Rocherath – Church, Forest Trails and Places of Remembrance

Rocherath is ideal for a trip that combines local history with paths through a distinctive landscape. The main highlights are the parish church of St. John the Baptist, the Hasselpath Memorial and the Rocherath Forest. The hedgerow landscape around Rocherath and Krinkelt is another feature. This makes it possible to get to know the area in different ways: through a special church building, along an information trail, with an audio tour or on a guided excursion.

Church and Cultural Traces

Above the main entrance of the parish church of St. John the Baptist is a large stone sculpture of St. John the Baptist. The sculpture was carved on site from a single stone. A large mural hangs in the chancel of the parish church and is regarded as evidence of the post-war period and the Cold War. Anyone interested in sacred art and recent European history will find two very different points of connection here: the craftsmanship of a stone sculpture and an artwork with historical significance.

Hasselpath and the Rocherath Forest

The Hasselpath Memorial includes an 800 m hiking trail with nine information panels. At Hasselpath, trenches as well as the remains of bunkers, combat areas and field hospitals still bear witness to the events of the Second World War. The Rocherath Forest is also rich in reminders of the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. The trail thus combines exercise with historical orientation, without requiring the history to be conveyed solely through dates.

The starting point is clearly identified for orientation purposes: The route through the Rocherath Forest begins at the car park of the Hasselpath excavation site on Rue Rocherath-Wahlerscheid N658, 1 km beyond Rocherath. The route from Rocherath towards Wahlerscheid to the Hasselpath Memorial is signposted. Ten signs for visitors who wish to explore the trail at their own pace are positioned along the route through the Rocherath Forest. When planning your day, therefore, take into account both the starting point and the information you would like to read along the way.

Hedgerow Landscape and Viewpoint

Hedgerows are an essential part of the landscape around Rocherath and Krinkelt. At the Rocherath-Krinkelt viewpoint, a panoramic information panel provides background information about this local hedgerow landscape. In addition, the audio tour “Water Power, Smuggling and the Ardennes Offensive” passes by the Rocherath-Krinkelt viewpoint. This allows you to combine the view of the landscape with a themed narrative about nature, regional land use and history.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Rocherath, it helps to first decide what kind of excursion you would like to take. If sacred art and historical places of remembrance are your main priorities, the parish church and the Hasselpath Memorial offer different cultural focal points. For a day outdoors, you can choose from the 800 m trail with information panels, the Rocherath Forest and the hedgerow landscape. Those who prefer an accompanied exploration can consider guided tours through the Rocherath Forest and the surrounding villages. These tours are offered in French, English and German by an experienced guide.

For further location options, you can also include Wirtzfeld and Manderfeld.

For the overarching travel overview: Büllingen.