Hiking in the middle of a natural refuge - "Drover Heide [52]" hiking day tip

The Drover Heide nature reserve, which covers over 600 hectares, is a very special place in the Eifel. Here you will find open heathland, green meadows as well as wild woodlands and idyllic small bodies of water where primeval crayfish and great crested newts can be found. The heathland is also an important bird sanctuary with a habitat for a magnificent array of birds. From woodlark to meadow pipit to nightjar - more than 130 species feel completely at home and safe here amidst the heather. Get to know these and other special features on the leisurely and scenic circular tour through the Drover Heath.

Good to know: Especially during the heather blossom season in August, the hike is a truly magical experience with violet-colored heather blossoms as far as the eye can see.

The tour at a glance

The tour starts at the Drover Heide parking lot, which is also easily accessible by bus and train. The tour, which is around 12 kilometers long, begins on mostly flat hiking trails through open heathland and then across lush meadows and later through sparse forests. In places, you will also be walking on wooden footbridges that cross small bodies of water and areas worthy of protection.

Tips and tricks:

• The circular tour is signposted throughout with the trail logo [52].
• The family-friendly tour is classified as "easy" and is suitable for all levels of fitness.
• From the starting point "Wanderparkplatz Drover Heide (Nord)" on the K28, there is also a barrier-free loop and a shortcut with an elevated viewpoint of the open landscape.
• On the western edge of the heath, you can marvel at a spring dating back to Roman times, the so-called "Helije Pütz", which is part of a ground monument.
• Suitable hiking maps are available locally in the Rureifel.

For a refreshment stop before or after the hike, there are several cozy restaurants and cafés in Drove and the surrounding area.