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Wilder Kermeter: A Natural Adventure

Discover Wilder Kermeter: An accessible natural adventure in Eifel National Park, offering stunning views, interactive trails, and a unique experience for all abilities.

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Wilder Kermeter, nestled in the heart of the Eifel National Park, offers an immersive nature experience for visitors of all abilities. This unique area boasts a 6.2-kilometer network of accessible paths winding through mixed beech forests, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding lakelands. The 'Wild Way' nature trail features interactive stations that educate about wilderness, forest development, and biodiversity. With its commitment to accessibility, Wilder Kermeter provides tactile guidance systems, audio information, and wheelchair-friendly facilities, ensuring everyone can explore and appreciate the ecological heart of the Eifel. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or an educational adventure, Wilder Kermeter promises an unforgettable connection with nature.

A brief summary to Wilder Kermeter natural adventure park

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails can be uneven in some areas.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly.
  • Take advantage of the audio guides and tactile information available to enhance your experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the town of Gemünd, take bus 231 towards Heimbach. The bus stops directly at the 'Wilder Kermeter' bus stop. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes. Check the VRS (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg) or AVV (Aachener Verkehrsverbund) for the most up-to-date schedule. A single ticket costs approximately €3-5. Consider purchasing a GästeCard for free travel on buses and trains in the region.

  • Driving

    From Schleiden or Heimbach, follow the L15 (Kermeter Hochstraße) to the 'Wilder Kermeter' parking area. The parking is free. During peak season or weekends, arrive early as parking spaces can fill up quickly. An alternative parking lot (P2) is located a 15-minute walk away towards Wolfgarten.

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Discover more about Wilder Kermeter natural adventure park

Wilder Kermeter stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and accessibility within the Eifel National Park. Situated on the Kermeter ridge, between the Rur and Urft reservoirs, this natural adventure park offers a unique and inclusive experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. The park's defining feature is its extensive network of barrier-free paths, stretching over 6.2 kilometers. These well-maintained, gravelled paths meander through a diverse landscape of mixed woodland, dominated by native red beeches. The trails are designed to be easily navigable by wheelchairs, strollers, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Eifel. One of the highlights of Wilder Kermeter is the 'Wild Way' nature trail, a 1.5-kilometer loop that provides an engaging and educational journey through the forest. This trail features ten interactive stations that delve into various aspects of the natural world, including wilderness, forest development, and the rich diversity of plant and animal life within the Eifel National Park. Visitors can learn about the impact of storms on the forest, test their strength on a climbing course, and even experience what it's like to be a scientist at a research station. The 'Wild Way' also incorporates unique features such as a 250-meter-long wooden boardwalk that elevates visitors above the forest floor, providing a special perspective on the surrounding environment. A tunnel shaped like a fallen tree trunk offers insights into the various animals that utilize deadwood, while life-size steel silhouettes of animals illustrate their role in forest development. Wilder Kermeter's commitment to accessibility extends beyond its physical infrastructure. The park also provides tactile guidance systems for visually impaired visitors, including paved tactile surfaces that indicate the location of benches and signs. All information within the area is available in large raised type and German Braille, as well as in audio form. A brochure on Wilder Kermeter is also available in German Braille, free of charge, from the National Park Administration. For those seeking panoramic views, the Hirschley viewpoint is a must-visit destination within Wilder Kermeter. Located approximately 2.7 kilometers from the starting point, this viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the Rur reservoir and the surrounding forests. The elevation of the footpath leading to the viewpoint is no more than six percent, making it accessible to most visitors. Wilder Kermeter's history is intertwined with that of the Eifel National Park, which was established in 2004 to protect and preserve the region's unique natural heritage. The Kermeter forest itself has a long and storied past, having been used for forestry and hunting for centuries. In recent years, the area has undergone a transformation, with a focus on promoting sustainable tourism and environmental education. Today, Wilder Kermeter stands as a shining example of how nature and accessibility can coexist, providing a welcoming and enriching experience for all who visit. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a family with young children, or someone with mobility challenges, Wilder Kermeter offers a chance to connect with nature and discover the wonders of the Eifel National Park. The park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free. Visitors can reach Wilder Kermeter by car via the Kermeter high road (L 15) between Schleiden-Gemünd/-Wolfgarten and Heimbach-Schwammenauel. A car park with designated accessible parking spaces is located near the entrance to the park. Alternatively, visitors can take public transportation to the Wilder Kermeter bus stop, which is served by several bus routes. As you explore Wilder Kermeter, be sure to keep an eye out for the diverse array of flora and fauna that call this area home. The forest is home to a variety of bird species, including the black woodpecker and the Eurasian eagle-owl, as well as mammals such as the European wildcat. The forest floor is also carpeted with wildflowers, especially in the spring and summer months. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, an educational adventure, or a chance to connect with the local community, Wilder Kermeter is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its commitment to accessibility, its stunning natural beauty, and its rich history make it a truly special destination within the Eifel National Park. Remember to respect the environment during your visit by staying on marked paths, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and taking all trash with you. By working together, we can ensure that Wilder Kermeter remains a treasured destination for generations to come. Wilder Kermeter is more than just a park; it's a symbol of inclusivity, sustainability, and the power of nature to inspire and connect us all.

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