The best gravel rides around Simmerath

Beautiful cycle path along the Rursee

The shelter was well-maintained and clean on the day of the visit and is one of the few in the area.

The Kalltalsperre circular walk takes you around the still waters of the Kalltal Dam (Kalltalsperre), an artificial dam in the Kall Valley near Simmerath in the Aachen region of Germany. The dam itself was built in the 1930s to store the water of the Kall River and now serves as a drinking water reservoir for the surrounding municipalities. Therefore, swimming and water sports are not permitted here. However, for hikers, the area is ideal for a relaxing walk in nature, with a beautiful combination of water, forests, and rolling terrain. The walk around the Kalltalsperre can be accessed from several starting points, but one of the most popular access points is the Kallbrück Wanderparkplatz near Rollesbroich. From there, you follow well-marked paths that lead you first along the shore of the reservoir and then through the surrounding forests and fields. At approximately 6.5 to 7 kilometers in length, this is a moderately long circular walk of about one and a half to two hours, suitable for most recreational hikers. The trails are generally well-maintained, with slight elevation changes and occasional sections of woodland or natural terrain, but without any extreme climbs. What makes this circular walk so appealing is the varied landscape. First, you overlook the calm waters of the reservoir, which, in good weather, are beautifully reflected in the sun. Then, the paths lead you through wooded terrain, surrounded by tall trees, birds, and the sounds of nature. Occasionally, glimpses open onto the valley or the wide riverbed of the Kall River, completing the picture. Because the area is relatively quiet and not as crowded as some other tourist destinations in the Eifel region, you'll experience a sense of tranquility and space typical of the Eifel landscape during the loop around the dam. A pleasant variation on the short circular walk is a slightly longer route that starts in Simmerath and runs past the Lönsfelsen rocks and the ravine forest of the Kall Valley, eventually returning around the dam. This hike is approximately 13.5 kilometers long and combines the same water features with additional forest trails, gorges, and viewpoints, making it an excellent day hike for those who want a little more than just the direct loop. The route's style encourages a leisurely pace, allowing you to stop and enjoy the view of the dam and the Kall River flowing through the valley, as well as the variety of open meadows and woodland. This is an attractive hike year-round, with the greenery providing a lush experience in spring and summer, while in autumn the forests turn orange and gold. Even in winter, the landscape remains serene and peaceful, though the paths can be a little wetter.

A 40-meter-tall spruce is an impressive and iconic landscape element, especially in wooded areas such as the Ardennes, the Eifel, or the Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park. Spruces (usually Norway spruce or silver fir) are among the tallest tree species in Central Europe and can reach heights of 40 to over 50 meters under favorable conditions. Such a height usually indicates an old, well-developed tree that took decades, sometimes even more than a hundred years, to reach maturity. A spruce of this size typically grows in cool, moist soils and benefits from a stable forest climate with little wind damage. The straight, slender trunk and tall, narrow crown are typical of spruces growing in dense forests, and they grow primarily upwards to reach light. The bark is grayish-brown and flaky, while the branches are arranged in layers around the trunk. From an ecological perspective, such a tall spruce constitutes an important habitat, and birds such as raptors, owls, and woodpeckers use the tree as a lookout or nesting site, while insects, mosses, and lichens thrive on the bark and in the crown. In the landscape, a 40-meter spruce often serves as a landmark. It towers above the surrounding forest and is visible from afar, giving it an almost monumental character. Such trees are sometimes deliberately preserved in forest management for their natural beauty and amenity value, but also because they contribute to the stability and biodiversity of the forest. At the same time, tall spruces are vulnerable to storms, drought, and bark beetles, making them a symbol of the challenges of modern forest management in a changing climate.

Great view of the lake

The dam is currently (September 2025) a major construction site. A detour is recommended, but no further notice is given. Beautiful place – fully developed for tourism.

Located in the heart of the Eifel National Park, Lake Rursee awaits you with magnificent views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether gravel biking, hiking, swimming, or gliding across the lake on a SUP – here you'll find just the right amount of adventure for your day outdoors.

Beautiful vantage point of the Eiserbach dam south of Rurberg – when the water level is high, the full dimensions of the structure are revealed.