Discover Dedenborn: Hiking, Forests and Culture in the Rur Valley

Dedenborn lies in the Rur Valley between dense forests and gentle hills. As part of the municipality of Simmerath in the Eifel National Park, the village is connected to the Eifelsteig trail as well as other historic and natural destinations. Those looking for a combination of landscapes, hiking and regional history for their holiday will find various options here for planning their own day trips.

Forest Landscapes and Paths along the Rur

The Dedenborn forest nature reserve primarily comprises wooded sections of the lower valleys of the Puengel and Wuestebach streams, the intervening ridges of the Girvelscheid, and the wooded valley section of the upper Erkenzrur. The FFH area “Dedenborn, floodplain of the Puengel and Wuestebach streams and the upper Erkensrur valley” includes extensive, contiguous woodrush beech forests, stream valleys with various floodplain habitats, grassland areas and alder floodplain forests.

The Rur also characterizes the surrounding area: Below the village, it flows through the valley in wide meanders. The “Op em Demer” rest area on the Eifelsteig lies above Dedenborn and offers panoramic views over the Rur Valley. “Theo's-Eck” in Seifenauel complements the route with reclining benches and seats for resting. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Dedenborn can therefore choose between nature-oriented hiking days and excursions to historic destinations without limiting their holiday to a single activity.

Hiking with Various Stage Ideas

The Kirche Dedenborn hiking car park provides access to three local hiking trails. From there, a connecting path also leads to the Eifelsteig and the Heckenlandroute. The Dedenborn village tour combines several different impressions: It passes through an oak forest on slopes that drop steeply toward the Rur, reaches the “Spicher” rocky promontory and passes the small chapels of the Way of the Cross built between 1857 and 1863.

Another option is the Seifenauel loop. It follows the Rur, climbs to the “Schöne Aussicht” Eifel viewpoint and returns to the Rur at Rauenauel. At the southwestern exit of Dedenborn, a rock with a mullion structure in the slate of the Rurberg strata can also be viewed on a short hike. In this form, this tectonic structure is considered unique throughout the Rhenish Slate Mountains.

In the nearby area, the Einruhr forest educational trail covers an approximately 2 km section showcasing the diversity of the forest with information boards. Depending on the preferred pace of the day, longer routes, a tour through the village or a shorter nature excursion can be compared and combined.

Church, Way of the Cross and Living Tradition

The Catholic parish church of St. Michael has existed since 1717 and was expanded around 1973. Its interior contains 16 art-historically valuable Stations of the Cross paintings. The 15th painting deals with the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, while the 16th station takes the form of an indulgence letter. The colored glass windows were created by the artist Erich Charlier.

At the church on “Pfarrer-Engels-Platz” stands a linden tree from the 17th century, approximately 350 to 400 years old. The White Peace Cross on the “Spicher” rocky promontory was erected in 1954 by men and young men from Dedenborn in gratitude for their safe return from the Second World War. At Whitsun, the St. Michael Dedenborn Rifle Brotherhood holds a large shooting festival every year. An amateur artists’ exhibition takes place in the community center every two years; a barbecue festival is held each year at the “Om Spicher” barbecue hut on German Unity Day.

Choose the Right Starting Point

When looking for accommodation, you can consider Dedenborn as a holiday destination if nature trails, views of the Rur Valley and cultural discoveries are to shape your stay. A holiday apartment provides the setting from which you can plan your days individually between the village tour, the Eifelsteig, protected areas and events. For further local ideas, see here: Einruhr, Kesternich, Steckenborn, Woffelsbach.

For the overarching travel overview: Simmerath.