GO NATURE
GO RUREIFEL TRAIL 2027.
We are already looking forward to seeing you again on April 17, 2027 here in Nideggen!
DISTANCES 2027
RET11: 12 km / 420 D+
RET22: 22 km / 800 D+
Anyone looking for a quick run on the trails after winter, or the perfect introduction to trail running, will find it here. After a fast-paced descent to the Rur River, the route climbs again towards Nideggen. Here you'll run along a beautiful trail beside the rocks, before descending to Brück. In Zerkall, you'll turn right halfway up towards Gut Kallerbend, cross the new bridge, and then climb again towards Rath. The final stretch takes you back to Nideggen via the Buntsandstein route, where a spectacular finish awaits you at the castle.
And here's the link to download the route:
iTRA
Race Details
GPS
link
GPS
Map
Prepare yourselves for a challenging few kilometers and 800 meters of elevation gain. Anyone thinking they'll just breeze down the trails should know that the real challenge is yet to come. The route climbs to Burgberg (Bergstein), descends to Obermaubach, and then continues up and down steep singletrack trails along the Rur Valley's slopes. But that's not all: in addition to the already legendary steep climb to the Waldkapelle (Forest Chapel), the Buntsandstein route will demand everything you've got before you can celebrate your achievement at Nideggen Castle.
And here's the link to download the route:
iTRA
Race Details
GPS
link
GPS
Map
RET HIKE22: 22 km / 800 D+
The RET Hike22 follows the same route, but the start time is different.
RET44+: 46 km / 2,000 D+
Fancy something a bit longer? Look no further! The RET44+ won't disappoint, taking you along beautiful trails around Nideggen. The constant ups and downs are characteristic of the Rureifel region, and that's exactly what you can expect on the RET44+. NEW: This route, with its 2,000 meters of elevation gain, first leads you to Zerkall, then through the stunning Kall Valley, where it joins the RET77 trail. Once you reach the Kall River, the trail climbs to Bergstein and continues almost all the way down to Zerkall – from here you're back on the route of previous years. From here, it's back up to Burgberg, before tackling the highlights of Obermaubach, Engelsblick, Kuhkopf, and the Buntsandstein Route.
RET HIKE44+: 46 km / 2,000 D+
The RET Hike44+ follows the same route as the RET44+.
RET77: 77 km / 3,040 D+
For those who want to experience the stunningly beautiful trails near Heimbach, a stretch along the Rursee lake including views of the lake, and the many trails up to Schmidt, our "king's distance" is perfect. The RET77 proved in 2026 that it has the potential to become a classic. On this adventure through the Rureifel region, one highlight follows another. Who will take on this challenge with around 3,000 meters of elevation gain, and who will be the first to conquer Nideggen Castle?
And here's the link to download the route:
GPS
Map
RET YOUTH: 2.8 km / 90 D+
Year groups 2010 to 2013
In 2027, there will be a new race for our young people up to 17 years old. This course will be challenging and will really test you. It's the same loop as the RET Kids Run, but instead of turning left towards the castle after the first lap, you'll complete this loop twice. Anyone who masters this course can rightfully celebrate at the finish line.
RET KIDS: 1.5 km / 50 D+
Year groups 2014 to 2017
Our youngest participants can look forward to another challenging course, which first leads them downhill to the market square and then right through the pedestrian zone. After the Zülpich Gate, they'll hit the trails and descend rapidly before the spectacular but strenuous climb up to the castle.
STARTING PLACE
Available at RET!
That sounds tempting, doesn't it! There is, however, one small catch, if you can even call it that: If you or someone you know supports us as a course marshal or at a refreshment station for 4 to 6 hours on April 17th, you or someone you know will receive a free entry to the RET 2027 or 2028.
Furthermore, we thank you with a generously filled helper's bag containing a beanie/cap, goodies and day's provisions.
Convinced? Then simply send us a short email to: office@rureifel-trail.com
FABIAN RAHN:
Initiator of the RET.
Born in the Black Forest, the Rureifel region has been home to me and my family for many years. As a former professional triathlete and now a passionate trail runner, I have experienced the fascinating landscape and wilderness firsthand on my countless training runs and thousands of kilometers in the forests of the nature park. This is where the idea for the RET – Rureifel Trail – came from. and the RET – Rureifel Trail Hike was created as an environmentally conscious and sustainable sporting event by runners for runners.
