Wandern im Wurmtal - Rund um die Karbonroute (A1)

If you come from Aachen and enjoy jogging, cycling or extensive walks, you will have already discovered the Wurmtal with its multifaceted landscape. The varied hiking trails lead through a cultural landscape marked by meadows, woodlands and farmland and offer new discoveries behind every bend. The nature reserve north of the city of Aachen on the territory of the cities of Würselen and Herzogenrath on both sides of the river Wurm is approx. 445 hectares in size and is characterised in large parts by freely vibrating river meanders of the Wurm in the open valley meadow. The largely natural course of the river has an impressive flow dynamics that is unparalleled throughout the country. The course of the water changes constantly by the power of the flowing water, new channels, gravel banks, crumbling steep banks, abandoned river beds and new alluvial forests are constantly being created. Because of the food in the gravel and sand deposits of the worm, the water is particularly attractive to certain, sometimes rare bird species. In the shoreline edges of the worm, for example, the rare kingfisher finds ideal nesting opportunities. Beavers have also been returning to the worm for some years now. But not only nature draws from the abundance, the Wurmtal also has a lot to offer in terms of cultural history. Wilhelmstein Castle, for example, towers high above the Wurmtal valley. Built as a medieval border castle, the castle ruin is today the attraction in the Wurmtal recreation area. In the summer months, cultural events from classical music to rock, from theatre and cabaret to open air cinema take place in the shadow of the castle, which are well-known and popular far beyond the borders of Würselen and the Aachen region. Old mills, on the other hand, are reminiscent of the industrial cultural heritage, as are various heaps or numerous places where coal seams still reach to the surface.