Rur or Ruhr, which one is right? Many people wonder, and the short answer is: both are right, because there are two different rivers. A single letter makes the difference. We have paddled the Rur in the Eifel for years and know the mix-up well, so let us clear it up here once and for all.

The short answer: two different rivers

The Rur and the Ruhr are not the same, but two separate rivers in different regions:

The Rur (without an h after the R) flows through the northern Eifel, from the Belgian High Fens via Monschau and Heimbach to Düren and on into the Netherlands.
The Ruhr (with an h) flows through the Sauerland and the Ruhr area, to which it gives its name, from Winterberg to Duisburg, where it joins the Rhine.

So if you are looking to go canoeing on the Rur, you mean the Eifel, not the Ruhr area. The two rivers are about 100 kilometres apart.

Where the Rur flows

The Rur rises in the High Fens near the Belgian border and flows from there through the northern Eifel. It passes Monschau, feeds the Rursee lake and the Heimbach reservoir at the Schwammenauel power station, and then continues past Heimbach, Nideggen and Düren towards the north. At Roermond in the Netherlands it finally joins the Meuse. Over around 165 kilometres it connects the Eifel with the Netherlands.

It is precisely the stretch in Eifel National Park that makes the Rur so popular for paddling: quiet river bends, woods, castles and clean water. Right here, between Heimbach and Zerkall, is where we run our guided tours.

Why the confusion happens so often

The mix-up has two simple reasons. First, the names differ by only a single h, which is easy to miss when reading and typing. Second, the Ruhr is known across the country through the Ruhr area, while the smaller Rur in the Eifel is less familiar to many. Type Rur and autocomplete often promptly suggests the Ruhr. Nobody is really getting it wrong, you just now know which river is which.

Canoeing on the Rur: what we offer

On the Rur in the Eifel you are in exactly the right place with us. Our guided canoe tour on the Rur starts at 11:15 and lasts around 4.5 hours, from Heimbach to Zerkall right through Eifel National Park. You need no prior knowledge: the boat, paddle, life jacket and the briefing before you set off all come from us. If you want to know which other rivers and lakes in the region are suitable for paddling, read our overview Where can you go canoeing in NRW and the Eifel?

Frequently asked questions about the Rur and the Ruhr

Are the Rur and the Ruhr the same river?

No. The Rur flows through the Eifel, the Ruhr through the Ruhr area. They are two different rivers that simply have similar names.

Where does the Rur flow?

The Rur rises in the High Fens, flows through the northern Eifel via Monschau, Heimbach and Düren, and joins the Meuse at Roermond in the Netherlands.

Can you canoe on the Rur?

Yes. Between Heimbach and Zerkall we run guided canoe tours, in season from around mid-July. The river requires registration, which we take care of for you.

Fancy getting to know the Rur yourself?

Now you know the difference, but the nicest way to get to know the Rur is from the water. Pick a date and book your guided canoe tour on the Rur directly on our booking page. We provide the boat, paddle and life jacket, you enjoy the Eifel from the river.

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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

Rur or Ruhr? Why the Two Are So Often Confused