Nature & Outdoor Activities
The RurUfer cycle route: three countries, three stages, one river
On its way from its sources in Belgium to its mouth in Roermond in the Netherlands, the Rur flows through the Eifel and the Rhenish lignite mining area. And the RurUfer cycle path is always close by.
Jülich is home to Europe's fastest computer, Düren to the famous paper museum, and Hückelhoven-Ratheim to the pair of winding towers of the former Sophia-Jacoba colliery. All of these are part of the cultural programme of the RurUfer cycle path, which was redesigned in the 2020s. It starts at Signal de Botrange, Belgium's highest point, in the middle of the High Fens nature reserve. Cyclists soon reach Monschau, which has been named Germany's most beautiful small town several times, via hills and quiet paths. After that, the route is dotted with fairytale valleys, reservoirs and climatic health resorts such as Heimbach. Top tip: in addition to the main route comprising three day-long stages, ten loops invite you to take extra tours.