Naturpark Hohes Venn - Eifel

Wildfire in the High Fens

Due to a wildfire in the High Fens, access to the area has been closed.
Please respect the work of emergency responders and observe the barriers.
More information about the closed area is available on the East Belgium website

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Visitors to the German-Belgian High Fens–Eifel Nature Park can experience a wide variety of landscapes, such as raised bogs, limestone depressions, and other natural wonders. The diverse flora is just as impressive as the geological features. Characteristic landscape features of the region include forested areas, picturesque lakes and rivers, and expansive mountain ranges.

Due to various landscape elements, the nature park can be divided into a total of 6 landscape zones:

• Venn Foreland
• High Fens
• High Eifel
• Limestone Eifel
• Our Valley
• Rureifel

In this context, the Aachen City Region borders three of the natural areas mentioned above: the Venn Foreland, the High Fens, and the Rureifel.

The Vennvorland (Roetgen), characterized by dairy farming and forests, extends across the northern part of the nature park. Gently rolling hills and vast green spaces dotted with dairy cattle give the Vennvorland an idyllic character and make it ideal for hikers and cyclists.

The neighboring High Venn (Roetgen, Simmerath, Monschau) is a raised bog area unique in Europe. Regardless of the season, the raised bog captivates visitors with its diverse plant species. It bursts with color in spring and summer, while in winter the gnarled birch trees, with their bizarre-looking silhouettes, create an eerie yet beautiful atmosphere. There are numerous designated hiking routes—some on well-established nature trails, but also several wooden boardwalks that lead through this unique natural landscape.
Certain rules must be observed; for example, designated zones for the protection of rare animals may not be entered without a nature guide. There are a total of four zones with different access restrictions: Zone A covers the area that is freely accessible to hikers. Zone B refers to the area that visitors can freely explore along marked trails. Zone C, on the other hand, may only be accessed when accompanied by a certified nature guide, while Zone D is completely off-limits to all visitors. Dogs must be kept on a leash in all zones. Red flags indicate potential hazards or temporary closures.

To the east of the High Fens lies the Rureifel (Simmerath, Monschau), featuring vast forests and the deeply incised Rur Valley.
As you explore the Rureifel, you’re sure to notice three defining landscape features: the valley deeply carved by the Rur River, the numerous dams with their enormous reserves of drinking and industrial water, and the vast forests. Along with the protected stream valleys of the Rur, which rushes down toward the valley near Mützenich with the vigor of a mountain stream. Finally, a local highlight for visitors is the meter-high hedgerows in the villages of Höfen, Mützenich, Kalterherberg, and Eicherscheid—all located near the Venn—which define the character of these towns. The hedgerows serve as protection against the icy winds and provide valuable habitats for plants and animals.