4.4
(193)
2,452
runners
135
runs
Jogging around Oleftalsperre offers a tranquil setting within the Eifel region, away from urban areas. The landscape is characterized by the central reservoir, surrounded by diverse natural features including forests, meadows, and hilly terrain. Trails provide continuous views of the water and the picturesque Eifel landscape, making it an ideal environment for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.3
(16)
157
runners
16.3km
01:50
210m
210m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
13.7km
01:29
220m
220m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(2)
6
runners
12.6km
01:22
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
28.6km
03:10
380m
380m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
4
runners
13.5km
01:29
250m
250m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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In Hellenthal, you can relax on a stone staircase right on the banks of the Olef river and skip stones across the water. It's so relaxing 😊
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A paved path runs along the Olef Reservoir, popular with cyclists. The circuit is just under 14 km long, offering beautiful views of the reservoir along the way. Numerous benches invite you to take a break.
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Simply take a seat on the relaxation lounger and enjoy the magnificent view of the Olef Dam.
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Beautifully laid out for young and old. But also very busy in the summer, depending on the time of day.
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You can refill your drinking water here. During dry summer periods, the water runs dry.
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Dam construction period: 1954–1959 Height above valley floor: 54.6 m Crest length: 282 m Crest width: 5.7 m
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The unique dam structure of the Oleftalsperre is very impressive from this height! Top!
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There are over 120 running routes around Oleftalsperre, offering a wide variety of options for different fitness levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these trails over 2000 times, rating them highly.
The terrain around Oleftalsperre is quite varied. Many paths, especially the popular loop around the reservoir, are largely paved, making them accessible. You'll also find diverse Eifel landscape with forests, meadows, and hilly sections. Some routes offer significant elevation changes for a more challenging run.
Yes, Oleftalsperre offers several easy running routes. For instance, a 4.49 km trail along the dam is considered easy and great for any fitness level due to its accessible paths. In total, there are 13 easy routes available, perfect for a relaxed run.
Yes, many of the running routes around Oleftalsperre are circular. A popular option is the approximately 14-kilometer loop around the Oleftalsperre itself. You can also explore routes like the Running loop from Hellenthal, which is a moderate 13.7 km circular path.
The Oleftalsperre region is generally dog-friendly, offering a natural environment for outdoor activities. While specific regulations may vary, most trails are suitable for running with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. Always check local signage for any restrictions.
Some sections of the Oleftalsperre trails are suitable for families and strollers, particularly the largely paved paths around the reservoir. The easier, shorter loops are often a good choice for a family outing. However, more challenging routes with significant elevation changes might not be ideal for strollers.
The routes offer continuous scenic views of the Olef Reservoir and the picturesque Eifel landscape. You can also explore highlights like the North Shore of the Oleftalsperre or the Northern Shore Path. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including alder gallery forests and bear grass meadows, and is one of the last remaining areas in Germany with a significant presence of yellow daffodils.
While specific parking areas are not detailed in the route information, the Oleftalsperre is a well-known recreational area. It is generally advisable to look for designated parking lots near the main access points to the reservoir or in nearby towns like Hellenthal, which serve as starting points for many routes.
The komoot community highly rates the running experience at Oleftalsperre, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 160 reviews. Runners often praise the tranquil setting, the continuous scenic views of the reservoir, and the diverse Eifel landscape. The variety of routes, from easy loops to more challenging runs, is also frequently highlighted.
Absolutely. For experienced runners seeking a challenge, Oleftalsperre offers several difficult routes. For example, the North Shore of the Oleftalsperre – View of the Oleftalsperre Dam loop from Hellenthal is a 16.3 km trail with over 200 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Oleftalsperre Dam – View of the Olef Reservoir loop from Hellenthal, which spans 28.6 km with significant elevation changes.
The running routes around Oleftalsperre vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, easy loops, such as a 4.49 km trail along the dam. Many popular routes range from 12 to 16 km, like the Blumenthal Village – Open-air stairway on the Olef loop from Hellenthal at 12.6 km, up to longer, more challenging runs exceeding 28 km.
Yes, along the reservoir, numerous benches are strategically placed, inviting visitors to pause, rest, and enjoy the stunning views of the water and the surrounding Eifel landscape. These spots are perfect for a short break during your run.


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