Eifelsteig stage 01

The first Eifelsteig stage begins in Aachen-Kornelimünster and goes to Roetgen
A joyful start to your day: Today you are at the start of the first Eifelsteig stage! Take in the romantic atmosphere of the historical Korneliusmarkt in Kornelimünster: The market place and its buildings seem to be from another time; everything happens a little more slowly here and give a feeling of security. Enjoy an aromatic coffee at one of the charming cafés and then set off again on your hike. Right at the very beginning, you pass the stone Itertal viaduct, which used to be a railway bridge. Now, the Vennbahn-Radweg (Vennbahn Cycle Trail) runs along it. You conquer the steps on the first Eifel hill euphorically and slowly settle into your own rhythm on the narrow hiking trail. Soon you are breathing the fresh forest air and following the trail gently uphill to the clearing. Before you lies the mystical and idyllic Struffelt Heide upland moor. You may not realise it is there at first glance, but the moor is an enormous water reservoir. Narrow boardwalks show you the safe route through the nature conservation area. Your gaze floats over the calming landscape of grasses, birches and moors, allowing your thoughts to run free. 
The glittering of the smooth surface of the water of the Dreilägerbachtalsperre dam shows you the next section of the trail. At a viewing platform, you can take a break above the lake. Of the four elements that define the Eifel, water clearly feels particularly at home here. 
A stone path then brings you down into the valley, followed immediately by a steady hike uphill again. But the climb is worth it: in the distance you can see your destination, Roetgen!