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Hürtgenwald

Top 20 Lakes around Hürtgenwald

Best lakes around Hürtgenwald are found in the Northern Eifel region, an area characterized by its dense forests and significant water bodies. This region is home to several notable reservoirs, including the Wehebachtalsperre, Stausee Obermaubach, and the extensive Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel (Rursee). These lakes serve various purposes, from drinking water supply to flood protection, and offer diverse recreational opportunities. The landscape provides a blend of natural beauty and historical interest, with remnants of past eras visible around the water.

Best lakes…

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Urft Dam

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When the dam was built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Urftsee was the largest reservoir in Europe. The reservoir lies entirely within the Eifel National Park, where …

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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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Victor-Neels Bridge

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The bridge, named after the last Belgian commander, Victor Neels, fits very well into the landscape. At the end you can expect a 16 percent gradient up to Vogelsang.

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Here, in addition to a great view, there is a really good snack and you can take the boat back to Rurberg.

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Eifel view

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One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful vantage point on the Rursee.

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Next stop: Wilderness! – Germany’s Eifel National Park by public transport

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Nationalpark Eifel

Tips from the Community

Bernd 🌲🦌🍄🥾
October 7, 2022, View of Rursee from Hirschley

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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Rombea
May 2, 2022, Urft Dam

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 outdoor activities can I enjoy around the lakes near Hürtgenwald?

The lakes around Hürtgenwald offer a wide range of activities. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, running, and gravel biking. For water sports, Stausee Obermaubach is excellent for rowing, pedal boating, paddling, sailing, and surfing, while the Rursee (Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel) is popular for sailing, surfing, and swimming. Both also offer great fishing opportunities.

Are there family-friendly lakes or trails in the Hürtgenwald region?

Yes, several spots are great for families. The Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir offer an easy and scenic path. The Victor-Neels Bridge is also family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Eifel view and the View of the Urft Dam and the Urftsee are accessible and provide beautiful vistas.

Which lakes are best for hiking and cycling around Hürtgenwald?

The Wehebachtalsperre is surrounded by numerous hiking and cycling trails, offering impressive views of the water and dense forests. The Rursee (Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel) also features a highly recommended bicycle tour around the lake, with the surrounding Eifel National Park providing a stunning natural backdrop for both hiking and cycling.

Can I go swimming in the lakes near Hürtgenwald?

Swimming is a popular activity at the Rursee (Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel), which is a major destination for various water sports. Stausee Obermaubach also allows for recreational water activities, including swimming. However, the Wehebachtalsperre is a drinking water reservoir, so motorized water sports and swimming are prohibited to preserve its pristine nature.

Are there any historical sites or unique natural features to observe around the lakes?

Yes, the region is rich in both. At low water levels at the Wehebachtalsperre, parts of the former country road number 11 and remnants of a Celtic refuge castle's ring wall from the Iron Age can become visible. The Urft Dam itself is a significant man-made monument, once Europe's largest reservoir. You can also observe numerous beaver lodges at the Wehebachtalsperre and the highest fish ladder in North Rhine-Westphalia at Stausee Obermaubach.

What makes the Wehebachtalsperre unique compared to other lakes in the area?

The Wehebachtalsperre is known for its pristine nature due to its status as a drinking water reservoir, prohibiting motorized water sports. This allows nature to flourish undisturbed, making it an excellent spot for ornithological observations and spotting beaver habitats. It also holds historical interest with visible remnants of an old country road and a Celtic refuge castle at low water levels.

What kind of water sports are available at Stausee Obermaubach?

Stausee Obermaubach is a hub for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy rowing, pedal boating, paddling, sailing, and surfing (when conditions are windy). Boat rentals are available on-site, making it easy to get out on the water.

What is the Rursee, and what activities does it offer?

The Rursee, officially the Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel, is one of Germany's largest reservoirs by volume and is located within the Eifel National Park. It's popular for extensive water sports like sailing, surfing, boating, and swimming. You can also take scenic boat tours with the 'white Rursee fleet' or enjoy cycling and hiking around its picturesque shores. The annual 'Rursee in Flammen' fireworks display in July is a major event.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Hürtgenwald?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the diverse range of outdoor activities, and the peaceful atmosphere. Many appreciate the well-maintained trails, the impressive views from spots like the Eifel view, and the unique historical elements found around the dams. The opportunity for both active recreation and quiet nature observation is highly valued.

Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers around the lakes?

Yes, the Victor-Neels Bridge is noted for being wheelchair accessible, providing a connection between hiking trails with scenic views. Additionally, paths within the Eifel National Park, such as those leading to the Eifel view, are generally well-maintained and suitable for strollers.

When is the best time to visit the lakes in Hürtgenwald?

The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer vibrant colors for hiking and cycling, with autumn's foliage being particularly recommended. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at Stausee Obermaubach and the Rursee. Even winter offers a special charm for walks around the frozen landscapes.

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

NideggenHeimbachVettweißKreuzauNörvenichKermeterLangerweheIndenAldenhovenLinnichTitzJülichNiederzierMerzenichSophienhöheStausee ObermaubachStaubecken HeimbachRurmäander Zwischen Floßdorf Und BroichNationalpark EifelMeroder WaldDürener BadeseeWehebachtalsperreBadesee Düren-Echtz

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