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.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Popular around Rursee Obersee
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Cycling around Rursee Obersee
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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Worth seeing barrier system, the Rurtalsperre and the Rursee is definitely worth a trip.
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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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Here you can relax and stroll along the shore while your gaze wanders over the lake.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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