The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Würselen

The nature reserve, located north of the city of Aachen in the area of the cities of Würselen and Herzogenrath on both sides of the Wurm river, is approximately 445 hectares in size and is largely characterized by freely flowing meanders of the Wurm river in the open floodplain.

The tour ends before the stairs! The bridge over the Wurm has disappeared! It's not mentioned anywhere, so be careful!

Beautiful view of fields and meadows along the Wurm river

The Alter Landgraben Hollow Road is a unique landscape feature that demonstrates a centuries-old connection between humans and their environment. This hollow road, worn through centuries of use, traverses a rolling hilly landscape and follows the contours of the natural relief, while its name refers to the nearby fortifications of the old Alter Landgraben land border. The path thus tells the story of both daily movement and strategic planning: generations of farmers, travelers, and merchants walked here, while the surrounding water and ditches served as part of the area's defense and drainage system.

The picnic area at Wilhelmstein Bridge is a peaceful, almost natural resting spot in the landscape where water, greenery, and history converge. The bridge spans the Wurm River here, forming a natural transition between banks while the surrounding valley opens up in soft lines of grass, shrubs, and trees. It's a place that invites you to sit down for a moment, put down your backpack, and relax. From the picnic area, your gaze follows the rippling water beneath the bridge, while birds and the rustling of leaves create the backdrop. The proximity of Wilhelmstein also evokes a sense of history: not far from here lies the rocky plateau with the remains of the old castle that overlooked this same valley for centuries. This combination of nature and history gives the place added depth without being obtrusive. It is precisely its simplicity that makes this picnic area special. No crowds, no grand views, but a sheltered spot where the landscape does its work. It is a moment of rest along the route where walking briefly turns into staying and where the environment tells its story undisturbed and at its own pace.

This bench overlooking the Wurmtal valley offers a peaceful moment of stillness above the landscape. From here, the valley slowly opens up, with the Wurm River winding like a narrow line through the greenery and the slopes gently merging into one another. The view changes with the seasons: fresh and open in spring, deep green in summer, and warmly hued as autumn colors the valley. The bench invites you to sit for a moment, absorbing the landscape and letting the silence sink in, while the valley below follows its own pace. It's one of those places where walking pauses for a moment and transforms into looking, listening, and simply being present.

The Wetterpilz in the Wurmtal is a striking natural phenomenon and artistic object, notable for its unique shape and location in the Wurm Valley just south of Herzogenrath. The Wetterpilz, which literally means "weather mushroom," is often a sheltered path or small natural structure resembling a giant mushroom, making it both a landmark and a refuge for hikers. The Wetterpilz stands amidst a diverse landscape of deciduous and coniferous forests along the Wurm River, which meanders through the valley. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to pause and enjoy the tranquility while simultaneously enjoying excellent views of the surrounding flora and fauna. The object often also reflects a playful element of landscape art, where natural forms and human imagination merge.

Along the winding paths of the Wurmtal valley, just south of Herzogenrath (Germany), you'll come across a charming wooden shelter. A place where hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers can take a break, enjoy the scenery, and find shelter during unexpected weather changes. Built from natural materials, primarily local wood, the shelter blends beautifully into the valley's green surroundings. It's not a crowded spot, but rather a peaceful retreat nestled in the landscape of meadows, forest edges, and hiking trails. Its simple, natural construction contributes to the ambiance of this tranquil nature reserve without overpowering the landscape.