What to do and see in Heimbach, North Rhine-Westphalia: The Best Things to do

Reviewed By ivanlE8096JK - Cologne, Germany

So, my partner and me made some research about this place and decided to visit it during one semi-holiday. This means that we counted that there will be some people there but not too many. So lets take it from the beginning.... Transportation: we actually went with our own automobile, but the place is reasonably good connected with public transport. It is a rather known trekking area so it should pose no problem to get here. The trip with private automobile took some 45 minutes (from Cologne), but the trip alone was worth it; beautifull scenery along the way, German driving.... regardless of the type of the car, it was well worth travelling. Parking space: since this is, actually, the tourist destination, the abundance of parking space was quite pleasant surprise. The price was quite OK too (for german standards, that is); stay under 30 minutes is free (if you stay longer, it is counted as full hour), but every hour is just 1 EUR, so...it is not the cheapest, but it is quite OK. Note: Sometimes (rather often) the exit ramp gets jammed in open position (wink, wink), but you never heard this from me. ;) The dam: the dam itself is not much of a sight. On one side is a beautiful lake/reservoir of Rur river and on the other side is a outflow canal which runs between the villages. However, it is well worth walking over. The sights from the dam are spectacular and amazing. Small boats and sailing yachts flowing through the calm waters...what's not to like. The riverboat cruises: there are few riverboat cruises available, but we left that for another visit. Not sure about the prices, but I guess they are normal (nothing about this place screamed "money"). Internet and telephone are your friends on this one. The Nature: if you come only for that - it is worth coming. Beautiful and amazing. Regardless if you came for sightseeing, beer, food or trekking. This is absolutely beautiful place. Accessibility: The place is well suitable for disabled persons. Actually, we have seen a lot of people in wheelchairs. It is, after all, a very simple place...the dam, the nature, the lake.... Monuments: Some discharge outflow valves are posted on one side, near the discharge gates. There is a memorial plaque nearby, honouring workers who lost their lives maintaining the contraption. NOTE: As we came during COVID-19 (quarantine) measures (21.May.2020), we avoided bars and restaurants. However, the place was very visited on the day and I would guess that it is quite visited during the season. Personal recommendation: Do come. Even if you come just to see the nature - it is more than worth coming and seeing.