The Eifel National Park maintains a network of marked nature trails through its protected old-growth forests and volcanic landscapes. The Kermeter and Wilder Kermeter trails offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities — wild cats, eagle owls, and black storks have been recorded.
The Wildnispfade trail network is based around the Kermeter and Wilder Kermeter forest areas of Eifel National Park, near Schleiden and Monschau, with the main trailhead and car park at the Vogelsang visitor centre reachable by regional bus from Gemünd. No permit is required, though park regulations require staying on marked paths. The circular routes range from 6km to 18km with 100-300m of gentle elevation gain, following well-maintained gravel and dirt forest paths suitable for most fitness levels, with no exposure or technical terrain. The trails wind through protected old-growth beech forest and past volcanic Maare-formed landscapes near the Rursee reservoir, with interpretive signage explaining the park's wildlife, which includes wild cats, eagle owls, and black storks recorded in recent surveys. The Vogelsang visitor centre, a former NS-Ordensburg complex now repurposed as an education site, serves as both trailhead and a natural rest and information stop, with toilets and refreshments available; the park is also a certified Dark Sky Park, and several routes double as evening stargazing walks. Water sources along the trails themselves are not reliable, so hikers should carry their own.
| Distance | 6–18km (various circular routes) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2–6 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | April to October, with select trails accessible year-round |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Eifel National Park, near Schleiden/Monschau
Highlights
- Wild cat habitat areas
- Volcanic Maare lakes (Rursee)
- Ancient beech forests
- Stargazing zones (Dark Sky Park)
- Vogelsang visitor centre
Tips for visiting
- Start from the Vogelsang visitor centre, which has parking, toilets, and trail maps
- Stay on marked paths at all times; the park enforces this to protect wildlife habitat
- Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting, especially at dawn or dusk when eagle owls are more active
- The Dark Sky Park designation makes evening or night walks worthwhile on clear, moonless nights
- Shorter 6km loops are suitable for families with children
When to visit
Early morning or dusk visits offer the best chance of wildlife sightings; clear autumn and winter nights are ideal for the park's Dark Sky Park stargazing routes.
Accessibility
Several shorter loops near the Vogelsang visitor centre use compacted gravel paths that are largely stroller-friendly, though longer routes involve unpaved forest terrain unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit needed to hike in Eifel National Park?
No permit is required, but hikers must remain on the marked Wildnispfade trails to protect the park's wildlife and old-growth forest.
What wildlife might be seen on the trails?
The park has recorded wild cats, eagle owls, and black storks, though sightings are not guaranteed and are more likely at dawn or dusk.
Is the Vogelsang visitor centre worth visiting separately?
Yes, the former NS-Ordensburg complex now houses an international education centre and exhibition, and makes a good combined stop with a shorter trail loop.
Are the trails suitable for children?
The shorter 6km circular routes with minimal elevation gain are well suited to families with children.