The National Park Rim Trail [20] is a moderately difficult, 10.4-kilometre circular hike. It starts and ends at St. Hubertus Church in Nideggen-Schmidt; the route passes through Scheidtbaum and Harscheidt towards the Rursee and back. Harscheidt is therefore one section of the loop, while the starting point is in Schmidt.

Two Loops, Different Views

The Schmidter Panoramic Loop [40] is also a moderately difficult circular hike. It is 14.3 kilometres long and takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it 3.9 kilometres longer than the National Park Rim Trail. The Rursee features in the panoramas on both routes: the Rim Trail also offers views of Nideggen, Brandenberg and Bergstein; the Schmidter loop offers views of the national park and the Siebengebirge.

Harscheidt and the Surrounding Area

Harscheidt lies east of the Schmidt hilltop, at a lower elevation on a descending ridge between the Kall and Schlehbach streams. A short detour from the National Park Rim Trail [20] leads to the “Drönckespötz” in Harscheidt; a sign on Nideggener Straße points the way. Check the detour and signage before setting out. The Wildpark Schmidt is located nearby, in Schmidt near Nideggen, directly beside Eifel National Park.

Getting Your Bearings and Getting There

In the Schmidt district, the Schmidt National Park Information Point is located in St. Hubertus Church (“St. Mokka”). It has National Park exhibition modules, brochures, information about the region and a National Park film. Subtitles and sign-language interpreting are available for the film on request. The National Park Rim Trail [20] can be reached by bus route 210 to the Schmidt Schule stop in Nideggen-Schmidt. Check the current timetable before travelling.

More Options in the Wider Destination of Nideggen

In the wider destination of Nideggen, you’ll find separate cultural and hiking options. The historic old town has lanes lined with half-timbered houses, well-preserved town gates and a town wall made of red sandstone. The Nideggen National Park Gate is located in Haus am Tor, by the Zülpicher Gate in the historic old town. The 11.6-kilometre Ruraue hike [27] loops around Nideggen. At 11.6 kilometres, it is longer than the Rim Trail and shorter than the Schmidter loop.

The Nideggen Castle Museum offers insights into everyday life in a medieval castle, chivalry and medieval economic culture in an authentic setting. It offers workshops and guided tours for school classes, families and adults. Check the dates before your visit.

Families can celebrate children’s birthdays at Nideggen Castle with activities such as archery, ghosts in the castle, storytelling with creative activities, medieval dancing, and programmes about knights and castle ladies. Check that your preferred programme is available before travelling. The museum’s workshops and guided tours are aimed at school classes, families and adults; the children’s birthday parties are a separate option specifically for families.

For the overview of the wider destination: Nideggen.