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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Städteregion Aachen

Rursee Obersee

Attractions and Places To See around Rursee Obersee - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Rursee Obersee are found within the Eifel National Park, featuring interconnected reservoirs like the Rursee and Obersee. This region is characterized by its dense forests, rolling hills, and expansive blue waters. It serves as a significant drinking water supply and offers a serene yet active retreat for nature lovers. The landscape provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

Best attractions and places to see around Rursee Obersee

  • The most popular attractions is Urft Dam, a man-made monument. When constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, the Urftsee was Europe's largest reservoir.
  • Another must-see spot is Obersee at Einruhr, a lake that is part of a valuable water protection area. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and find various refreshment options in the nearby village.
  • Visitors also love Urft Reservoir Trail, a hiking trail that leads directly along the shore. It offers continuous views of the Urft and the surrounding green mountains.
  • Rursee Obersee is known for its natural features, historical sites, and extensive trail networks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from reservoirs and dams to forests and scenic viewpoints.
  • The attractions around Rursee Obersee are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 4900 upvotes and over 3500 photos, the area offers many explored spots.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Urft Dam

Highlight • Monument

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 nature is allowed to run free in many places. There is a place to stop for refreshments right next to the dam. A special feature for Germany is that the Rursee is located right at the foot of the dam.

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View of the Rursee

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great views of the Rurtalsperre - I almost felt like I was in Canada. 😀

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View of the Rursee

Highlight • Viewpoint

From here you have a great view of the wild and romantic embankment of the Rursee.

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Paulushof Dam

Highlight • Monument

The Paulushofdamm separates the Obersee from the Rursee. From here you can hike or cycle left on the Rursee in the direction of the Schwammenauel dam or right on the Urftseerandweg to the Urftsee dam.

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Urft Reservoir Trail

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The hiking trail leads directly along the shore. Always great views of the Urft and the towering green mountains.

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Tips from the Community

Stefan 🚴‍♀‍
June 10, 2024, Paulushofdamm

The ideal starting point for a walk around the Rursee (approx. 27km). It is also not far to the Urft Dam (approx. 4km) and the former Nazi Ordensburg Vogelsang (approx. 10km).

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The Paulusdamm near the town of Rurberg separates the (actual) Rursee from the Obersee. The latter begins at Einruhr, where the Rur - coming from Monschau or further up the Belgian Fens - flows into the Obersee. This is a valuable water protection area and supplies many people in the greater Aachen area with drinking water. The Rursee below is also used by many water sports enthusiasts. The banks of the Obersee and Rursee are partly part of the Eifel National Park.

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Rombea
May 2, 2022, Paulushofdamm

Worth seeing barrier system, the Rurtalsperre and the Rursee is definitely worth a trip.

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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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Great lake, which is also used by electrically operated ferries.

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Great to walk this way. Many benches invite you to linger.

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EifelFranke
September 13, 2021, View of Rursee

Here you can relax and stroll along the shore while your gaze wanders over the lake.

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Didada
May 30, 2021, View of Rursee

This section is also not so crowded.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Rursee Obersee?

The Rursee Obersee region, nestled within the Eifel National Park, is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the interconnected reservoirs of the Rursee and Obersee, which are central to the area's appeal. The Urft Dam is a significant landmark, creating the Urftsee, once Europe's largest reservoir. The area also features dense forests, rolling hills, and the unique, heath-like Dreiborner Plateau.

Where can I find the best views of the Rursee and Obersee?

For impressive views, consider visiting the Urft Dam, which offers scenic vistas of the Urftsee. The Paulushof Dam, separating the Obersee from the Rursee, also provides excellent viewpoints. Additionally, the Urft Reservoir Trail offers continuous views of the Urft and its surrounding green mountains directly along the shore.

Are there opportunities for hiking around Rursee Obersee?

Yes, the region is a paradise for hikers. The Eifel National Park offers approximately 240 kilometers of well-marked trails. Popular routes include the Urft Reservoir Trail, which is easy to walk and suitable for everyone. For more challenging terrain, you might encounter paths like the Steep Rocky Path in Eifel National Park. You can find more hiking options in the Mountain Hikes around Rursee Obersee guide.

What water sports and activities are available on the lakes?

The Rursee and Obersee provide ample opportunities for water-based activities. You can enjoy boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, stand-up paddling, and canoeing. Electric passenger ships offer scenic tours across the Obersee and Rursee. For swimming, official bathing areas include the Rurberg Rursee Centre and the family-friendly Naturerlebnisbad Einruhr.

Can I go cycling in the Rursee Obersee region?

Absolutely! The region is excellent for cycling, with numerous trails along the shores and through wooded areas. The Rursee-Rundweg (Rursee Circular Route) is a popular 27-kilometer cycling path that can be extended to 42 kilometers by including the Obersee and Urftsee. The Paulushof Dam is a key starting point for cycling tours. For more routes, check out the MTB Trails around Rursee Obersee and Gravel biking around Rursee Obersee guides.

Are there any historical or man-made landmarks to visit?

Yes, the region features notable man-made landmarks. The Urft Dam, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is a significant historical site. The Paulushof Dam is another important structure that separates the Obersee from the Rursee. While not directly on the Rursee, the Jugendstil-Kraftwerk (Art Nouveau Power Plant) in Heimbach is an architectural gem in the wider Eifel lake district.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions?

The Rursee Obersee area offers several family-friendly options. The Naturerlebnisbad Einruhr is particularly suitable for families with children, featuring various attractions. Easy hiking trails, such as parts of the Urft Reservoir Trail, are also great for families. The village of Einruhr, near Obersee at Einruhr, provides refreshment options and a pleasant environment.

What is the best time to visit Rursee Obersee?

The Rursee Obersee region is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant natural colors. Summer is ideal for water sports and swimming, with official bathing areas open. The Eifel National Park's nature can be enjoyed in all seasons.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Eifel National Park?

Within the Eifel National Park, where much of the Rursee Obersee area lies, nature is allowed to flourish. Visitors can learn about local wildlife such as pearl mussels, crayfish, and beavers at the National Park Gate in Rurberg. The park's diverse habitats support a variety of flora and fauna.

Are there places to eat or relax near the attractions?

Yes, the lakeside villages of Rurberg, Woffelsbach, and Einruhr offer various options for relaxation and dining. In Einruhr, near Obersee at Einruhr, you'll find snack bars, hotel restaurants, and ice cream parlors. There are also places to stop for refreshments right next to the Urft Dam.

What makes the Obersee at Einruhr a special place?

The Obersee at Einruhr is a valuable water protection area and serves as the main forebay of the Rur Reservoir, crucial for drinking water supply. While parts of it are non-navigable, it offers a beautiful piece of nature. The nearby village of Einruhr provides various refreshment options, making it a pleasant spot for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty.

How accessible is the Eifel National Park area around Rursee Obersee?

The Eifel National Park aims for accessibility. The National Park Gate in Rurberg features an exciting, multilingual, and barrier-free exhibition, providing information about the park's wildlife and conservation efforts. Many trails are well-marked, and some are suitable for all fitness levels, including easy hikes that can be enjoyed by families.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

MonschauSimmerathRoetgenEinruhrHerzogenrathWürselenHürtgenwaldEschweilerBaesweilerOberes Rurtal Mit Den Felsbildungen Der EhrensteinsleyRur DamKalltalsperreRurtal Mit Den Felsbildungen Der UhusleyWurmtal Südlich Herzogenrath, Einschließlich Meisbach, WürselenPerlenbach-Fuhrtsbachtal-TalsystemZweifaller Und Rotter WaldBrander WaldEschweiler StadtwaldBuchenwald DedenbornPropsteier WaldTiefenbachtal Bei Simmerath Mit NebenbächenPerlenbachtalsperreBlausteinseeHolderbachtal/Dürholderbachtal

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