Eifel hikers circumnavigate North Rhine-Westphalia: 1,662 kilometers completed in 126 stages!

Eifel hikers circumnavigate North Rhine-Westphalia: 1,662 kilometers completed in 126 stages!

In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia and with a passion for nature, Ralf Spilles achieved the impossible: He hiked the outer borders of the state in a remarkable 126 stages and a total of 1,662 kilometers. The now 66-year-old hiking enthusiast from Kreuzau started his ambitious hike on Good Friday 2017 and, after an impressive achievement, celebrated the completion in Aachen's historic setting, the Aachen Cathedral. As the Review online According to reports, this crowning conclusion was a festive occasion at which Cathedral Provost Rolf-Peter Cremer and the Mayor of Aachen, Sibylle Keupen, stood at Spilles' side. Environment Minister Oliver Krischer described the hike as an “insane achievement” and is even thinking of entering the Guinness record list.

The route was completed with a backpack equipped with sandwiches, water and all sorts of useful equipment. Loud WDR Spilles mainly used local public transport for his hikes, which he only interrupted twice with a taxi. Despite small detours that increase the total distance to an estimated 1,800 kilometers, the hiker never got lost and always planned his routes carefully in advance. “Hiking runs in the family,” explained Spilles, who made many unforgettable memories with his dog Luke, who has since passed away.

Wanderlust and plans for the future

The perceived freedom and the beauty of nature inspired Spilles to write a seven-volume book series, the second volume of which is scheduled to appear in two weeks. In his books he wants to motivate readers to go hiking and recommends the Zwillbrocker Venn in Münsterland as a special tip. Spilles also has big plans after circumnavigating North Rhine-Westphalia: He wants to explore parts of the Way of St. James between Osnabrück and Wuppertal.

Enthusiastic hikers can look forward to it, as North Rhine-Westphalia offers a variety of varied hiking routes that lead through picturesque nature and impressive landscapes. How on Wanderable Germany can be read, places like the Teutoburg Forest with the Hermannsdenkmal are a true hiking paradise. The region is known for its mountain ranges, dense mixed forests and numerous hiking trails, which offer attractive options for every taste.

One of Spilles' concerns is also to improve the situation at the three-country point near Aachen, where, in his opinion, the visitor potential is not being sufficiently utilized. The Mayor of Keupen and Cathedral Provost Cremer emphasized the need to create a better footpath from there to Aachen and held discussions to increase the attractiveness of this area, which is nevertheless largely in private hands. Informed by Detlef Funken, the press spokesman for the Aachen city region, the kilometer information on the border between Belgium and Germany varies. He mentions 69 kilometers, which once again underlines the challenges of the Spilles route.

With his tireless spirit and his impressive commitment to nature, Ralf Spilles goes down in the history books of North Rhine-Westphalia as a role model for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether with family, friends or alone, it shows that hiking is much more than just a sport - it is a journey to yourself.