Beginning in the year 2004, the nature in the northern Eifel has taken over a special leading part. Nature also directs, and this is the specific characteristic of a national park. Men here steps back and nature is following its very own laws.
It is the beginning of an exciting process which you can witness. A national park does not exclude human beings. Particularly the magic of wilderness makes us aware of being part of this nature.
Next to the national park gate in Heimbach there are five more info points to get information all around the national park and also on the Rur-Eifel region and its hosts. These info points are located in
National park: this means highest degree of protection and commendation for an environment. This special merit not only ennobles the existence of atlantic affected beech trees on acid grounds unique in Europe, but a nature retreat of 27,000 acres and fascinating variety. Oak woods at rocky southward slopes, idyllic brook valleys and blooming meadows with steep rugged rocks. This is the home for about 230 rare animals and plants.
The national park gates in Heimbach, Rurberg, Gemünd and Höfen (from 2007) are the ideal starting point for a tour through their habitat. Here you will get all information you need. You can learn more on the secrets of nature if you are on your way with our tourist guides or at the events of the national park forestry office.
By the turn of the year 2006 the Eifel national park has got one more attraction. The valuable forests and open spaces of the former military training area Vogelsang are now open for visitors. You will get information on guided hikes as well as on the history and future of the former “Nazi-fraternity castle“ Vogelsang at the tourist information “Forum“ at Adlerhof or via service agency Vogelsang under: www.serviceagentur-vogelsang.de
The “small Eifel-tiger” takes centre stage in the exhibition of the national park gate Heimbach. By means of an animation, every visitor can stray around with the eyes of a cat. A black stork also contributes a new and unusual perspective from a higher point of view. Those who would like to explore their territory from a human angle can join the ranger and forest guide tours on Fridays and Sundays. Furthermore, the national park gate, located in the old dead-end station Heimbach offers all tourist information and hints on the national park as well as free entrance to the exhibition.
