We have heard a lot about this hiking trail. It is said that there are few valleys in the Monschau region that exert such a fascination on nature lovers at any time of year as the Fuhrtsbachtal. Numerous species of plants, animals and insects can be found here, some of which are endangered. We are very excited.

The circular hiking trail starts at the Rothe Kreuz hiking parking lot right next to Höfener Wald forest.

Beyond the main road, the trail leads us through a particularly beautiful section of forest that allows us to immerse ourselves in nature right from the start of the hike. After just a few minutes, a feeling of tranquillity sets in.

The first picnic area is located shortly before the crossroads. We decide to continue walking despite this beautiful place as our curiosity is far too great.

Soon, open spaces with typical moorland vegetation emerge from the extensive spruce stands. Behind the Riffelsbruch is a wide aisle with a wild field that provides food for all kinds of animals. Just under 300 meters further on, the forest recedes, giving us a view of the unspoilt Fuhrtsbachtal valley.

The Fuhrtsbach valley is one of the rare intermediate moors, characterized by a constantly high and only slightly fluctuating water level. Here we find bog birch, black alder, rowanberry and willow. For the most part, however, the area is covered by moor grasses, mosses and rushes.

The path continues along the northern slope, partly lined with old oak trees. Here and there you will find anthills and many different flowers along the way.

At the Antonius Bridge, the route changes to the other side of the stream. According to our hiking flyer, which we received at the Höfen National Park gate, a very special natural spectacle awaits hikers here in spring. Millions of blooming daffodils transform the gently sloping hillside and the valley floor into a bright yellow carpet of flowers.

There are also several "Westwall" bunkers along this section of the route. According to the flyer, these were built around 1938 and are a reminder of the Second World War and the heavy fighting that raged in the area around Höfen. Two of the bunkers have been quite well preserved despite being blown up.

We reach a romantic path from where we can once again see and enjoy the beauty of the valley. The hiking trail leads us through a renaturalized side valley up to the eastern pastureland of Höfen. Here, the rotor blades of the wind turbines turn at a leisurely pace. From here, we have an unobstructed view of the Steling near Mützenich. According to the hiking flyer, at 659 meters, the Steling is the highest elevation in the Monschau region. The distant view that we have after crossing the main road on the other side of the small wood is truly unique.

The last part of the hike takes us along the edge of the forest before we return to a varied forest that leads us past the Eschenhof farm and back to the parking lot.

We decide to drive back to the National Park Gate to round off the day's hiking with good food and cool drinks on the outdoor terrace of the Alte Molkerei bistro.