Steckenborn: Meadows, Panoramic Views and Village History

Steckenborn lies above the Rursee in the northern Eifel. The village walk brings together scenery, views and smaller historical landmarks. This gives you different options when planning your trip: nature, a view of the lake or local history.

Meadow landscapes and views from Hövel

The village walk leads through Steckenborn’s northern meadows. Hedgerows and ancient beech trees line the route before it reaches the Hövel viewpoint. From there, the view stretches across the Rursee towards the area around Nideggen. The changing landscape of meadows, trees and expansive lake views makes this walk a great choice if you would like to combine scenery and panoramic views in one outing.

Local history and tradition

The village walk also introduces several smaller landmarks from local history: a historic water well, the village chapel dating from 1864 and restored half-timbered houses. There is also a Westwall bunker, which is considered a cultural monument. The well, chapel, houses and bunker each offer a different perspective, showing that history is not confined to a single building.

Tradition also includes the parish of St. Apollonia’s annual four-day pilgrimage on foot to Barweiler. Its history dates back to 1750. Participation requirements may vary; if you are considering taking part, check the arrangements in advance.

Plan walks in the area

Hiking car parks at Hövel, Kierberg and the village square provide starting points for local walks. You can therefore consider different starting points for your route. Check the current parking arrangements before your walk.

More day-trip options in the wider destination of Simmerath

The wider destination of Simmerath offers more day-trip options in various locations. If you choose your accommodation based on the activities you have planned, there are several themes to consider: swimming, the national park, hiking, cycling and culture.

At Woffelsbach Bay, the swimming area is directly in the lake and is marked off with yellow swim buoys. Swimming conditions may change with the water level. The natural swimming pool in Einruhr is completely free of chlorine and chemicals; the water is cleaned biologically in a reed pond.

The Rurberg National Park Gate in Simmerath features the “Lifelines of Nature” exhibition, a digital terrain model of the national park and national park films. It is also a starting point for free guided walks in the Kermeter forests. As schedules may change, check the dates of the guided walks in advance.

Two routes offer useful points of comparison for hiking. The 15.1-kilometre Panorama Trail starts at the village square in Simmerath-Strauch and crosses typical Eifel farmland to Michelshof wind farm. Along the way, it offers panoramic views of the Eifel landscape, the Rursee and the Kermeter on the opposite shore. The 14.2-kilometre Rursee Heights Trail starts at the Rurseezentrum in Simmerath-Rurberg. If you prefer cycling, there is the 26-kilometre “Around the Rursee” cycle route.

The “Wolfshügel” Eifel Viewpoint is 360 metres above sea level, above Einruhr. From there, the distant view extends across the village and the Obersee to the Buhlert forest. The Eifelsteig and the local Püngelbach circular hiking trail (No. 75) pass directly by the viewpoint. The hiking rest stop at the Heilsteinhaus in Einruhr is a place to relax and have a picnic after a walk or bike ride. The Einruhr National Park Information Point is also located there and provides information about activities in the Nationalpark Eifel adventure region.

For a cultural outing, visit the Lammersdorf Farm Museum, where you can book guided tours and workshops, including a workshop on turning grain into bread. Confirm the specific availability before your arrival.

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

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Simmerath.