A canoe trip on the Rur or the Heimbach reservoir is quickly booked. But the most beautiful day only comes together with everything around it: where you stay, where you stop for a bite after paddling and what else is worth seeing in the northern Eifel. Here are our recommendations around Heimbach and Nideggen, from people who are on the water every day.
Staying overnight on the Rur and at the Rursee
Anyone who stays more than a day paddles more relaxed. Especially for groups, families and anyone with a longer journey or who wants to make a full weekend of it, an overnight stay right in the region is worth it.
- Campsite Hetzingen: right on the Rur near Nideggen, ideal for combining an overnight stay and a tour. Out of the tent in the morning, into the boat at midday.
- Holiday flats and guesthouses in Heimbach: the little town on the Rursee is a good base for both stretches of water and easy to reach by Rurtalbahn train.
- Around the Rursee: plenty of accommodation between Heimbach, Schwammenauel and Einruhr, perfect for an active weekend.
Food and a stop after the tour
After a few hours on the water, everything tastes better. Two tips for afterwards:
- French restaurant in Nideggen (Rather Strasse 2): fine cuisine in historic Nideggen, lovely to round off a day trip.
- Inns and cafes in Heimbach: down-to-earth Eifel cuisine and cosy cafes, within walking distance of the station and the Rursee.
Important for groups: with us, alcohol belongs on land and to the time after the tour. On the water it stays dry, afterwards you can raise a glass in Heimbach or Nideggen.
Excursion tips around the tour
The northern Eifel has more than water. These destinations lie right on or just behind your route:
- The Art Nouveau power station Heimbach: the landmark at the reservoir and one of the most beautiful industrial monuments in Germany. A photo stop that lifts any tour. More about it on our page about the canoe trip at the Heimbach reservoir.
- Burg Heimbach (Hengebach): it towers above the town, a great backdrop from the boat.
- Burg Nideggen and the red sandstone cliffs: the highest-lying castle in the Eifel, plus hiking trails with views into the Rur valley.
- Eifel National Park: around the Rur you experience it most peacefully from the water, beavers and kingfishers included.
And the tour itself?
You have the choice between two stretches of water: the guided canoe trip on the Rur with a little current and action, or calm paddling at the Heimbach reservoir in a four-person Canadian canoe. If you want to stay flexible, rent boats at the canoe rental. You will find all dates and packages on our booking page.
Are you a business in the region? Become a partner
Whether campsite, restaurant, accommodation or activity provider around Heimbach, Nideggen and the Rursee: we are happy to recommend each other and bring many paddlers into the region every season. Just get in touch with us, by WhatsApp on 0157 50175756 or at info@kanu-petry.de.
Worth a read
Tips and trip ideas for your canoe day out
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