The watercourses and their floodplains are a typical and ecologically valuable part of the Rureifel with a great wealth of flora and fauna. This diversity is thanks to the farmers who have mowed the meadows for centuries. When modern forms of farming close to villages made haymaking in the valleys no longer worthwhile, spruce trees were planted there. Efforts are currently being made in many places to restore the original floodplain vegetation. The characteristic terracing can be seen in many places along the hiking trail. This occurs when a river is no longer able to transport its debris and deposits it in the floodplain. If a river deepens again due to a change in climate, it cuts through the previously formed terrace. The formerly swampy valleys of the Eifel only acquired their function as traffic routes after the river regulation at the beginning of the 20th century.

Beautiful cycle paths with little car traffic combine water and nature experiences in the Eifel National Park. Plus a piece of dark history and the conversion of Vogelsang into a national park center and Nazi documentation

29 circular hiking trails in the municipality of Simmerath: Hiking trail 66 - Haaserott loop Distance: 5.7 km Starting point: An der Streng in Simmerath-Hammer

Nature, culture and a touch of Eifelsteig are companions of this hike.

Day hike approx. 10.6 km on the AhrSteig in combination with public transport (Laufenbacher Hof - Insul)