The barrier-free nature experience area Wilder Kermeter is located in the middle of the Eifel National Park on the Kermeter ridge. Native mixed beech forests grow over a large area between the Rursee and Urftsee lakes.
Located in the middle of it all, the Wild Kermeter comprises a barrier-free 4.7-kilometre network of paths.
A special feature of the Wild Kermeter is the unique views of the national park and reservoir landscape. From the "Hirschley" rocky outcrop, hikers and walkers can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Rursee, while the "Vogelsang-Blick" viewpoint offers views of the former Nazi "Ordensburg" and Lake Urft. The former Nazi Ordensburg Vogelsang is one of the largest building ensembles from the National Socialist era and today houses two exhibitions: The permanent exhibition of the Vogelsang Nazi documentation entitled "Destination: Herrenmensch. Nazi Ordensburgen zwischen Faszination und Verbrechen" and the "Wildnis(t)räume" adventure exhibition at the Eifel National Park Center. Here, visitors can experience the nature of the Eifel National Park with all their senses. Touch models, smell memory and animals to touch offer numerous opportunities for interaction.
A three-dimensional terrain model with the circumference of a 300-year-old copper beech invites visitors with visual impairments to feel the forest-lake landscape. "Sensory loungers" with views into the wilderness or under the canopy of leaves also allow visitors to relax and offer interesting changes of perspective.
The gradient of the trail to the Hirschley viewpoint is no more than six percent. A circular route is also possible, but this includes longer sections with inclines and declines of up to eight percent.
There is a bench about every 250 meters in the barrier-free nature experience area that invites you to rest. Visually impaired hikers are guided through the entire area using tactile systems and also find a paved guidance system at important points. All information in the Wilden Kermeter is available in raised large print as well as in braille or acoustically.
German-language ranger tours to the Hirschley viewpoint start at the Kermeter rest area every Sunday at 1 pm all year round. The three-hour, easy hike is free of charge and registration is not required. Guests with hearing impairments can book mobile hearing amplifiers free of charge in advance from the national park administration.
