Easy hikes and walks in Städteregion Aachen

Nice circular route around the Blausteinsee

According to local tradition, an old legend explains the origin of the Teufelsley (Devil's Rock). The devil was said to have been enraged because a monastery was to be built in the region. In his anger, he dislodged a massive boulder from the heights to destroy the structure. However, as he approached with the stone, an angel intervened, thwarting the devil's plan and stopping his attack. The rock brought by the devil then remained in its present location and has been called Teufelsley ever since.

According to regional oral tradition, the rock formations Engelsley and Teufelsley owe their names to an old legend connected with the construction of a monastery in the Monschau region. The tale recounts that the devil was enraged that a house of worship was to be built on this site. In his anger, he dislodged a massive boulder from the surrounding hills to destroy the building and halt construction. However, as he approached with the stone, an angel confronted him. To protect the monastery, the angel is said to have reached for an even larger rock. With this, he blocked the devil's path and thwarted his plan. The two rock formations—so the legend goes—fell to the ground and remained in the landscape as a visible symbol of this supernatural conflict.

The entrance to the Gouley mine tunnel, also known as the Stollenmundloch, is located in the picturesque Wurmtal valley near Würselen/Morsbach in Germany. This tunnel was an important part of Grube Gouley, one of the oldest coal mines in the Aachen region, first mentioned in 1599 under the name "Gute Ley." Gouley was one of the longest-operating coal mines in the region, with mining operations continuing until 1969. The tunnel was originally used for coal extraction and later for dewatering the mine, as underground mines often caused water problems. Today, water still flows from the tunnel into the Wurm, a clear sign of the landscape's industrial past. Although the tunnel is not open to visitors, the entrance itself is a tangible industrial monument and bears witness to centuries of mining tradition. Over the centuries, Gouley has enjoyed a rich and eventful history. In the 19th century, the mine was modernized with steam engines for water and coal extraction. In 1834, a sudden ingress of water led to a serious mining accident in which several miners died. This tragedy resulted in stricter safety measures in the Aachen region. Later in the 19th and 20th centuries, the mine was further expanded with rail and coal transport, and it became a major employer in the region. Following the declining demand for coal and the changing energy market, Gouley finally closed its doors on March 31, 1969. Today, the area around the tunnel is part of hiking trails through the Wurmtal, where visitors can discover traces of the industrial past: remnants of old railway lines, railway bridges, workers' houses, and the contours of former mining sites. This combination of nature and industrial heritage makes the area particularly attractive for hikers and cyclists. The Wurmtal itself offers a beautiful river landscape where forests, streams, and valleys blend harmoniously, creating a serene experience of Gouley's historical context. The Gouley Mine Tunnel symbolizes the region's long mining tradition and illustrates how an industrial landscape can transform into a place of natural recreation and remembrance. Walkers along the path alongside the tunnel literally experience the traces of the past while enjoying the tranquility of the watercourse and the surrounding green landscape. It is a place where history, nature, and culture converge, telling the story of human endeavor, technological progress, and the resilience of the landscape.

For those who arrive here, a break at Café Bellevue is definitely recommended. The view is breathtaking, and the cake is also excellent.

Really great view.

over the ridge

More interesting than the wayside cross, I find the mining wagon in the background, a reminder of the coal mining in this area, as evidenced by the neighboring mining dump of the Gouley mine.