The best hikes from bus stations around Herzogenrath

The Wurm River, largely in its natural state, exhibits an impressive flow dynamic that is unparalleled nationwide. Driven by the force of the flowing water, the river's course is constantly changing, creating new channels, gravel bars, eroding banks, abandoned riverbeds, and new floodplain forests. The abundance of food in the Wurm's gravel and sand deposits makes the river particularly attractive to certain, sometimes rare, bird species. For example, the rare kingfisher finds ideal nesting opportunities in the eroded banks of the Wurm. Beavers have also returned to the Wurm in recent years.

The nature reserve, located north of the city of Aachen in the area of the cities of Würselen and Herzogenrath on both sides of the Wurm river, is approximately 445 hectares in size and is largely characterized by freely flowing meanders of the Wurm river in the open floodplain.

The tour ends before the stairs! The bridge over the Wurm has disappeared! It's not mentioned anywhere, so be careful!

The viewpoint on the former limestone spoil heap near Würselen-Teuterhof offers views primarily of the immediate surroundings: adjacent fields, wooded areas, the districts of Würselen, and the former Teuterhof industrial site. The elevated position provides a good impression of the landscape's structure, without offering a distant view. The spoil heap originates from the former limestone quarrying that took place here for decades and shaped the region's economy. The deposited material is a remnant of this industrial activity. After operations ceased, the spoil heap was gradually secured and renaturalized. Today, it is part of the local recreation area and an example of the transformation from an industrially dominated site to a landscape integrated into the surrounding countryside.

The so-called "dinosaur eggs" on the former limestone spoil heap near Würselen-Teuterhof are not actual fossils, but rather deliberately placed art and design elements. They playfully address the geological significance of limestone mining: Limestone is formed from deposits of prehistoric marine organisms and thus points to periods in which dinosaurs also lived. The objects are intended to attract attention, foster curiosity, and, in particular, provide children with easy access to the geological and industrial history of the site. At the same time, they mark the spoil heap as a learning and experiential space and vividly connect nature, history, and recultivation.

Beautiful view of fields and meadows along the Wurm river

The Wurmtal, near Aachen, contains unique habitats specifically designed for rare toads and other amphibians. This area is an important refuge for species that are increasingly under pressure elsewhere in Europe due to desiccation, urbanization, and loss of suitable habitat. The combination of natural dynamics and targeted nature management makes the Wurmtal a vital component of regional and cross-border nature conservation. The habitats consist of small, shallow pools and temporary ponds, often in open, sunny locations. These simple water features are particularly important for species like the yellow-bellied toad and the midwife toad, which lay their eggs in warm, fishless water. Because these ponds can dry up periodically, predators have little chance, increasing the survival chances of larvae. Around the ponds, stony subsoil, loose bottoms, and shelters made of wood and stones provide ideal conditions for resting, hunting, and overwintering. What makes these habitats particularly special is that they are part of a continuous network of habitats. This allows the toads to move between breeding grounds and habitats, which is crucial for maintaining healthy populations. The area's management focuses on maintaining openness, removing excessive vegetation, and creating new ponds when old ones disappear. This keeps the landscape dynamic, precisely what these amphibians need. For visitors to the Wurmtal, these biotopes are usually not immediately noticeable, but they form a quiet, fragile world right next to hiking trails and nature reserves. Information panels and conservation measures emphasize the importance of tranquility and respect for nature. The biotopes for rare toads demonstrate how careful nature management can contribute to biodiversity and how even small landscape elements can be vital to the survival of endangered species.

The marble egg-shaped sculptures in the Wurmtal are subtle modern works of art that enrich the landscape in a surprising way, simultaneously evoking a sense of mystery and contemplation. Placed in the tranquil valleys and rolling hills of the Wurmtal, the smooth white forms seem to have emerged almost naturally from the landscape itself, as if shaped by wind and water over centuries. Yet their perfection and choice of material—marble with its cool, luminous sheen—are a clear sign of human influence, creating an intriguing dialogue between nature and art.