4.3
(181)
1,232
hikers
68
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Inden offer a unique blend of natural recovery and industrial heritage. The region is characterized by its distinctive post-mining landscape, featuring reclaimed areas and artificial hills like the Goltsteinkuppe. Hikers can explore diverse environments, from the evolving open-pit mine areas to the tranquil banks of the Inde River. The landscape provides varied terrain suitable for different hiking abilities, including gentle paths and routes with moderate elevation changes.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
4.0
(2)
9
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.7
(9)
61
hikers
6.06km
01:36
50m
50m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

4.0
(8)
36
hikers
6.82km
01:44
20m
20m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(3)
14
hikers
5.65km
01:29
40m
40m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
3.6
(5)
25
hikers
7.80km
02:03
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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The miner figure "Arthur Oster" is a monument and a hiking highlight near the Inden open-cast mine in North Rhine-Westphalia. • Background: The statue was erected to commemorate and honor the Inden lignite mine. • Namesake: The figure is named after Arthur Oster, the long-standing director of the Inden open-cast mine (RWE Power), who retired in 2012. Mr. Oster was known for placing great value on mining traditions and actively maintaining them. • Significance: The monument symbolizes the connection to the region, the Rhenish mining history, and the traditional miner's greeting "Glück auf!".
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The Inden open-cast mine is an active lignite mine operated by RWE Power AG in the Rhenish lignite mining area. It extends across North Rhine-Westphalia over an area between the municipalities of Aldenhoven, Jülich, Eschweiler, and Düren. Key figures & operation: • Extraction & purpose: The mine extracts around 15 to 22 million tonnes of lignite annually. All coal is delivered exclusively via conveyor belts directly to the neighboring Weisweiler power plant. Unlike other mines, there is no rail connection. • Dimensions: The coal seams are up to 45 meters thick and lie at a depth of up to 230 meters below the earth's surface. • Duration: Official operations are scheduled to end in 2029. The Arnsberg district government has approved the final main operating plan, which regulates extraction until the final coal phase-out. Future outlook: The Indesee: After coal extraction ends in 2029, a huge residual pit will remain, which will be converted into a local recreation area as part of the recultivation process. • From 2030, the filling of the basin will begin with water from the nearby Rur river as well as rising groundwater. • The Indesee will be created, which will cover a water surface of around 11 to 13 square kilometers and reach a maximum depth of around 180 meters. • The complete filling of the lake is expected to take until the year 2055.
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the place is called „Lamersdorf“ and not Lammersdorf
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Inden offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with over 60 routes specifically categorized as easy or moderate. This ensures there's a suitable option for families with children of all ages and fitness levels.
Inden's landscape is unique, shaped by its post-mining history. You'll find a fascinating blend of natural recovery and industrial heritage. Many trails offer views of the former open-pit mine area, now undergoing transformation, alongside more traditional natural settings. The View of Inden Open-Pit Mine – Indemann Observation Tower loop from Inden is a great example of a trail showcasing this distinctive scenery.
Absolutely! The 36-meter tall Indemann observation tower, located on the artificial hill Goltsteinkuppe, is a major highlight. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the redeveloping mine landscape. Many family-friendly routes, like the Indemann – Indemann Observation Tower loop from Inden, lead directly to it. You can also find the Höller Horn Observation Tower nearby.
The family-friendly trails around Inden are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 260 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the unique views of the evolving landscape, and the accessibility for families.
Yes, there are many easy and short options. For instance, the The Knobby Tree – Former Lucherberg Lake loop from Lucherberg is an easy 3.3 km route that's great for a quick family outing. These shorter trails often feature minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for strollers or little legs.
Most of the family-friendly trails in Inden are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for families, as it simplifies logistics and parking. The Inde River – Along the Inde River loop from Frenz is a pleasant circular option along the river.
Beyond the natural landscapes, Inden's villages offer cultural points of interest. You might encounter medieval churches in places like Pier and Schophoven, or the historical Jewish Cemetery in Frenz. The Heimatmuseum in Lucherberg also provides insights into the region's past, including its mining history.
Inden is enjoyable for family hiking throughout much of the year. Spring brings blooming nature, while autumn offers beautiful colors. Summer is great for longer days, but remember to bring water and sun protection. Even in winter, many trails are accessible for a refreshing walk, though conditions can vary.
Generally, dogs are welcome on most hiking trails in Inden, provided they are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific trail regulations if you plan to visit nature reserves or protected areas. Remember to bring water for your dog and clean up after them.
Many trailheads for family-friendly hikes in Inden offer designated parking areas. For popular spots like the Indemann Observation Tower, you'll typically find ample parking. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information related to your chosen trail.
Yes, the region boasts several interesting natural features. You could visit the Dam of the Wehebach dam, explore the Celtic Tree Circle, Sophienhöhe, or see the Sequoia grove on the Sophienhöhe. These offer additional opportunities to connect with nature during your family trip.


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