The first Stage boasts a wealth of natural landmarks and cultural treasures. The Ahr spring in Blankenheim marks the starting point of the first Stage. Past the Eifel Museum, narrow alleys offer a little shade in the Summer and lead to a swan pond, following the path of the Ahr. After the pedestrian tunnel, the route grows more challenging as the path leads uphill. The top of the Birker hill is reached by walking through a thick beech wood and offers spectacular views to the south. Past fields and through quiet ramble paths of the 484-m high Bohrberg, hikers are rewarded with a relaxing sit-down at the banks of the Freilinger lake.