Modenhübel

The old parking at the Wolfgarten trailhead seems to be no longer available, and some signs have been posted insinuating that the trails starting from here are closed for a length of about 200 meter. The suggested deviations are incomplete and the entire situations appears to be utterly confusing. Our inquiry with some locals revealed that the issue is with some weird neighbour, who also posted all kinds of irrational pamphlets and abuse along his adjacent plot. The trails can be safely hiked and the signs ignored.

The trail descends from the Kermeter Forest to the town of Gemünd, then crosses the river Urft, and leads up to the Modenhübel. Not really a summit, it provides nice views across the Urft valley, to Gemünd and the Vogelsang Camp.

From the Modenhübel, descend into the Morsbach valley, passing another viewpoint at the Kickley. Further down the valley, you meet a boardwalk and ascend to the entrance of Vogelsang.

Our trail avoids the visit to the Vogelsang with the busses and tourists. However, if this is your first time to Vogelsang, you may as well follow the main road to the center of what previously was a Nazi camp. It is now a visitor's centre, and exhibitions document and try to deal with and overcome this dark part of history. There also is a restaurant.

Our path circumvents most of the camp, but also includes a short excursion through the 'peace camp' - an initiative of the Red Cross giving voice to young people from across the world.

Eventually, the trail leads to the Victor-Neels-bridge - arguably the most beautiful suspension bridge in the Eifel. From here follow the bank of the Urft Dam. A final ascent takes you back to Wolfgarten.