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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Kreis Düren

Kermeter

Attractions and Places To See around Kermeter - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Kermeter include a heavily forested ridge within the Eifel National Park in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This region is recognized as one of the largest contiguous deciduous forest areas in the Rhineland and forms the core zone of the Eifel National Park. It features diverse natural landscapes, including the Rur and Urft Reservoirs, and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Kermeter

  • The most popular attractions is Victor-Neels Bridge, a bridge that spans the Urftsee in the Eifel National Park. This steel suspension bridge connects the Urftsee cycle and hiking trail with Vogelsang and the Kermeter.
  • Another must-see spot is Mariawald Abbey, a religious building known for its historical significance and monastery shop. Visitors can find various products, including beer brewed according to its own recipe.
  • Visitors also love Eifel view, a viewpoint offering panoramic views over the Rursee. This spot provides expansive vistas of the lake and surrounding forests.
  • Kermeter is known for its natural attractions, historical sites, and numerous viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from barrier-free trails to significant cultural landmarks.
  • The attractions around Kermeter are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3300 upvotes and over 1500 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir

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The Heimbach reservoir is not actually a dam, but a so-called compensation basin. It serves to compensate for the fluctuations in the water level caused by the intermittent operation of the peak current power plants in the Urft and Rurtalsperre. These two hydropower plants usually only produce electricity when larger demand peaks are expected or measured in the general high-voltage network, which is usually the case in the mornings of working days. In the rest of the time the machines are idle and therefore no water inevitably flows into the reservoir. The usable space of the reservoir is therefore filled with water within a few hours when the power plants are in operation. Then the storage volume is dosed and drained in such a way that the underflow of the river bed of the Rur is continuously exposed to an amount of water that meets the ecological requirements of the flowing water and the requirements of other requirements. Source: nationalparktor.de/nationalparkstadtheimbach/wasserinfos/wasserinfos.html

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Victor-Neels Bridge

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The bridge, named after the last Belgian commander, Victor Neels, fits very well into the landscape. At the end you can expect a 16 percent gradient up to Vogelsang.

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Mariawald Abbey

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Unfortunately, Mariwawald Monastery will be closed during the year 2018. The ten monks who live here are now very old and can not operate the monastery without support. In addition, the monastery does not generate enough money to finance the monastery. At the moment there is still discussion about a continued use of the buildings. It is hoped that it will continue to be a spiritual place that honors the centuries-old tradition.

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The hydropower plant from 1905 draws its water from the Urft Dam and was once the largest storage hydropower plant in Europe. The power plant building is now a listed building and can be viewed on guided tours.

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Eifel view

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One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful vantage point on the Rursee.

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Popular around Kermeter

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Next stop: Wilderness! – Germany’s Eifel National Park by public transport

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Nationalpark Eifel

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Bernd 🌲🦌🍄🥾
October 7, 2022, View of Rursee from Hirschley

One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful vantage point on the Rursee.

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Great circular route with an excellent stopover (Mariawald Abbey). Ideally suited for a break in the local gastronomy.

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You should have visited during a hike in the Heimbach area.

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Nice to hike very quiet and comfortable to walk at the end a nice cold beer in the small beer garden

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The Victor Neels Bridge spans the Urftsee at this point and, with a very successful steel cable suspension bridge construction, forms a great transition for cyclists and hikers. The bridge is named after the former commander of the Belgian forces at Camp Vogelsang. Great experience when it starts to rock 😁.

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Especially nice to walk on the north side. Here footbridges lead directly past the water. There are great views around every bend in the path.

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Nice circular route around the reservoir, partly on wide wooden walkways.

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The Heimbach power plant, or the Urft power plant, is located in the north of the Eifel in the Rureifel in the urban area of Heimbach in the North Rhine-Westphalian district of Düren. The hydropower plant was built in conjunction with the Urft Dam and put into operation on August 8, 1905

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore in Kermeter?

Kermeter, located within the Eifel National Park, is known for its extensive deciduous forests, particularly the Kermeter-Hochwald with its beech and oak woods. The region is bordered by the serene Rur and Urft Reservoirs. A key natural highlight is The Wild Trail (Wilder Weg), a barrier-free nature discovery trail offering insights into the park's wilderness and biodiversity.

Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Kermeter?

Yes, Kermeter offers several points of historical and cultural interest. You can visit Mariawald Abbey, a significant religious building with a monastery shop. Another notable site is the Heimbach Art Nouveau Hydroelectric Power Station, a listed building from 1905 that was once Europe's largest storage hydropower plant and can be visited on guided tours. Views of the historical Vogelsang IP can also be seen from certain Kermeter viewpoints.

What are the best viewpoints in the Kermeter region?

Kermeter offers several stunning viewpoints. The Eifel view provides panoramic vistas over the Rursee. Another popular spot is the Hirschley Viewpoint, offering expansive views of the Rur Reservoir. From the 'Black Cross' intersection, you can also detour to a viewpoint with views of the former National Socialist 'Ordensburg', now Vogelsang International Place.

Are there family-friendly activities or trails in Kermeter?

Absolutely. The Wilder Kermeter area features a 6.2-kilometer network of paths designed for visitors of all abilities, including families with children. Part of this is The Wild Trail (Wilder Weg), an interactive nature discovery trail with ten stations that engage both young and old in learning about the forest and its wildlife.

Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers in Kermeter?

Yes, Kermeter is well-equipped with accessible options. The Wilder Kermeter area is specifically designed to be barrier-free, offering finely graveled paths suitable for wheelchair users and those with visual impairments. The Wild Trail (Wilder Weg) is a 1.5 km long barrier-free nature discovery trail, and the Victor-Neels Bridge is also built for disabled access.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Kermeter's attractions?

The Kermeter region is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking, running, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For detailed routes and trails, you can explore guides such as Gravel biking around Kermeter, Running Trails around Kermeter, and MTB Trails around Kermeter.

What is the best time to visit Kermeter?

Kermeter offers unique beauty throughout the year. While autumn is highly recommended for its vibrant play of colors in the deciduous forests, winter also holds a special charm with snow-covered landscapes. The paths in the National Park are generally well-maintained, making it enjoyable in any season.

Where can I find unique local products or food in the area?

At Mariawald Abbey, you can visit the monastery shop which offers various products, including beer brewed according to its own recipe. The abbey was also historically known for its delicious homemade pea soup.

What is the Victor-Neels Bridge and why is it significant?

The Victor-Neels Bridge is a steel suspension bridge that spans the Urftsee in the Eifel National Park. It's significant because it connects the Urftsee cycle and hiking trail with Vogelsang and the Kermeter, providing a crucial link that was previously missing. Named after Victor Neels, a former commander of Belgian forces, it is also designed to be accessible for disabled visitors.

Are there guided tours available in Kermeter?

Yes, ranger-led tours are available in the Eifel National Park, which includes Kermeter. These tours provide valuable insights into the park's ecology, history, and wilderness development, enhancing your understanding of the natural environment.

What do visitors enjoy most about Kermeter?

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from the dense forests to the scenic Rur and Urft Reservoirs. The well-maintained and often barrier-free trails, such as those in the Wilder Kermeter, are highly valued for their accessibility and immersive nature experiences. The panoramic views from spots like the Eifel view are also a major draw.

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