Zeitschleife der Befreiung - Die Verbindende

Experience history up close - on a cycle tour that combines enjoyment of nature with impressive places of remembrance. Along the "time loop of liberation", you embark on a moving journey through time and landscape.

The tour starts in Roetgen, the "Gateway to the Eifel". Here you can experience freedom in two senses: The villages of Roetgen, Rott and Mulartshütte, which belong to the municipality, are surrounded by one of the largest contiguous forest areas in the country - hiking and cycling enthusiasts can freely explore the beauty of nature here. The spirit of freedom also blows here from a historical perspective: on September 12, 1944, American soldiers marched into Roetgen from Raeren-Petergensfeld in Belgium, and since then Roetgen has been considered Germany's first liberated municipality in the Second World War. An exhibition at the hiking station provides an impressive account of this historic moment. Just a few kilometers further on, you will come across the Westwall Bridge on the Grölisbach - a place where you can learn more about the mighty defensive system that once shaped the landscape. Here you can also experience how nature has reclaimed the Siegfried Line and now even provides a habitat for rare animal and plant species. The route continues through extensive forests to the idyllic village of Kornelimünster. On the way back, you will encounter the Siegfried Line again at Schmithof before returning to Roetgen - partly through Belgian territory.

Highlights along the route

Outdoor exhibition at the horse pond

Siegfried Line at Grölisbach

Dreilägerbach dam

Waldrast time window

Historic center of Alt-Breinig

Historic center of Kornelimünster

Schmithof rampart

Raeren railroad station/interlocking