Land of water

Water shapes the landscape

In the north of the Eifel, the elements of water and air fight for supremacy. Large parts of the northern Eifel lie in the High Fens - Eifel Nature Park. The High Fens is one of the largest preserved raised bogs in Europe and feeds many rivers and streams in the Eifel. The borders are as fluid as the rivers, because here you are traveling across borders. Cycle along the Vennbahn cycle path or the Rur-Ufer cycle path.

Rivers have dug deep into the earth. The Rur in particular has persistently carved out its bed and created a deep valley with towering rock faces.

Water landscapes with far-reaching views

The Rursee, Obersee and Urftsee reservoirs characterize the landscape with their large, wide expanses of water and countless small bays. From swimming in the natural adventure pool to canoeing, stand-up paddling or boating, there is a wide range of water adventures on offer.

Allowing wilderness: The Eifel National Park

The Eifel National Park embraces the huge expanse of water of the reservoirs. Nature is the master builder here. She is allowed to do as she pleases, wilderness is the order of the day. The results so far are impressive. Rare animal species such as the black stork, eagle owl and wildcat have found a refuge in the Eifel National Park.

Water and history

After the Celts, the Romans appreciated the water of the Eifel and channeled the clear water to their metropolis of Cologne via a sophisticated canal system. Later, the feudal lords of the Middle Ages protected the water from intruders. Many of them are still preserved and can be discovered by bike on the moated castle route.

The top destinations in the land of water

Which destinations you shouldn't miss in the land of water:

  1. Copyright: Seepark Zülpich

    Seepark Zülpich

    Zülpich
    Heute geöffnet

    4,000 sqm of sandy beach with pirate climbing ship, giant bouncy cushions, giant swings, water playground, adventure golf, beach volleyball, aqua park, Flying Fox and much more awaits you at Seepark Zülpich

  2. Copyright: Dr. Nils Nöll

    LVR-Freilichtmuseum Kommern

    Mechernich
    Heute geöffnet

    History comes alive at the LVR open-air museum in Kommern: Chickens run around between the houses and peck at the ground, cattle graze peacefully in the pasture and fresh bread smells waft from the bakery. Visitors can wander through five different assemblies and their buildings. The journey through time in the Rhineland begins at the end of the 15th century and ends with the 20th century. Exhibitions and various festivals and markets, such as the Anno Dazumal fair, round off the museum experience.

  3. Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, Dominik Ketz

    City-Outlet and historic Bad Münstereifel

    Bad Münstereifel
    Heute geöffnet

    Bad Münstereifel is a small romantic town that has grown historically over the years, with picturesque timber-framed houses and the City Outlet, with attractive shops that are worth paying a visit. You can take a break in the many cosy cafés and restaurants.

  4. Copyright: Nationalpark Eifel, D. Ketz

    Eifel National Park centre - “Wildnis(t)räume” exhibition

    Schleiden
    Heute geöffnet

    In the Eifel National Park centre at the Vogelsang IP “International Place”, visitors can experience nature with all their senses - indoors and outdoors. Surrounded by dense mixed deciduous forests, the modern visitors’ centre above the Urftsee lake has hosted the “Wildnis(t)räume” (“Wilderness Dreams”) exhibition - a barrier-free, interactive nature experience for people of all ages. The Eifel National Park centre is open all year round.

  5. Copyright: Städteregion Aachen, Dominik Ketz

    Rursee

    Simmerath
    Heute geöffnet

    A paradise for everyone.

  6. Copyright: Grünmetropole e.V., Dennis Stratmann

    The Rur Bank cycle route

    Distanz:160.7 km Dauer:8:00 h Anforderung:mittel

    Signal de Botrange (Belgien) - Roermond (Niederlande)