"If you want to experience exciting things, you don't have to fly halfway around the world or have expensive equipment." This was the philosophy of Alastair Humphreys, who was named National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year in 2012 and introduced the concept of "micro-adventures." And the British-born adventurer is right! While traveling to distant continents and paradisiacal islands is certainly appealing, those seeking adventure and new experiences can often find them right in their own backyard.

From Cologne to Heimbach and into the National Park

If you're from the Cologne area, or even the city itself, and looking for a bit of variety and adventure, a trip to the Eifel National Park, southwest of Cologne, could be perfect for you and your friends. If you don’t have access to a car, the best option is to take the train from Cologne Central Station to Heimbach, as the National Park isn't directly accessible by rail. From there, buses can take you to various points in and around the park.

Once inside, you’ll find more than 240 kilometers of hiking trails that can be explored either on your own, on guided ranger tours, or even on horseback. The park offers stunning scenery with a mix of open landscapes, lakes, and vast forests, home to rare species like the black stork, eagle owl, and wildcat.

Hiking Adventures on the Wilderness Trail to Monschau

The wilderness trail comes highly recommended. Starting at the park gate in Heimbach (where you might also consider a canoe trip), you’ll hike into the natural forest area known as "Wiegelskammer." From there, passing the Mariawald Trappist Monastery, you'll enter the beech and oak forests of the Kermeter mountain range. After 22.5 kilometers, you’ll reach the town of Gemünd, where you can rest for the night in a guesthouse or holiday apartment.

On the second day, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the Dreiborn Plateau and the nearby lakes on a 20.5-kilometer trail from Gemünd to Einruhr. Along the way, you'll pass numerous viewpoints, one of Europe's largest dams (the Urft Dam), and steep slopes around the Obersee. You can finish your day at the campsite in Simmerath-Hammer.

On the third day, the 24.7-kilometer stretch from Einruhr to Monschau-Höfen is the most challenging, partly due to the elevation gain. However, the adventure is worth it for the high-altitude trails around Hirschrott, views of the Obersee, and the idyllic valleys of Erkensruhr. In spring, the path is adorned with yellow daffodils. Monschau, with its half-timbered houses and charming old town, is a perfect place to conclude your hike. From Monschau, you can take the bus to Düren and catch the train back to Cologne, with fresh air in your lungs and plenty of kilometers under your belt.