Eifelblüten Zeitschleife (Time Loop) – The Natural

OMG! I'll probably forget my bike at some point. Last time it was my keys, this time it's my cell phone. This time, however, I didn't notice until I reached my destination, so I didn't have a navigation system and unfortunately, no photos! I start my tour in Einruhr. The RurUferRadweg (Rur River Cycle Path) takes me via Dedenborn to Hammer and then to Monschau. Luckily, it's not busy this early. Up to this point, the path has been mostly very good, with lots of asphalt, and you only have to ride on roads for very short stretches. Leaving Monschau, I stop at a picnic area for my first coffee break. I enjoy the sun by the Rur. I continue along the RurUferRadweg past Dreistegen and Reichenstein Monastery up to Kalterherberg. I cross the town once and descend again into Perlenbachtal. Here, I find another lovely spot for a coffee break. It's wonderfully quiet down here in the valley. Even without daffodils, it's beautiful here. Since I'm down now, of course, I have to go back up again next. Just when I think I've made it up the hill, the trail goes down again, then back up again, to the 'Rothe Kreuz' car park. The inclines are moderate, though, and very manageable even for me. Above all, a large section of the trail is completely newly paved and a really nice ride. I pass the Rothe Kreuz forester's lodge and now it's mostly downhill. I stop for a coffee; the pot isn't empty yet. Then the navigation gets tricky again. The sign above said Erkensruhr, but from here it only goes to Dedenborn. Then I unfortunately have to go down to Dedenborn and back the same way I came from Einruhr this morning. It wasn't actually planned that way, but the main thing is that I get back to the car and the battery lasts.

A wonderful tour, pure nature, not too strenuous, 👍👍👍

The tour starts at the beautiful Rursee. The route there runs along many forest paths that are very scenic, but also quite jarring. Before Monschau there is a sand sculpture exhibition in an old wool factory (perhaps a little old, but still nice to look at). There are also some curious things to admire in the hall. Monschau is a romantic little town...but very crowded. For the way back we chose the Rurtalweg, which is great to cycle.

On the recommendation of the family, we drove this beautiful section today. As you can certainly see from the highlights and photos, a very nice route.

The start and finish was Monschau, where we spent our rest day yesterday. First we followed the Rur upstream on the Eifel Heights Route in a great natural setting. Next to us, the Rur bubbled and wound its way quite wildly through the landscape. From the cycle path we were treated to great views again and again! Near Kaltherberg we set off on the three-country route, which then took us to the Perlenbach (valley) and then to the Fuhrtsbach (valley), both of which are no less beautiful. A short road section on the Fuhrtsbach-Einruhr cycle path then brought us to the Püngelbach (valley). While we had previously cycled uphill through the valleys, we went rapidly downhill along the Püngelbach to Einruhr (Einruhr is on the Rur - so why not Einrur?). Here we made a short stop at the water garden and stocked up on water from the healing stone spring - the water is refreshing and the taste is surprising! You should definitely try it (there are even disposable cups) After a coffee we set off up the Rur back to Monschau. Apart from a few short road sections, the cycle path is surrounded by nature with great views of the Rur, which also bubbles and winds here. The paths were mainly asphalt paths, but there were also one or two, and there was everything from fine to coarse gravel, but everything was easy to ride on. The gradients were quite moderate, there were a few ramps, but nothing "impossible". At all the streams there were various brooks and trickles that bubbled out of the rocks next to the paths - water seemed to come from everywhere. The landscape and nature here are very special and invite you to spend time in nature - and if the weather plays along, it's perfect. Our tour was perfect!

As always, the review: adjusted elevation gain = 550 meters We started on the main road (B266) that runs past Einruhr. There are parking spaces near the village that allow parking with a trailer! From there, we continued through Erlensruhr through the forest past the Rothen Kreuz (Red Cross) towards Höfen. After reaching the highest point of the tour on the B258, we turned towards Höfen and followed the bike path parallel to it. After just over 1 km, we crossed the B258 and cycled into the Fuhrtsbach Valley. After just a few hundred meters, the first daffodils appeared along the path. A quick tip: Cell reception is poor in the Fuhrtsbach Valley – offline maps or navigation are better here!

Beautiful tour with all the natural beauties of the Eifel 🤗

PS Our start/finish was in Einruhr. The daffodils are currently only open in sunny corners, it is better to wait 1-2 weeks!