1. Stage: Wilderness Trail

Hiking in the sign of the wildcat - Daily tip Hiking "Wilderness Trail Stage 1"
The first of the four stages of the Wilderness Trail is already challenging and starts demanding. It takes you about 24 kilometers from Höfen to Einruhr. A diverse route lies at your feet - with romantic meadows valleys, the picturesque valley of the Erkensruhr, and the natural forest cell "Im Brand". Additional adrenaline rushes are also not neglected. The ridge path at Hirschrott makes your heart rate rise. The view of the Obersee in front of you when you reach the end of the stage is all the more rewarding.
Good to know: The Wilderness Trail logo with the stylized wildcat symbol guides you all the way. On the stage classified as "medium", some altitude meters are climbed. A good basic condition is therefore a prerequisite for completion.

The tour at a glance
The tour starts at the National Park Gate in the Höfen district of Monschau, where it immediately goes downhill into the Perlenbachtal. After a short descent, there is an ascent past Fuhrtsbach and Döppeskaul. The highest point of the stage is reached at Wahlerscheid. Time to catch your breath. After a short break, the route continues to go up and down along the Wüstebach, into the valley of the Erkensruhr and to Einruhr at the Obersee. The first stage is completed. All that's left is a well-deserved end to the day. In Einruhr, you can treat yourself to delicacies of the region or enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the place. A visit to the water garden at Heilsteinhaus is also worthwhile. Here, tired limbs quickly get back in shape.

Some highlights of the first stage of the Wilderness Trail are ...
... the National Park Gate Höfen with its interesting exhibition
... the blooming daffodil fields in spring
... the idyllic valley of the Erkensruhr
... the natural forest cell "Im Brand"
... the beginnings of the vast Dreiborner Hochfläche
... the adventurous ridge path at Hirschrott
... the fantastic views of the Obersee
... the National Park Information Point Einruhr with the hiking rest stop
... the water garden right at Heilsteinhaus
... the healing stone fountain in the courtyard of Heilsteinhaus
... the natural adventure pool Einruhr