National Park-Gates

Visitor Centers and other Tourist Information

Five visitor centers, called National Park gates (Nationalpark-Tore), in Simmerath-Rurberg, Schleiden-Gemünd, the train station of Heimbach,in Monschau-Höfen and Nideggen display interesting exhibtions related to the Park combined with comprehensive information considering your stay with us. From here, you can discover the National Park e.g. by joining one of the guided tours. Representing a combination of touristic and specific information about the Park, visitor centers serve as perfect starting location for numerous activities. They are free of charge and are open throughout the entire year from 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

National Park gate Gemünd

„Gnarled oaks, colourful woodpeckers, forest history and tales" expect you in the National Park-Gate in Schleiden-Gemünd, which is situated in the local Guest House (Haus des Gastes). The exhibit focuses on the special feature of the adjacent landscape and nature. Oak forests with inhabited by unique animals such as those, which are only rarely observed in Nature. The thrilling story about the use of forests by humans turns into an experience for everybody e.g. by a large-scale, accessible charcoal pile. From the gate you can start a nice tour with a ranger (free of charge) departing every saturday at 10:30 a.m. (see RT5).

Address: Nationalpark-Tor Gemünd (close to the Kurhaus), Kurhausstrasse 6, Schleiden-Gemünd, Phone: +49 (0)2444. 2011, Fax: +49 (0)2444. 1641

National Park gate Rurberg

„Lifelines of Nature" are the main topic in the National Park-Gate in Simmerath-Rurberg. Follow the animal traces through the adventurous natural and cultural history. Enjoy a visual ride on a birds' back cruising above the different water bodies - rivers, streams and dams. A fascinating way to become part of the Eifel landscape. Learning about the habitat and food chain of crayfish, pearl oyster and beaver, the exhibit depicts the meaning and necessity of protected areas such as National Parks. Special offer, free of charge: Join the ranger tour starting at the National Park-Gate every saturday at 11:00 a.m.

Address: National Park-Tor Rurberg, Seeufer 3, 52152 Simmerath-Rurberg, Germany, Phone: +49 (0)2473. 93770, Fax: +49 (0)2473. 937720

National Park gate Heimbach

An accessible audio play is the core element of the exhibit "Secrets of the Forest" in the train station of Heimbach, which you follow through a beech forest maze. Wild cat and black stork, as particularly famous experts of the Park, reveal secrets of the surrounding nature. It is not only a sensation for our blind visitors to experience this exhibit by numerous samples to touch and explanations in embossed printing. A guiding system is currently not installed. However, orientation by white cane is not a problem due to the arrangement of boxes containing various forest material to challenge your senses of touch as part of the exhibit.

Starting from the National Park-Gate Heimbach, you can join a guided hike every friday at 11:15 a.m. - free of charge (see R2). On Sundays at about 11:15 am you the Verkehrsverein Heimbach invites you to participate an additional tour through the Park (from April to October). Departing from the city of Düren the National Park Gate is easy to reach with the Rurtalbahn.

Address: Nationalpark-Tor Heimbach (situated in the train station), An der Laag 4-6, 52396 Heimbach. Phone: +49 (0)2446. 805790, Fax: +49 (0)2446. 8057930

National Park gate Höfen

The Nationalpark-Gate in Monschau-Höfen in the southern part of the park has opened in August 2007. Several features are very unique regarding this tourist office: it is for example accessible to people with disabilities as well as from neighbouring countries. Wild daffodils are typical for the surrounding region and therefore depicted in the gates exhibition (free of charge). A second topic is the changing forest ecosystem. Don't miss the guides Ranger Tour starting from this National Park-Gate every tuesday from 2 p.m.

Address: Nationalpark-Tor Monschau Höfen, Hauptstraße 72, 52156 Monschau-Höfen, Phone: +49 (0)2472. 8025779, Fax: +49 (0)2472. 8025778

National Park gate Nideggen 

Site under construction. More information will follow.

Address: Nationalpark-Tor Nideggen, Im Effels 9, 52385 Nideggen,
phone: +49 (0)2427. 3301150, fax +49 (0)2427. 3301295