Woffelsbach on the Rursee

Woffelsbach combines an internationally renowned, challenging sailing area with boat trips on the Rursee, a swimming cove and paths through stream valleys. This makes it easy to tailor your stay: some days can focus on the water, others on a hike or the village itself.

Sailing, Boat Trips and Swimming Cove

The Rurseeschifffahrt operates its fleet from Woffelsbach. You can start a trip across the Rursee from the Woffelsbach landing stage, and plan a hike before or after your boat trip. If you would like to combine the two, check the timetable for your visit so that the different parts of your day fit together. The sailing area is described as internationally renowned and challenging, making it a distinct focus among the activities on the water.

The swimming area in Woffelsbach Bay is directly in the lake and marked off with yellow buoys. The bay is a popular swimming spot on hot summer days. Swimming conditions and safety measures may vary by season, so check the current situation before swimming. At the NaBeDi camp in Woffelsbach Bay, Canadians, kayaks, SUPs and pedal boats may be available to rent, depending on the season. In addition to sailing, you can choose from swimming and various forms of paddling or pedal boating.

Hiking Between Stream Valleys and the Lake

The 15.2-kilometre 5-Bäche-Tour starts in Simmerath-Woffelsbach, passes through idyllic stream valleys and ends at Woffelsbach Bay. Highlights include the Wendelinus Chapel, Wolfsbrunnen, the Michelshof wind farm and the bay. Along the way, the trail passes through an unspoiled landscape protected for its rare animal and plant species, with streams, stream meadows and floodplain forests. The route therefore links several different landscape features and notable destinations.

For a shorter walk, try the Woffelsbach Village Walk: it is about 2.2 kilometres long and takes around an hour. It is considerably shorter than the 5-Bäche-Tour. If you are planning one of these routes, it is worth checking current trail conditions; the endpoints of the 5-Bäche-Tour may also change as a result of trail management updates.

Nature Reserve and Lakeside Rest Stop

The 140-hectare Schilsbachtal nature reserve is located on the Rursee near Woffelsbach. Its wooded slopes descend to the Rur Dam, and the area lies northeast of Woffelsbach. Its landscape features include springs, natural stretches of stream, wet and moist grassland, floodplain forests and natural rock formations. The protected area serves to conserve habitats for endangered plant and animal species and safeguard the otter’s range. The lakeside platform in Woffelsbach is a rest stop right by the lake for breaks during a hike or bike ride, and is a useful landmark for activities on foot or by bike.

Chapel and Traditional Festival

The Wendelinus Chapel was built in 1911 as a branch church of the Rurberg parish. It is also one of the highlights of the 5-Bäche-Tour. Another cultural highlight in the village is the Wendelinuskirmes, one of Woffelsbach’s traditional festivals. If you would like to plan your stay around an event, check the latest dates before making arrangements.

There are various options for planning your trip: sailing and seasonal activities on the water, a hike through the stream valleys or a shorter walk, as well as nature and cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Einruhr, Kesternich, Steckenborn, Dedenborn

See the main travel overview: Simmerath.