Einruhr at Lake Rur: Nature, Trails and History

When choosing accommodation in Einruhr, there are several clearly distinct reasons to visit: boat trips on the Obersee, trails through the landscape, viewpoints, historical traces and activities around the Heilsteinhaus. This allows you to shape your stay in different ways, without everyone having to focus on the same thing. The combination of waterways and hiking opportunities is particularly convenient, as boat trips depart from Einruhr, trails run along the Obersee and the National Park information point provides important orientation for your stay.

Water and boat trips on the Obersee

The two-hour Obersee round trip can be started in Einruhr. It travels via Rurberg and the Obersee to the Urft Dam and then back again. There is also a one-hour Obersee round trip as a shuttle service from Einruhr to Rurberg or from Rurberg to the Urft Dam and back. This round trip can be combined with the National Park hiking trail. For your planning, this means that you can choose between a longer round trip and a shuttle service with a connection to hiking.

The Obersee boats are accessible without barriers in Einruhr. The landing stage is located in the immediate vicinity of public parking spaces. In addition, rangers from the National Park administration accompany the Rursee boat service from April to October on the first and third Monday of each month. On these scheduled dates, the trip therefore has an additional connection to the landscape and the national park.

Local history between the ironworks and Lake Rur

The origins of Einruhr are traced back to the Pleushütte ironworks, founded around 1470 and formerly known as Rurhütte. The history of the village is therefore closely linked to a former industrial site. When the Rur Valley Dam was built, Pleushütte was flooded during the second construction phase in the 1950s. Einruhr then acquired its present-day appearance. Those interested in the development of the village will therefore find not only natural scenery here, but also a history shaped by the construction of the dam.

The Heilstein spring also reaches back into an earlier past. In Roman times, a road led from Konzen via Kesternich to Einruhr and the Heilstein spring. The water from the Heilstein spring can be drunk from a fountain behind the Heilsteinhaus. In addition to this historical connection, the Einruhr natural outdoor pool offers an opportunity for swimming.

Viewpoints and trails with different perspectives

The “Schöne Aussicht” Eifel-Blick viewpoint in Simmerath-Einruhr is situated at an elevation of 440 metres. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Rur Valley and the village of Dedenborn. The Seifenauel Loop, number 46, passes directly by the “Schöne Aussicht” Eifel-Blick.

Above Einruhr, the “Wolfshügel” Eifel-Blick viewpoint is situated at an elevation of 360 metres. Looking across the village, the distant view extends over the Obersee to the Buhlert woodland. The Rur Bridge is also visible from “Wolfshügel”. It was built in the 19th century and was the first stone bridge over the Rur. The Eifelsteig trail passes directly by the “Wolfshügel” Eifel-Blick.

The second stage of the Wilderness Trail offers another hiking experience. Narrow paths lead along the steep slopes of the Obersee and convey a sense of natural tranquillity. The options differ clearly when planning a day: the two Eifel-Blick viewpoints focus on long-distance views and orientation in the landscape, while the Wilderness Trail centres on the route along the slopes of the Obersee.

National Park information point and breaks along the way

The Einruhr National Park information point in the Heilsteinhaus is a starting point for exploring the directly adjacent Eifel National Park on foot, by bicycle or by boat. The information point provides maps and information materials, free Wi-Fi and a public toilet. Einruhr therefore has a specific contact point for different types of exploration.

After a hike or bike tour, the Einruhr hiking rest station in the Heilsteinhaus offers a place to relax and have a picnic. Next to the hiking rest station is a water garden where you can cool your feet after a hike. Pedal boats and rowing boats can also be rented at the Einruhr natural adventure pool. Together with the opportunity to swim, this creates a day that combines activity, water and longer breaks.

Plan your time in Einruhr according to your own interests

The activities in Einruhr allow for different daily rhythms. A boat trip can be combined with the National Park hiking trail, a hike can pass by a viewpoint and then end at the hiking rest station or in the water garden. Anyone looking for accommodation for their stay can therefore first decide whether to focus on the Obersee and boat trips, viewpoints and hiking routes, local history or the activities around the Heilsteinhaus. The specific destinations remain clearly distinct and can be combined according to your interests.

For comparing other places in the same category, you can also view Steckenborn and Kesternich.

For the overarching travel overview: Simmerath.