Heimbach is the smallest town in North Rhine-Westphalia and at the same time one of the most beautiful corners of the Eifel. Set right in Eifel National Park on the banks of the Rur, this little place packs a medieval castle, a world-famous Art Nouveau power station and plenty of nature into a tiny area. Here are the 8 Heimbach sights you should not miss, and how to combine them into the perfect day out.

1. A canoe trip on the Rur, the number one nature experience

You experience Heimbach at its most beautiful from the water. The Rur winds gently through the valley of Eifel National Park, no white water, no experience needed, but crystal-clear water, wooded slopes and that view up to the castle again and again.

A guided canoe trip on the Rur is the ideal programme for families, groups of friends and anyone who wants to discover the Eifel actively. You paddle along while your guide takes care of safety, the route and the best stops. If you prefer something calmer, paddle on the Heimbach reservoir, mirror-smooth water, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Good to know: Kanu Petry is the only canoe operator right inside Eifel National Park. The guided Rur tour starts at 11:15 and lasts about 4.5 hours, so it is best to book online in advance, especially on summer weekends.

2. Burg Hengebach, the landmark above the town

High above Heimbach sits Burg Hengebach, one of the best-preserved hilltop castles in the Eifel. Its origins go back to the 11th century. Today it houses an art academy, a climbable keep with a grand view over the Rur valley and a romantic castle courtyard. The climb through the winding lanes of the old town is part of the experience.

3. The Art Nouveau power station, where technology becomes art

The Heimbach hydropower station is a real highlight: when it opened in 1905 it was the largest hydropower station in Europe. The Art Nouveau machine hall is still regarded as an architectural masterpiece, stained-glass windows, flowing lines, a temple of art and technology. The power station is still in operation and open to visitors. A must-stop, especially in rainy weather.

4. Eifel National Park and the Wilde Kermeter

Heimbach lies right in the middle of Eifel National Park, the only national park in NRW. The barrier-free Wilde Kermeter nature area starts directly at the town, with viewpoints over the Rursee lake. Wildcats, rare birds and, in early summer, blooming daffodil meadows make the park one of the most species-rich areas in Germany.

5. Heimbach reservoir: the Dschungelpfad trail and paddling on calm water

The Heimbach reservoir is the small, mirror-smooth body of water right by the town, framed by the historic Art Nouveau power station and the slopes of the national park. The roughly 5-kilometre Dschungelpfad (“jungle path”) loops all the way around it, a family-friendly trail over narrow paths, wooden boardwalks and densely overgrown shoreline. You can circle the whole reservoir in about one and a half to two hours, with ever-changing views over the water.

If you would rather experience the reservoir from the water: paddling here is calm and current-free, ideal for families and anyone sitting in a canoe for the first time. In the paddling season we offer guided trips in stable Canadian canoes, more about it on our Heimbach reservoir page or straight to booking. A few kilometres further on lies the Rursee, one of the largest reservoirs in Germany; both are part of the Rur dam system.

6. The old town and St Clement’s Church

Heimbach’s old town is small but charming: half-timbered houses, narrow lanes, cosy cafes. In its centre stands the parish and pilgrimage church of St Clement with the famous Heimbach Pieta from the 14th century, an important pilgrimage destination in the region. Perfect for a stroll after your canoe trip.

7. A starry sky in the Eifel National Park dark-sky reserve

Eifel National Park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park, one of the few places in Germany with so little light pollution that you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. If you stay overnight in Heimbach, keep a clear evening free for a look up.

8. Hiking: the Eifelsteig and the Wilde Weg

Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Eifel run around Heimbach, including stages of the Eifelsteig and the Wilde Weg, an adventure trail through the forest. Combined with a guided canoe trip on the Rur, you get the perfect active day of hiking and time on the water.

How to plan your perfect day in Heimbach

All the highlights in one day? Doable. Our suggestion:

Early morning: arrive in Heimbach, a short stroll through the old town to St Clement’s Church and a look up to the castle.
11:15: the guided canoe trip on the Rur starts, around 4.5 hours of pure nature.
Late afternoon: a bite to eat in the old town and a visit to the Art Nouveau power station.
Evening: a walk along the reservoir, and on a clear night, the dark-sky reserve.

Heimbach is compact, you can reach most sights on foot. Plan a full day for a relaxed visit, and a whole weekend for a canoe trip plus a hike.

Frequently asked questions about Heimbach

What can you do in Heimbach when it rains?

The Art Nouveau power station and the interiors of Burg Hengebach are perfect bad-weather destinations. St Clement’s Church and the cafes of the old town can also be explored in the dry.

How much time should I plan for Heimbach?

One day is enough for the main sights. If you also do a canoe trip or want to hike, plan a whole weekend.

Is Heimbach suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The canoe trip on calm water, the barrier-free Wilde Kermeter and the manageable old town make Heimbach an ideal family day out in the Eifel.

How do I get to Heimbach?

Heimbach is easy to reach by car via the A1/A4. Especially scenic: the journey by Rurtalbahn train, which stops right at Heimbach’s historic station.

Experience Heimbach, best of all from the water

Castle, power station and national park make Heimbach a rewarding destination. But the most striking experience remains the Rur itself. Book your guided canoe trip now and discover the Eifel at its best, or give the experience as a gift with a Kanu Petry voucher.

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Ready for your canoe trip on the Rur?

The popular guided day tour from Heimbach through Eifel National Park. Places are limited, so book online in good time.

View the Rur tour

Heimbach Sights: 8 Highlights in the Eifel