Southern Eifel Nature Park
The southern Eifel is located on the border to Belgium and Luxembourg and has a varied landscape with plateaus, forests, mountains and rivers. It is the ideal area for hikers, as there are more than 700 kilometres of marked hiking and cycling trails. Mountain bikers also love this beautiful area.
Sustainable and protected nature reserve
The Southern Eifel Nature Park has an area of 432 km². Farmers also use the protected area in such a sustainable way that it preserves the typical Eifel landscapes.
Southern Eifel - the oldest Nature Park in Rhineland-Palatinate
Established in 1958, the Südeifel Nature Park is the oldest nature park in Rhineland-Palatinate and the second oldest in Germany. It is also part of the first international nature park in Europe: the German-Luxembourg Nature Park. The area has about 30,000 inhabitants.
Recreation possibilities
The area offers many great recreational opportunities for people from the region and tourists. The intention of the South Eifel Nature Park is to protect the area through cooperation with agriculture and forestry, the municipalities, trade, tourism and nature.
You can go hiking, biking, take a refreshing dip in the Aqua Fun pool and enjoy a meal at the Enztal-Treff restaurant.
The varied nature reserve
The Zuif-Eifel nature park has two typical landscapes, the Islek in the north and the Gutland in the south. The Islek is characterised by heights up to 570 metres with a harsh climate and in the south by ever-deepening river valleys. For centuries, the heights remained largely uninhabited and covered with forest.
In the centre of the nature park, there is a jump in altitude. The Gutland, which borders it, is about 150 metres lower than the Islek. The Gutland has extensive fields and meadows and has a milder climate with less precipitation. Here, you will find Mediterranean plant and animal species, such as rare orchids and butterflies.
Rock formations 
In terms of landscape, the area of Luxembourg sandstone in the south of the Nature Park is very interesting to see. It forms in the valleys of the Sauer and Prüm up to 30 metres high, rough-looking rock formations with deep, wide crevices, gorges, caves and ravines. This is called the 'Ferschweiler Plateau', a natural settlement that has been inhabited since Neolithic times.
Flowery area
Flower lovers will be in their element here, as there are 32 orchid species to be found. Bird lovers should also bring their binoculars. Kingfishers, dippers and the grey wagtail can be admired here. And in the central Ourtal, there is a special presence, rarely seen and important in Europe: the brook pearl mussel.
It is highly recommended to go hiking in Neuerburg and its surroundings. In this way, you will discover the beautiful surroundings of the Southern Eifel region for yourself.
