The Katzensteinerweg: a circular walk in natural beauty

The Katzensteinerweg is a 5 km long circular trail that takes you through the Eifel and High Fens nature reserves. Here you will be impressed by the natural diversity of the landscape. You start the hike in Einruhr at the Heilsteinbrunnen fountain and follow the signposted hiking trail no. 25, which takes you slightly uphill until you reach a wooded area after just under a kilometer. Stroll along the edge of the forest until you reach the high point of the Dreiborn plateau after about half the route. Here you can enjoy the wonderful view over the Obersee. Since the plateau became part of the Eifel National Park, many endangered animal and plant species, such as the fire salamander, have settled here.

The route then heads back downhill towards the starting point of Einruhr. On the way back, you will pass the water treading basin, a relic from the old water supply. Today, you can stimulate your circulation here in the well-known Kneipp manner.

Your path then leads you back to the healing stone fountain, which is located in the inner courtyard of the Heilsteinhaus. Here you should not miss out on the refreshing spring water. The healing properties of the water were already known to the Romans, as evidenced by coin finds.

At a glance

• Circular hiking trail
• Start/finish: Einruhr, at the healing stone fountain (Franz-Becker-Straße)
• The circular route is signposted with no. 25.

Highlights along the way

• Einruhr National Park information point
• Healing stone fountain
• Water garden
• Dreiborn plateau
• Water treading basin

Characteristics of the route

• Route length: 4.9 km
• Duration: approx. 2:00 h
• Highest point: 482 m
• Lowest point: 287 m
• Difficulty level: easy

Equipment

• Waterproof hiking boots and clothing suitable for the weather
• Sufficient water and a little food

A brochure with all the circular hiking trails in the municipality of Simmerath is available at the Rursee-Touristik offices, at Simmerath town hall and for download at www.rursee.de.