A circular walk around the historic resort of Simonskall

You start this 15.3-kilometre circular hiking trail at Baptist-Palm-Platz at the church in Vossenack and follow the signpost with the number [36]. On your route, you immerse yourself in the tranquil valleys of the Morlesief and Richelsbach streams until you reach the wide Kalltalweg trail, which leads to the Mestrenger Mühle mill - a true testament to industrial history. Already in operation as a corn mill from 1663, it supplied the surrounding villages with flour. When you cross the Kall, a tributary of the Rur, the path leads you into the Huschelbach valley to the Schaumeiler. There you will gain an insight into the laborious work of a bygone era. The coveted energy source charcoal was produced here from beech wood. It took 3.2 tons of charcoal to produce 1 ton of pig iron. On the way back to the densely wooded Kalltal valley, you will pass the old waterworks from 1905 - a technical masterpiece. Drinking water was pumped 200 meters up to Vossenack (until 1936) and Schmidt (until 1972) solely by the downward pressure of the water from the power plant.

If you continue on the tour, you will pass 400-million-year-old rock formations with a special folded structure that is unique in the Eifel. On the way back, you cross the Kallbrücke bridge, which is home to a statue of St. Nepomuk created by Father Laurentius, and walk further back and past the corn mill until you reach the idyllic village of Simonskall with its historic buildings, whose first settlement is mentioned as early as 1608. Continue past the castle built in 1643 and the Marienkapelle chapel built in 1934/35 until you pass the Junkerhaus dating from 1610, which is used as the "Haus des Gastes", where interesting exhibitions are often held and many historical details about the Kalltal can be found.

In 2002, Simonskall was named a state-recognized resort because of its beautiful scenic location in the narrow, densely wooded Kalltal valley, the very good air quality and excellent accommodation facilities. High quality standards, recreational opportunities such as cycling and hiking trails, the outdoor pool in Vossenack, a sports facility and the "Haus des Gastes" as a central information point for visitors make the route a relaxing experience where you can switch off.

Finally, you can stop off at the popular and excellent restaurant in Simonskall.

At a glance

• Circular hiking trail, marking no. [36]
• Start/finish: Baptist-Palm-Platz parking lot, 52396 Hürtgenwald-Vossenack
• Distance: 15.3 km
• Duration: 5:00 h, Difficulty level: medium
• Highest point: 432 m
• Lowest point: 261 m

Equipment

• Waterproof hiking boots and clothing suitable for the weather
• Sufficient water and a little food