Easy hikes and walks in Kalltal Und Nebentaeler

The Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park contains several reservoirs and dams that regulate the rivers and streams in the Eifel region. These reservoirs, such as the Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel, Urfttalsperre, and other smaller dams, were constructed to control water levels, supply drinking water, prevent flooding, and in some cases, generate electricity from the water flow. Water release valves (also called sluice gates or valves) are technical components in dams and reservoirs that allow operators to control the release or flush of water, thus regulating the water level in the reservoir. Without these valves, water would only flow downward via overflows and natural outflows, which can lead to dangerous water levels in the event of excessive rainfall. In large dams like the Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel, these valves are part of a complex system of pipes and control houses. At the bottom of the dam, large steel pipes typically contain multiple valves (e.g., butterfly valves or special release valves) that allow large volumes of water to be released from the reservoir in a controlled manner. These valves can be mechanically or electrically operated and are a vital link in the lake's management. The valves themselves are robust, large mechanical structures specifically designed to withstand high water pressure and tens of thousands of cubic meters of water. Large dams incorporate multiple valves to enable various water management scenarios, from slow release during light rain to rapid release during extreme weather. Dams like the Rur Dam (Schwammenauel), for example, use butterfly valves and special release valves in the dam's bottom outlets. These components allow for the controlled release of water from the reservoir's depths, while also serving to discharge sediment and limit erosion in the downstream channel. In the Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park, these water management systems are embedded in a landscape where nature, recreation, and water management converge. The reservoirs and their release valves not only help protect the region from flood risk but also support the ecological balance of river valleys and provide peaceful recreational areas for hikers and cyclists.

The Kalltalsperre is a drinking water reservoir in the municipality of Simmerath near Monschau in the Eifel region (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany). The dam was built in the Kall Valley to dam the Kall River and use its water for the region's drinking water supply. The project began on March 21, 1934, and after approximately two years of construction, part of a government program to create jobs during the economic crisis, the dam was filled for the first time in January 1936, with the official opening in August 1936. The dam itself is approximately 34 meters high, approximately 180 meters long, and has a reservoir that can hold approximately 2.1 million cubic meters of water. The dam is an earth-built dam with a concrete core, making it both robust and suitable for long-term drinking water supply. The dam is part of a complex water management system: via a network of tunnels such as the Heinrich-Geis-Stollen and the Kallstollen, the Kalltalsperre is connected to other reservoirs in the region, such as the Rurtalsperre and the Dreilägerbachtalsperre. Technically interesting features include the numerous control and measuring devices built into the dam to ensure its operation and safety. In addition, steel pipes at the foot of the dam allow for controlled water release, which is also partly used to generate electricity via a small hydroelectric power plant. A circular walkway around the Kalltalsperre offers good views of the reservoir and the surrounding forests and fields. Because the reservoir is used as a drinking water reservoir, swimming and water sports are not permitted, but walking, cycling, and nature watching are popular recreational activities. Along the reservoir and in the wider area around the Kalltalsperre, you can also find several technical relics and bunkers related to the region's history. Along routes and in the forest edges, remnants of small bunkers are visible, including what are sometimes locally referred to as Einmannbunker (one-man bunkers), as well as objects reminiscent of technical installations related to water management and energy. These smaller bunkers were often intended as shelters or checkpoints for technical infrastructure and are now part of scenic hiking trails and historical experience routes around the dam. Further along in the Eifel region, but not directly adjacent to the dam, there is also a Cold War-era emergency bunker near Kall-Urft: this former nuclear bunker for the emergency headquarters of the North Rhine-Westphalia state government from the 1960s was later abandoned and opened as a documentation center. This bunker complex provides insight into Cold War strategic planning and is now open to the public on guided tours.

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.

History was made at this bridge, as it was a great help to the Allies. But not only to the Allies, but also to nature lovers, allowing them to cross to the other side without getting their feet wet, since bridges are a rare sight these days.

Bridges over the Kall are rare. Here you can cross to the other side of the Kall.

The cake is highly recommended. A break on the terrace is a good idea.

There's currently little water in the dam! It overflowed during the last visit!

The climb from Simonskall is a little long, but moderate. The view is worth it