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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Städteregion Aachen
Simmerath

Heck Cross Memorial (Memorial Cross for Jakob Heck)

Discover
Places to see
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Städteregion Aachen
Simmerath

Heck Cross Memorial (Memorial Cross for Jakob Heck)

Highlight • Monument

Heck Cross Memorial (Memorial Cross for Jakob Heck)

Hiking

4.7

(165)

Nordic walking

5.0

(2)

Mountain biking

5.0

(1)

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Naturpark Hohes Venn-Eifel

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  • Location: Simmerath, Städteregion Aachen, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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    December 14, 2025

    Hiking

    The information panel at the Heck Cross recounts the fate of Jakob Heck, a farmer and bachelor from Eicherscheid. On a warm August morning in 1829, he set out early …
    Translated by

    May 29, 2020

    Hiking

    On August 13, 1829, Jacob Heck was struck by lightning when he was mowing heather in this open Venn area, which was not drained at the time. The heather was used as cattle litter in winter. This is the inscription of the cross: ANNO 1829 ON AUGUST 13, JACOB HECK FROM EICHERSCHEID HERE WAS KILLED BY LIGHTNING AND THUNDER
    Translated by

    November 14, 2020

    Hiking

    A wooden footbridge takes you to this memorial cross, which commemorates Jacob Heck from Eicherscheid, who was killed by lightning on August 13, 1829.
    After this memorial cross had been forgotten for years, the Simmerath local group of the Eifel Association campaigned to have the cross erected again and an information board placed there.
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    Westwall Tank Traps loop from Simmerath

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    Moderate
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    4.8

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    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 590 m

    Weather

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    Monday 8 June

    14°C

    8°C

    69 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

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    Location: Simmerath, Städteregion Aachen, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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