4.5
(6058)
22,325
hikers
441
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Naturschutzsee Füssenich are characterized by a re-cultivated landscape, centered around the 59-hectare Neffelsee. This area, once a lignite opencast mine, has been transformed into a nature reserve featuring a peaceful lake environment. The terrain is generally flat, offering accessible paths suitable for easy walks and family-friendly excursions.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.5
(91)
475
hikers
5.24km
01:21
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
2.27km
00:34
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
3
hikers
3.82km
00:59
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
4.84km
01:15
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A walk around the Neffelsee lake has a meditative quality.
1
0
Shady path around the lake.
1
0
The neo-Gothic Alderikus Chapel marks the spot where the lay brother Alderikus is said to have thrust his staff into the field in the 12th century, causing a spring to emerge. Acting on the instructions of an angel, this saved him from dying of thirst. He is venerated here as a saint, although he was only beatified by the church. The "saint" was and is particularly sought after for eye diseases, because as it says above the spring enclosure: "Alderikus spring makes eyes and soul clear and bright!" Audio guide to the station at https://rebrand.ly/RTZ_Wasserradwege_POI-Alderikus-Kapelle
2
0
Nice access to the lakefront. Just linger for a moment and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
4
0
Especially in spring, when the sun delights us with its first warming rays, a walk around the Neffelsee is very worthwhile.
4
0
The Nephelsee is an open-cast mine residue lake that was formed around 1967 through the recultivation of the “Zülpich-Mitte” open-cast brown coal mine (formerly “Victor”, after the founder of the operating company, Viktor Rolff) in the area of the town of Zülpich. The plan was to create a bathing beach at the lake, just like at the Zülpich water sports lake, which was also created during this time through open-cast mining in the region. This plan could not be implemented because the sand embankments kept slipping. Therefore, apart from nature conservation, the only task today is to function as a flood retention basin for the Nephelfbach, which flows along the west of the lake and has an overflow structure into the lake. Source: Wikipedia
5
0
Naturschutzsee Füssenich offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with nearly 300 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are over 400 hiking routes in the area, catering to various preferences.
Yes, the area is well-suited for circular walks. A popular option is the Neffel Lake – Neffelsee Loop Trail loop from NSG Neffelbachaue, which is 5.2 km long and offers direct views of the serene Neffelsee. Another shorter loop is the Neffel Lake loop from Zülpich, covering 2.3 km.
The landscape around Naturschutzsee Füssenich is unique, having been re-cultivated from a former lignite opencast mine into a peaceful nature reserve. You'll find a tranquil lake environment centered around the 59-hectare Neffelsee, surrounded by re-naturalized areas. The terrain is generally flat, making it ideal for easy walks.
Yes, the easy hiking trails are very suitable for families. The generally flat terrain and well-maintained paths make them accessible for all ages. The peaceful lake environment provides a pleasant setting for family outings.
Most easy hiking trails around Naturschutzsee Füssenich are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings with your canine companion. However, as it is a nature reserve, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you follow all local regulations to protect the wildlife and environment.
The easy trails in Naturschutzsee Füssenich are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 5,700 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful lake views, the well-maintained paths, and the tranquil atmosphere of the re-naturalized landscape.
While the primary attraction is the natural beauty of the re-cultivated lake landscape, you can discover interesting local features. For example, the Wayside cross – Alderikus Chapel loop from Zülpich takes you through varied local landscapes, offering glimpses of historical elements like wayside crosses.
Yes, there are parking options available near the trailheads, particularly around the Neffelsee and in nearby Zülpich, making it convenient to access the easy hiking routes. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages on komoot.
Naturschutzsee Füssenich offers pleasant hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for enjoying the lake environment. Even in winter, the flat trails can be accessible for a peaceful walk, though conditions may vary.
The duration of easy hikes varies depending on the route. Shorter loops like the Neffel Lake loop from Zülpich can be completed in about 30-40 minutes. Longer easy trails, such as the Neffel Lake – Neffelsee Loop Trail loop from NSG Neffelbachaue, typically take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The region around Naturschutzsee Füssenich is accessible by public transport, particularly connecting to nearby towns like Zülpich. From Zülpich, you can often find local bus services that can bring you closer to the starting points of various trails. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.