In the morning, it's time for breakfast, getting ready, and then into the car – we're off to the "Wilder Kermeter Nature Experience Area." After driving along a few winding roads to reach the trailhead, we're greeted by two rangers at the parking lot. It feels just like being in one of the great national parks in the USA.

At the entrance to the hiking trail there are a number of parking spaces; apparently, this parking lot is also regularly used by public transport, which means that the organizers are thinking about it – the more people use public transport, the less strain on the environment.

We find a parking spot, get out of the car, put on our hiking clothes, and grab our camera equipment. Water – check (it's already quite warm), snacks – check! We're ready to go.

The impression of standing at a lovingly (and professionally) prepared entrance to nature is reinforced when we see the restrooms, information points, and seating and picnic areas. Starting our hike here truly feels like we're somewhere in California at the beginning of a national park – in short, it's like a reminder of our 2019 trip to the USA.

View of the Urftsee lake and the Rur river

Our first noteworthy stop (apart from the entrance/parking lot) is the view of the Urftsee lake and the Urft Dam (which, by the way, was completed in 1905 and is therefore the oldest dam in the Eifel region). We also take the opportunity here to create some social media videos and stories and are delighted to be able to enjoy such an attraction in this wonderful weather. Besides the magnificent view, the forest with its incredibly tall (and old) trees also offers a great hiking area.

The trail then continues over the Honigberg (495m) and, after a total distance of around 7km, we are once again rewarded with a fantastic view of the Rur River. Here we can see not only the Rur, but also the Rurberg hill and the campsites located there – incidentally, very close to the campsite where we are also spending our nights in the Eifel region – although we can't see the campsite itself, as it is situated in a small bay. We can spot many water sports enthusiasts and the occasional passenger ship as we let our gaze wander across the Rur – this little spot is also inviting, as you don't see something like this very often in Lippe (our home region).

Switchbacks and even more views on our way back

Having now covered approximately 8 km on the trail, we are at least technically beginning the return leg of our 13 km hike. We walk along a few switchbacks, enjoying the surrounding forests and the frequent views of the Rur river, before descending and then ascending again on our way back to the parking lot.

Personally, the sun and the heat are starting to get to me a bit, so we decide to have a snack at the entrance to the hiking area and forgo the "extra loop" via the "Wild Path" at the beginning, even though we are sure it would be worth it.

This trail offers not only beautiful scenery and stunning views, but it's also a great route that isn't too difficult, as the paths are mostly gravel and easy to walk on. We especially love this part of the Eifel National Park, as it has brought back unexpected memories and shows just how beautiful nature can be in the densely populated German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.