Einruhr between the Obersee and local history

Einruhr brings together boat trips on the Obersee, impressive viewpoints and a local history closely linked to ironworks and dam construction. When looking for accommodation, one simple question can make all the difference: Should your trip focus on the water, walking, the views or the history of the village?

Boat trips and nature experiences

The two-hour Obersee round trip can start in Einruhr. It goes via Rurberg and the Obersee to the Urft Dam and back. The one-hour Obersee round trip is a shuttle service: it runs from Einruhr to Rurberg or from Rurberg to the Urft Dam and back. This shorter trip can be combined with the National Park hiking trail. You can choose between two different time slots and routes. Boat services are seasonal; check the timetables before your trip.

The Obersee boat landing stage in Einruhr is wheelchair accessible and is very close to public parking. From April to October, rangers from the National Park administration accompany the Rursee boat service on the first and third Monday of each month. The Einruhr landing stage is also wheelchair accessible. If you plan to take one of these trips, check the current timetable in advance.

Einruhr’s natural swimming pool is a great place for a swim. You can also hire pedal boats or rowboats there. Boat hire is seasonal; check whether boats are available before your trip. Boats, swimming and trails offer different ways to spend time by the water and in the landscape, without having to commit to just one activity for the day.

Views and trails

The “Schöne Aussicht” Eifel viewpoint is in Simmerath-Einruhr, at an elevation of 440 metres. From there, panoramic views stretch across the Rur Valley to the village of Dedenborn. The Seifenauel Loop, route number 46, passes directly by this viewpoint. The “Wolfshügel” Eifel viewpoint is above Einruhr, at an elevation of 360 metres. From there, views extend over the village and the Obersee to the Buhlert forest; the Eifelsteig trail also passes directly by Wolfshügel.

The Rur bridge is also visible from Wolfshügel. Built in the 19th century, it was the first stone bridge over the Rur. The second stage of the Wilderness Trail follows narrow paths along the steep slopes of the Obersee, offering a sense of natural tranquillity. These trails and viewpoints offer different options for your plans: a named circular hiking route, a long-distance view or a stage with narrow paths. Check the latest trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

Traces of local history

Einruhr’s origins are traced back to the Pleushütte ironworks, founded around 1470 and formerly known as Rurhütte. During construction of the Rur Dam, Pleushütte was flooded in the second phase of the expansion in the 1950s. Einruhr then took on its present appearance. The changing landscape is therefore part of the village’s history, as is the early use of the ironworks.

Another trace of the past leads to the Heilstein spring: in Roman times, a road ran from Konzen through Kesternich to Einruhr and onward to the spring. Today, you can drink water from the Heilstein spring at a fountain behind the Heilsteinhaus. If you plan to visit the fountain, check in advance whether it is currently in operation.

Getting your bearings and taking a break locally

The Heilsteinhaus is home to the Einruhr National Park Information Point. It is a starting point for exploring the adjoining Eifel National Park on foot, by bicycle or by boat. Maps and information materials, free Wi-Fi and a public toilet are available there. The Information Point’s opening and operating details may vary seasonally.

After a hike or bike ride, the Einruhr hiking rest stop in the Heilsteinhaus is a place to relax and have a picnic. Next to the rest stop is a water garden where you can cool your feet after a hike. Whether you’re interested in a boat trip, a viewpoint, local history or a break after an outing, these specific interests can help you decide whether Einruhr is the right destination and what to focus on during your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kesternich, Steckenborn, Woffelsbach, Dedenborn.

See the overview of destinations: Simmerath.