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Experience nature untouched – in a landscape dominated by
forest and water.
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Eifel National Park
- nature's creation in forest and water. |
Majestic beech forests, gnarled oaks and wild brooks - these are the
hallmarks of the Eifel National Park
In early 2004, the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia set aside
10,700 hectares of the Northern Eifel region to form this state's
first wildlife preserve. As the fourteenth park of its kind in Germany,
the Eifel National Park closes the gap in the country's existing grid
of such preserves and is the first to protect acidic-soil Atlantic
beech forests in the low mountain range.
On the theme of „Nature – Letting it Be“, it
has been decided that nature shall not be put to any economic uses
whatsoever within the park. Where woodcutting was once common, wild
and original forests are now allowed to spring up again. Indigenous
trees can grow to their maximum age allotted by nature, die in dignity,
and serve as part of the food chain while providing shelter to rare
animals and plants.
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See the home of tomorrow's
virgin beechwood forests! |
In this landscape of forest and water, the visitor can experience
breathtaking views of the Urftsee and Rursee lakes.
More than 230 endangered plant and animal species find a vital retreat
here. In the interconnected forests of the large new preserve area,
wildcats are hunting and beavers can build their dams in unpolluted
watercourses. Numerous bat species and kingfishers flourish in the
park's untouched tranquility, much like the yellow wild daffodil which,
in the spring, sends nature lovers into raptures with its display
of blossoming splendour
Of this unique combination of forest and water habitats, about
70% is currently accessible to walkers, hikers and naturists. The
3,300 hectares of forest and open-land areas of the Vogelsang military
exercise range, which is still in use, are scheduled to become publicly
accessible in early 2006.
Nature lovers and explorers will find many ways of enjoying this
panorama of forest, water and wilderness. You may follow the call
of the black woodpecker at your own pace or rely on a competent
guide. On "Virgin Forest Days" (Sundays during school
holidays), rangers will take you through the extensive park area
by three different routes of varying levels of difficulty - free
of charge and without prior registration.
Ganze Gruppen können gegen eine Aufwandsentschädigung
von 12,50 Euro pro Gruppe und Stunde bei Nationalpark-Distriktleiter
Bernhard Dickmann (Tel.: 02473/8676) eine ehrenamtliche Waldführerin
oder einen ehrenamtlichen Waldführer buchen.
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Accompany park rangers
on their patrols and enquire about nature's secrets |
Groups can book a honorary forest guide for a modest contribution
towards expenses (€ 12.50 per group and hour). For booking
arrangements call National Park District Manager Bernhard Dickmann
on phone +49 (0) 2473/8676).
Every Wednesday and Saturday, visitors have the opportunity to
accompany the rangers on patrol through the National Park. Interested
parties meet on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot behind
Mariawald Abbey. This is an ideal starting point for tours through
the nearby Kermeter, one of North Rhine-Westphalia's largest coherent
deciduous forest areas. On Saturdays, groups meet at 11:00 a.m.
by the chapel in Erkensruhr. Experience the natural watercourses
in the south of the National Park and find out everything about
the evolution of tomorrow's virgin forest.
The length and duration of each tour can be individually planned.
You can accompany the rangers for part of the way only, or join
them for the entire tour. Needless to say, the pace will be set
by the slowest participant. Dogs are welcome but must be kept strictly
on the leash, as everywhere in parks of this type.
For lectures, guided tours for specialized audiences and numerous
special events please refer to the National Park's event schedule,
which is available free of charge.
The Walderlebniszentrum (Forest Experience Center) in the Kneipp
spa of Gemünd, on the fringe of the Eifel National Park, offers
a broad and varied range of activities aimed specifically at younger
visitors. Nevertheless, young and old alike can gain valuable insights
into nature's secrets in the centre's lovingly designed exhibition
rooms, or can explore nature on site during any of the centre's
half-day events. At the Forest Experience Center, the focus is on
learning by experience. Children in particular can find out playfully
about important facts and aspects of nature.
For school classes, the Wildniswerkstatt (Wilderness Workshop)
at Düttling offers additional day programs. Children and adolescents
work on National Park projects there, together with rangers.
For further information and a free Events Schedule, please
go to:
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