Mind over Matter

The Tiefenbachtal (literally: deep stream valley) starts near Simmerath and connects to the Rur valley, just ahead of the Rur dam. Our trail starts at the nice hamlet of Huppenbroich with its many stylish modern village buildings. Any budding home owner can get inspiration here. We parked at the cemetery, and quickly descended into the valley, where noise disappears and everything is tranquil, green and lush. We soon leave the valley for a forest road high above the Tiefenbach and later Rur valleys.

We expected more views from the forest trail above the Rur, but indeed the grown-up trees obscured the scenery. Eventually, as you descend into Seifenauel, Dedenborn comes into sight. Do not miss the shortcut of the Räuberpfad (thieves's trail) to the bridge across the Rur.

Follow the Rur upstream along the meadows until you reach the confluence with the Tiefenbach. From here, the trail gains interest and eventually leads past an oil mill - now an isolated, overgrown and very charming homestead.