Discover Hürtgenwald: Forest Trails, Views and History

Hürtgenwald combines historic hiking trails, quiet forest paths and scenic views with a museum covering events from 1944 through the postwar period. Options range from individually planned guided tours and short circular hikes to a high ropes course that is subject to seasonal and weather conditions. When planning, you can choose between a guided tour, a peaceful forest path, a nature experience at Krawutschketurm and a historical focus in Vossenack.

Hiking and Guided Tours

Experienced guides accompany visitors along the historic hiking trails through Hürtgenwald or plan individual tours together with them. Guided tours through Hürtgenwald are available in German or English; which language is available in a particular case depends on guide availability. Confirm availability in advance if a guided tour is important to your travel plans.

The Kleine Rundwanderweg [06] offers a different kind of hike: a short, family-friendly loop along quiet forest paths beside the Richelsbach stream. These are two distinct options: a tour planned together with a guide, and a circular trail shaped by the forest and the stream.

Forest, Views and High Ropes Course

From Krawutschketurm in Hürtgenwald-Bergstein, the view stretches across the Eifel ridges and the Rur valley, including the Obermaubach reservoir, to the Jülich Börde and the Cologne Bay. The Walderlebnispfad passes by the tower. This circular trail features information boards, wooden play equipment and smaller installations where visitors can discover local flora and fauna. As the facilities may change over time, it is advisable to check their current status before your visit.

Hürtgenwald High Ropes Course has 130 individual elements across various courses and around 1,400 metres of zip lines. Children aged six and older can tackle the challenges among the trees. Access depends on the season and weather, so check these conditions before planning your visit.

History in Vossenack

The Hürtgenwald 1944 and in Peacetime Museum is located in Vossenack. It displays photographs, documents, models, uniforms and weapons relating to events from 1944 through the postwar period. This adds a distinct historical focus to the hiking and nature attractions: the exhibitions cover a specific period and its events, while the view from Krawutschketurm and the forest paths put the landscape front and centre.

In the wider Düren travel destination

The wider Düren travel destination also offers more to explore in technology, architecture and museum culture. The 36-metre-high Indemann stands on Goltsteinkuppe, which, at just under 150 metres, is the highest point in the municipality of Inden. Viewing platforms at the sculpture offer views across the landscape of the Inden open-pit mine; its outstretched arm is also accessible.

The Jülich Citadel is an almost completely preserved and restored fortress with a ducal palace in the style of the Italian High Renaissance. It is considered the oldest complex of its kind north of the Alps. You can explore its ramparts, bastions and casemates on your own or as part of a guided tour. Check the current opening arrangements before travelling.

The Düren Paper Museum focuses its permanent exhibition on the many facets of paper, as well as the city’s industrial and cultural history; traditional and modern paper-making are also covered. Blind and visually impaired visitors can follow a self-guided basic tour. Information resources and numerous hands-on exhibits are also available.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vossenack, Kleinhau, Heimbach, Düren, Langerwehe, Niederzier, Kreuzau, Vettweiß.

Return to the main travel overview: Düren.