Wolf's Gorge and Summit Happiness - Climbing the highest point in the Öcher Bösch

This hike leads through the heart of the Aachen Forest and up to its ridges to Steineknipp, the highest point of the Aachen Forest at 359 meters. Uphill, downhill far from roads and settlements, we hike through the Öcher Bösch with its old magnificent tree stands, winding paths, and wide forest roads. At times we descend, slowly winding our way up the slopes on peaceful paths, at times we find ourselves amidst the hustle and bustle of hikers and cyclists, meeting at large intersections by a shelter or refreshing at Gut Entenpfuhl in the valley.

The fact that we find an impressive extensive forest area between Eupen and Lütticher Straße is thanks to Chief Forester Franz Oster. It was his idea to turn the Öcher "Bösch" into a high forest primarily for recreational purposes. Trees had to be at least 80-100 years old before they could be cut down. With the so-called Welfare Resolution, the first of its kind nationwide, the Aachen City Council in 1882 followed the forester's vision. Supported by the commitment of the then mayor Ludwig Pelzer, a forest path network was created, which still exists today, along with shelters, excursion gastronomy, viewpoints, and the expansion of the tram lines that brought excursionists to the city outskirts.

Our starting point at Linzenshäuschen, formerly a medieval watchtower on the green city limits at Landgraben, was also accessible by tram. From here, our path leads up to the beginning of the Wolfsschlucht. Here, an arm of the Wurm River has deeply dug into the layers of the Aachen Forest at its origin. Underground erosion further shaped steep slopes from the sandstone underground. In the city, the Wurm River must disappear into underground channels and only reemerges at Europaplatz. From Krefelder Straße, it can flow freely and naturally northward. At the highest point of the Aachen Forest, Steineknipp, lie the ruins of the Pelzerturm (42m), once an observation tower and excursion destination, named after the former mayor. From the tower gallery, a panoramic view extended to the High Fens. At the end of World War II, the Pelzerturm, which also served as an anti-aircraft position, was blown up by the Americans.

Largely deforested and barren, one must imagine the ridges of Steineknipp and Klausberg back to the Middle Bronze Age - 1,000-100 BC when the local settlers constructed some tumuli. Perhaps the highest point with its wide view at the time was crucial for choosing the final resting place.

Highlights along the route:
Wolfsschlucht
Tumuli
Ruins of Pelzerturm