Eugenienstein and other cliffs

The Rur valley near Nideggen offers a spectacular array of sandstone cliffs that make for interesting hikes, a lot of up and down, and fantastic views.

The sandstone formations have been the training ground of rockclimbers for more than 100 years. More recently, however, climbing activity is regulated to 4 areas, still offering more than 100 climbing routes. The restrictions became necessary for the protection of falcons or the eagle owl.

For the hiker, the area offers a maze of trails, many of which lead to the excellent viewpoints. It is also easy to get lost, or to miss the best spots.

Our trail tries to visit as many as possible cliffs north of Nideggen, then travels to Obermaubach and its lake, climbs the hills opposite those of Nideggen, and back to the starting point. Note that the Burgberg on the other side of the Rur, including its observation tower, are considerably higher than the castle of Nideggen.

The trail begins at the hikers' parking lot north of the castle. Having crossed the main road, it immediately plunges into the thicket of the Nideggen forest, and soon reaches its first viewpoint at the Hirtzley. Pay attention to the GPS coordinates, so as to make for a true loop hike.

Along the way you will pass the Hindenburgtor, an attractive rock formation, plus several other cliffs. Among them, the Eugenienstein has a particularly broad clifftop, without the guard rails found on many other rocks. The trail down from the Eugenienstein is rather steep.

A more leisurely section leads to the Waldkapelle, a nice Chapel and restpoint overlooking Obermaubach and the Obermaubach dam. There are signboards providing ineresting information about the Lady Alvaredis of Molbach, the first countess of the castle Nideggen, in the 11th and 12th century.

At the lake is a station of the Rur Valley Train. This could be an alternative starting and endpoint. The center of Obermaubach seems to have seen its best, but you will be amply compensated by the subsequent walk along the Dresbach - a truly enchanted little valley and also one of the highlights of the hike.

Soon after you reach the fields and outskirts of Bergstein. On top of the Burgberg is a rather high observation tower, which tops out at 456 Meter above sea level (according to our GPS), more than 100 meter higher than the castle of Nideggen. It is worth climbing up - only from the very top will you enjoy unobstructed views in all directions.