Rurtal mit den Felsbildungen der Uhusley, Protected area near Simmerath, Germany

The Rurtal mit den Felsbildungen der Uhusley is a protected area along the Rur River stretching from Monschau to the Rur Dam, characterized by steep, rock-strewn slopes with narrow valley sections. Vertical cliff formations tower from the riverbed to the hilltops, creating dramatic natural walls throughout the site.

The site received protection status as a nature reserve in 1999, followed by additional designation as a Flora-Fauna habitat in 2004. This recognition reflected the area's importance for safeguarding rare species and its distinctive geological features.

The area takes its name from the eagle owls that nest in the rock crevices of the steep valley walls and actively defend their territories.

The reserve stretches along the Rur from Monschau down to the Rurtalsperre reservoir, with the valley narrowing sharply between Monschau and Grünental, where the river fills nearly the whole width. Below Grünental the valley floor widens to between 100 and 240 metres. Access is on foot; paths follow the slopes above the river.

The reserve protects caves and abandoned mine galleries, which are listed among its biotope types alongside natural rock formations and block scree slopes. These underground spaces shelter bat species such as the greater mouse-eared bat and the pond bat, both named in the protection aims.