Wahlerscheid Interior

The creation of the Eifel National Park, together with the Fuhrtsbach Nature Reserve has created some confusion - if not limitations to the trail network in the area. In a previous trail, we took a big loop, not least because of several closed trails. This time, we wanted to explore more of the interior of the Wahlerscheid area - in particular the upper Fuhrtsbach valley. As we found out, trail limitations even prevail here, but we managed to find a loop with some interesting highlights.

To create this loop, we started from the parking lot at the Girvelscheider Schneise in northern direction, up to the road leading to the Rothe Kreuz Forest Station. Turning left, you eventually cross the highway and reach the 5-trail-intersection. The indicated trail leads to a beautiful valley of an unnamed stream, which eventually joins the Fuhrtsbach.

The area was heavily fortified in WWII, and ruins of defunct bunkers appear every now and then along the trail. According to the available maps, the Fuhrtsbach becomes the Wermes-Sief (a Sief being the area were a stream has its origin). Don't miss the short side-trip to the pond at Way Point 9. A little further on, at a dead end, is another Bunker. Return to Way Point 8 to continue the loop.

At Way Point 11 we attempted a shortcut, but were repelled by one of those 'trail closed' signs. Unless you want to try your luck to see whether the trail will be open, continue the loop from Way Point 11. A short part of the trail will lead along the highway. At Way Point 13, the barriers of the 'trail closed' sign were removed, also at Way Point 14. Here the trail goes in and out of the Eifel National Park. Eventually, return on a a little used forest road to the starting point.