The NRW section of the famous Eifelsteig long-distance trail winds through the Eifel National Park, past volcanic lakes (Maare), ancient beech forests, and historic monasteries. The route from Kornelimünster near Aachen to the Rurtalsperre reservoir offers constantly changing scenery.
The North Rhine-Westphalia section of the Eifelsteig begins near Kornelimünster on the southern edge of Aachen, reachable by regional bus from Aachen Hauptbahnhof, with free roadside parking at the trailhead. From there the waymarked route (a black "E" on white background) runs roughly 95km southwest to the Rurtalsperre reservoir near Schleiden, gaining around 1,200m cumulatively over rolling ridge terrain with no single sustained climb exceeding 150m. Underfoot the trail alternates between forest single-track, packed gravel, and short boardwalk sections across boggy ground near the Hohes Venn moorland; exposure is minimal and shade is near-constant beneath beech and spruce canopy for most of the route. Hikers pass the volcanic Maare lakes, the half-timbered town of Monschau, and several Eifel National Park viewpoints before reaching the Rursee reservoir, a natural turn-around or resupply point roughly two-thirds of the way through. Waymarked shelters and refuge huts (Schutzhütten) appear every few kilometres, and villages along the route including Monschau and Einruhr offer guesthouses, bakeries, and refill points for water, since natural water sources should not be relied on without treatment.
| Distance | 95km (full NRW section) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5–6 days |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | Late April to late October |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Aachen to Schleiden, Northern Eifel
Highlights
- Eifel National Park wildlife
- Volcanic Maare lakes
- Monschau medieval town
- Rursee reservoir views
- Ancient forest paths
Tips for visiting
- Break the full 95km into 5-6 daily stages of 15-20km using the overnight villages of Monschau and Einruhr
- Carry a paper map or offline GPS track, as forest sections have inconsistent mobile signal
- Trekking poles help on the boardwalk sections around the Hohes Venn moorland, which can be slick after rain
- Book guesthouse rooms in Monschau ahead in summer, as the town is a popular day-trip destination
- Sturdy waterproof boots are worth it; the moorland boardwalks flood in wet weather
When to visit
Weekday mornings between May and September see the fewest hikers on the Monschau and Rursee sections; early starts help avoid midday heat on exposed ridge stretches.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly; it involves unpaved forest paths, moorland boardwalks, and moderate elevation change throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Can the NRW Eifelsteig section be hiked in a single day?
No, the full 95km stretch is designed as a multi-day tour of 5-6 days; day hikers typically walk one 15-20km stage between trailhead villages.
Is the trail well marked?
Yes, the Eifelsteig uses a consistent black-on-white "E" waymark throughout the NRW section, maintained by the Eifel Tourism association.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Dogs are permitted on leash, though sections passing through Eifel National Park require dogs to stay on the marked path to protect wildlife.
Where can hikers resupply along the route?
Monschau and Einruhr both have shops, bakeries, and guesthouses roughly at the trail's midpoint, making them practical resupply stops.