Wanderreise: Rur-Olef-Route

Einruhr - Hellenthal - Gemünd

Lookout point with a refuge and a wonderful view of Olef. Winding paths lead through the forest in the Oleftal up to Kuckucksley.

High above the Oleftal dam, you’ll find the Hellenthal bird of prey station & wildlife open-air enclosure. Numerous local wildlife species appear at all times of year in their natural surroundings and beauty.

The Urft Dam is the oldest valley dam in the Eifel and is located in the middle of the Eifel National Park. At the time, the dam was planned as the largest structure in Europe. Construction of the 266 m long wall made of quarry stones began in 1899 - in May 1905 the dam was filled with water for the first time. In addition to flood protection and energy generation, the aim of the hydraulic engineering measure was to supply the region with drinking water. With a length of 12 km, a width of up to 1 km and a maximum depth of 52 m, Lake Urft has a capacity of 45.5 million cubic metres. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Water garden at the Heilsteinhaus in Einruhr.

In September 2016, the new visitor’s and exhibition centre, the Forum Vogelsang IP, was opened. The two main exhibitions are the documentation of the National Socialist period, “Destiny: Master Race. National Socialist Ordensburgen - Both Fascination and Crime” and the adventure exhibition “Wilderness Dreams” organised by the Eifel National Park Centre.