Historic hiking trails, quiet paths along the Richelsbach and an observation tower with sweeping views give a stay in Hürtgenwald a range of possible highlights. There is also a museum covering the history of the Second World War, as well as opportunities for active experiences among the trees. You can plan your time outdoors, with culture, or with a little of both.
Experienced tour guides accompany visitors on historic hikes through Hürtgenwald or plan individual routes with them. Guided tours are available in German or English; which language can be offered depends on guide availability. Confirm availability before making your plans.
If you prefer to choose a specific route, the Kleiner Rundwanderweg [06] is a short, family-friendly hike. Quiet forest paths run along the Richelsbach; the route starts and ends at Vossenack Church. Its length and character make this loop a distinct option alongside individually planned tours, without the need for a guide.
Forest, Views and Experiences in Bergstein
From the Krawutschketurm in Hürtgenwald-Bergstein, views extend across the Eifel ridges and the Rur valley, including the Obermaubach reservoir, as far as the Jülich Börde and the Cologne Bay. The Walderlebnispfad also passes by the tower. This circular trail features information boards, wooden play equipment and small installations where visitors can discover local flora and fauna. The facilities may change over time.
The Hürtgenwald high ropes course offers another way to spend time among the trees, with 130 individual elements and around 1,400 metres of zip lines across various courses. Children aged six and over can take on challenges among the trees. Visits are seasonal and weather-dependent; keep these conditions in mind when planning your visit.
History in Vossenack
The Hürtgenwald 1944 und im Frieden Museum in Vossenack displays photographs, documents, models, uniforms and weapons relating to events from 1944 through the post-war period. It offers a historical focus distinct from the hiking trails, forest discovery trail and observation point. If you would like to combine both, you can plan a visit to the museum as a separate activity alongside time outdoors.
More Destinations in the Düren Region
The wider Düren region also offers distinct attractions for those interested in culture and landscapes. The 36-metre-high Indemann stands on the Goltsteinkuppe, the highest point in the municipality of Inden at just under 150 metres. From its viewing platforms, you can look out over the landscape of the Inden open-pit mine; the sculpture’s outstretched arm is also accessible.
Schloss Burgau in the city of Düren tells a different story: it was destroyed in 1944, remained a ruin until 1975 and was restored in 1998. Today it is once again considered a jewel of the city of Düren. The permanent exhibition at the Düren Paper Museum focuses on the different facets of paper, as well as the city’s industrial and cultural history and traditional and modern papermaking. Blind and visually impaired visitors can take an independent basic tour of the exhibition and use the information resources and numerous tactile features.
In Jülich, the almost completely preserved and restored citadel, with its ramparts, bastions and casemates, offers another historical highlight. The fortress, with its ducal palace in the style of the Italian High Renaissance, can be explored independently or as part of a guided tour. Check the current opening arrangements before your trip.
Plan a Stay That Suits You
The destinations in the wider Düren region can also form a separate itinerary. These themes can help you tailor the length and pace of your stay to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Vossenack, Kleinhau, Linnich, Vettweiß, Niederzier, Langerwehe, Nideggen, Inden
Back to the main travel overview: Düren.
