At Buhlert Forest

The Buhlert is part of the larger Hürtgenwald Forest, between the villages of Vossenack and Schmidt, or the Kall stream and the Rur dam. It is just outside the Eifel National Park, which also means that it is less frequently visited.

Different starting points are possible, for example in Kommerscheidt or Simonskall. We chose our trailhead at a parking place along the road connecting Simmerath and Schmidt. It is near the highpoint of the trail - but it means that you can have refreshments or a meal in Simonskall before climbing back to your starting point.

Shortly after the trailhead, you pass some wind turbines at close distance. Soon you get a good view of the Mestrenger Mühle far below. Before reaching the mill in the valley, you cross a bridge with a memorial of the battle of the Hürtgenwald, which achieved notoriety during WWII for claiming the lives of tens of thousands men on both sides of the war.

The Mestrenger Mühle is a private residence, and sometimes a restaurant. In June 2018, it appeared to be closed.

Eventually, we reach Simonskall, a very pretty village that seems to mainly consist of hotels with restaurants. We went there on a Tuesday, and several were open for business. We can imagine that it is very busy on weekends. The tiny village is nicely restored and well worth a visit on its own.