Left and Right of Wahlerscheid

Most people experience the Wahlerscheider Forest by driving right through it, when going from Monschau to Schleiden or vice versa. It appears dark and monotone, and one has to venture off the road side to unlock its treasures.

On its north-eastern side stretches the Eifel National Park, and on its south western side the Fuhrtsbach nature reserve. This trail attempts to get a taste of both, and early summer is a particularly good time.

From the Wahlerscheid parking lot we cross the highway and follow the Wüstebach through its wide valley. Authorities have placed information signs that explain particulars of their renaturation efforts, that aim to reverse the damage humans have caused to the area in previous times. At way-point 6, we turn uphill towards the Forest station Rothe Kreuz. As you climb the first slope, don't forget to turn around to see the windmills of the Dreiborner High Plateau appearing above the horizon.

The Rothe Kreuz is a working Forest Station and cannot be visited. Just before you approach the highway, more windmills appear near Höfen.

We cross the highway again and soon enter the Fuhrtsbach nature reserve. At the '5-path-intersection' is a picnic table, where you can stop to look for the fifth path as only four paths are immediately visible. At way-point 12, take care to continue straight as the main path leads to the left. As you follow the edge of the forest, you soon come to another windmill park and eventually reach the Antonius bridge - there is a good information point nearby.

As you return to the start via the Fuhrtsbach valley, you will find several trail options closed (as of June 2017). It might be disappointing that the most beautiful spots seem to be closed (perhaps only for the time being), but it is understandable that the rather fragile environment in those wetlands needs to be protected. The alternatives - which our trail follows - are also nice.

The entire trail follows easy forest roads that are also suitable for bicycles.