Haarener Heights

"When night fell, I sat down on a sloping meadow. Aachen sprawled out before me, nestled in its valley like in a pretty tub," wrote Victor Hugo in 1860 at the beginning of his Rhine journey. Even today, the highlands around the Aachen basin entice visitors with attractive hiking areas. Away from settlements and traffic, the following hike takes us through the charming Haarbachtal to Aachen's only summit cross at 239 meters.

Right at the beginning of the hike, we come across the Welsche Mühle, one of the three mills operated by Haarbach since the 15th century. Its two parallel milling machines and the wooden gear mechanism are a gem of technological history. The mill and its technology have been restored with great dedication. Today, the mill serves as a venue for celebrations and invites hikers to take a break in the meadow and playground.

After a leisurely, steady climb through the green valley, we reach the settlement of Verlautenheide. At the outskirts, the Panoramaweg offers wonderful views from the edge of the basin. At the summit cross with a short detour, we have the entire city and its surrounding highlands at our feet. In the south, the Mulleklenkes telecommunications tower rises from the Aachen forest, with its highest points still about 120 meters higher than Haarberg. However, the 360-degree panoramic view is only available here. Along gentle paths with beautiful views, we descend comfortably down the slope, passing through orchards and the old Jewish cemetery hidden in a hedgerow.

Interested in exploring further? Those continuing the loop through Verlautenheide along the main road can extend the hike into a larger loop. The loop passes through the old deciduous forests of the so-called Reichswald. It belonged to the medieval Aachen Empire, which included not only the walled city but also the rural quarters with their farms ensuring the city's supply. For the villagers of the quarters Haaren, Weiden, and Würselen, the Reichswald was the basis for building houses, tools, and firewood. When the oaks and beeches bore fruit, the pigs were driven in for fattening. After extensive use, only a small remainder was left in the 18th century. Today, the forest is allowed to recover. On attractive level paths - some designated as "Senior Paths" free from bicycles - we admire old beech and oak stands that recall the long history of the forest. The return journey takes us back through field paths to the previous hiking route towards Haarener Kreuz, down the Panoramaweg to the town center of Haaren.

Highlights along the route:
Haaren Zehnthof
Welsche Mühle
Haarener Kreuz, Viewpoint
Jewish Cemetery"