Welcome back!
On the 1st of May mini-holiday happened a lot of things also in this part of Europe. Taking advantage of the good weather I went on two hiking trips on the banks of the Mosel river and in the Eifel national park. Today I'm going to write a bit about the experiences in the daffodils glade in Germany.
On the 1st of May mini-holiday happened a lot of things also in this part of Europe. Taking advantage of the good weather I went on two hiking trips on the banks of the Mosel river and in the Eifel national park. Today I'm going to write a bit about the experiences in the daffodils glade in Germany.
At the border between Germany and Belgium, at 65 km south-west of Cologne you can find the Eifel national park. It is the 14th national park in Germany and the first in Nordrhein-Westfallen, opened in 2004. It uncovers a surface of 110km2 and guides itself by the motto: Let Nature be Nature!
In order to get here we followed by car a road through the small towns and villages from this area, that were nicely decorated with may trees or may hearts, but this is a story for another time.
When we reached the trail's entrance, we equipped ourselves and then followed the signs to the main attraction: the daffodils glade. Along the route you can admire the forest, the pastures, the streams and the small lakes. In the past the place was used as a pasture and then they planted fast-growing tree species for the wood industry. Since 2004 the park authorities have been trying to come back to the original vegetation, the beech wood and to protect the flowers, the daffodils being a main attraction for tourists in April and May.
Being located near the border with Belgium this place bears the marks of the second world war. A series of bunkers and a concrete border against the tanks of the allies were built here during the reign of Hitler. Furthermore some areas are forbidden to enter due to the danger of unexploded mines or other bombs.
After 7 km we reached the daffodils glade and we admired the yellow carpet of nature. In order to protect the fauna and flora a troop of mounted rangers patrols the area and also offers information to tourists.
At the end of the circuit, after 17km we returned to Cologne a bit tired but happy to have made such a nice hiking trip and admired the paintings of nature.
In order to get here we followed by car a road through the small towns and villages from this area, that were nicely decorated with may trees or may hearts, but this is a story for another time.
When we reached the trail's entrance, we equipped ourselves and then followed the signs to the main attraction: the daffodils glade. Along the route you can admire the forest, the pastures, the streams and the small lakes. In the past the place was used as a pasture and then they planted fast-growing tree species for the wood industry. Since 2004 the park authorities have been trying to come back to the original vegetation, the beech wood and to protect the flowers, the daffodils being a main attraction for tourists in April and May.
Being located near the border with Belgium this place bears the marks of the second world war. A series of bunkers and a concrete border against the tanks of the allies were built here during the reign of Hitler. Furthermore some areas are forbidden to enter due to the danger of unexploded mines or other bombs.
After 7 km we reached the daffodils glade and we admired the yellow carpet of nature. In order to protect the fauna and flora a troop of mounted rangers patrols the area and also offers information to tourists.
At the end of the circuit, after 17km we returned to Cologne a bit tired but happy to have made such a nice hiking trip and admired the paintings of nature.
In Germany the hiking trips rank 3 among the most loved free time activities after ski and cycling, so the clubs and associations take their role seriously. Online you can find portals from where you can download trail descriptions, maps but also GPS tracks. For the daffodils tour you can see an example here.
I hope you enjoyed today's route and in the following days I'll write about the Mosel valley trail and about the 1st of May traditions. Until then I wish you sunny paths!
R.C.
I hope you enjoyed today's route and in the following days I'll write about the Mosel valley trail and about the 1st of May traditions. Until then I wish you sunny paths!
R.C.
