Photos of Monschau
Photos of the Eifel region
Activities in Monschau
- Christmas market: Monschau’s number 1 tourist attraction (safe for its great nature and idyllic alleys) is the Christmas market. Celebrate the end of the year in a fairytale-like and heartwarming coziness.
- Monschau Keep: The keep that towers above Monschau is now a youth hostel, but you can still walk up to the impressive walls.
- The Red House: This famous 18th century baroque house belonged to a noble family of tailors, whose creations were worn by French kings and Turkish sultans. Now this iconic Monschauer building is a perfectly preserved window into the past, and definitely worth a visit.
- Town train: Why discover the town on foot when you can take the town train to discover Monschau and its history at the same time? The ride lasts for half an hour and end on a high note (literally) at the keep, from which you have a fantastic view over the Haller ruin.
- Erlebnismuseum: Learn more about the local (and foreign) wildlife in this museum with plenty of stuffed animals.
- Glasshutte: See actual glassblowers at work or peruse the shop for items they have crafted. You can even try the art of glassblowing yourself!
- Visit Monschau’s Tourism Department for even more ideas and activities.
Activities around Monschau
- Eifelsteig: (through Monschau) The Eifelsteig is the most famous hiking trail of the Eiffel area. A little under 200 miles ((), divided across 15 stages, will take you along rocks, water, dams, keeps, etc …
- Vennbahn: (through Monschau) For cycling enthusiasts we have the Vennbahn: a cycling route of 75 miles that crosses Belgium, Germany (Monschau) and Luxembourg.
- Eifel National Park: (6 miles from Monschau) This piece of unadulterated nature covers 70 square miles. You might spot rare animals (such as the regional Eifel tiger-cat and the black stork), test your traverse challenging hiking trails or take a relaxing stroll through nature.
- Rursee: (10 miles from Monschau) The Rursee is the largest artificial lake in Germany, and is ideal for hikers and hobby fishermen (provided that you have the proper licenses) alike. Take a tour on a boat and enjoy the gorgeous landscapes.
- Vogelsang: (15 miles from Monschau) This former military base (located at the centre of the Eifel National Park) now serves as a star park: feel free to enjoy the open skies at night and marvel at the galaxy and its many stars.
- Wildlife park Hellenthal: (13 miles from Monschau) The wildlife park in Hellenthal houses a variety of animals and bird shows, and has a train to take you through the park.
- Stargazing: The Eifel-area is one of the darkest places on Earth at night, perfect for stargazing! Check the website for locations and schedules.
- Spa-Francorchamps: (21 miles from Monschau) Racing fanatics will want to pay a visit to Belgium’s iconic racing circuit. Check their website for their activity calendar.
Our recommendations
Eating and drinking in Monschau
Hungry bellies can be filled in Grunenthal, Haus Flora, Mon Bistro or Zum Haller across Mon Bistro (we highly recommend that you book a table in advance). You can find the menu cards of our favourite restaurants in the drawers of the dining room or on their website. For freshly-made artisan bread, we recommend Hensch.
Shopping in Monschau
Alphons Vijgen Handtaschen holds a wide assortment of (hand)bags to discover. Traditional Monschauer mustard can be bought in many variants at Senfmuehle. Kunterburg is a fantastic baby and childrens store with workshops. Candy and music boxes can be bought at Sweets & Music, and you can shop for groceries at Birgits Lädchen.
Map of the town
Click here to view the map of the centre with our recommendations.
Forecast
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