2&title=geologie-am-hindenburgtor&guid=baf8a83f-c7f3-4443-88c7-ef838e6eaabb

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Popular around Kreuzau

Auszeiten im Grünen – Entspannte Wanderungen im Rheinland

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Auszeiten im Grünen – Entspannte Wanderungen im Rheinland

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Tips from the Community

Bernd 🌲🦌🍄🥾
June 30, 2022, Abtei Mariawald

Great circular route with an excellent stopover (Mariawald Abbey). Ideally suited for a break in the local gastronomy.

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26

1

Very nicely located wooden walkways in good condition.

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29

2

Beautiful footpath, partly over wooden footbridges, in the immediate vicinity of the shore.

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35

1

You should have visited during a hike in the Heimbach area.

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25

0

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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12

0

Nice to hike very quiet and comfortable to walk at the end a nice cold beer in the small beer garden

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13

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Especially nice to walk on the north side. Here footbridges lead directly past the water. There are great views around every bend in the path.

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15

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Nice circular route around the reservoir, partly on wide wooden walkways.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Kreuzau?

Kreuzau is rich in natural beauty, situated in the picturesque Rur valley and bordering the Eifel National Park. A highlight is the Hindenburg Gate, an impressive colorful sandstone rock formation from the Triassic period. You can also enjoy the idyllic Rur-Auenlandschaft and the Stausee Obermaubach, which are popular for local recreation.

Are there scenic viewpoints in the Kreuzau area?

Yes, the region offers several scenic spots. The Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir provides beautiful views directly along the water's edge. The Hindenburg Gate also offers a great view, especially along the Buntsandsteinroute.

What historical or cultural sites are there to visit?

You can visit Mariawald Abbey, a notable spiritual site often included in hiking routes. Another significant cultural landmark is the Heimbach Art Nouveau Hydroelectric Power Station, built in 1905, which was once Europe's largest storage hydropower plant and is now a listed building offering guided tours.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities?

Many attractions around Kreuzau are suitable for families. The Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir is a beautiful and easy path for all ages. Additionally, the local legend of the Elf Houses in Heimbach, where children have created 25 elf houses along paths, offers a charming activity for younger visitors.

What kind of hiking trails are available around Kreuzau?

The region around Kreuzau, bordering the Eifel National Park, is excellent for hiking. You'll find numerous trails through diverse landscapes, including forests, rolling hills, and open heathland. Some paths lead over wooden boardwalks or along sandstone cliffs, connecting with historical sites like Nideggen Castle. For more detailed routes, explore the running trails around Kreuzau.

Can I go cycling around Kreuzau?

Yes, cycling is very popular in the Kreuzau area. There are numerous trails catering to various skill levels, offering dreamlike views and routes along the Rur river. You can find a variety of options, from easy to difficult, by checking the cycling routes around Kreuzau or the road cycling routes.

When is the best time to visit Kreuzau for outdoor activities?

The region is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, with vibrant natural colors. Summer is also great for outdoor activities, especially around the reservoirs. Even in winter, local festivals and events contribute to a lively community spirit.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths or attractions?

While specific wheelchair-accessible trails are not extensively detailed, the Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir offers relatively flat and well-maintained sections, which might be suitable for some visitors with mobility needs. It's always recommended to check specific trail conditions beforehand.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Kreuzau?

Visitors particularly appreciate the beautiful and rustic sections of trails, especially the wooden walkways and reflections in the water at the Heimbach Reservoir. The blend of natural beauty and historical sites, like the Mariawald Abbey and the Art Nouveau Hydroelectric Power Station, also receives high praise. The community has shared over 1600 photos and given more than 3100 upvotes to the attractions.

Where can I find food and drink near attractions?

Many attractions, such as Mariawald Abbey, offer opportunities for rest and local gastronomy, including pea soup and monk beer. The towns and villages around Kreuzau also have cafes and pubs, especially in popular recreation areas like Stausee Obermaubach.

What cultural events or festivals take place in Kreuzau?

Kreuzau actively promotes culture, hosting numerous artistic and cultural activities and events throughout the year. The municipality celebrates various events including carnival festivities, spring markets, village festivals, flea markets, and Christmas markets, contributing to a lively community spirit.

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