Why did I not know that such a gem lies across the Belgian border, 2 hours from where I live? One could easily miss this beautiful little town, nestled in the hills of the Eifel region of North Rhine-Westphalia. A perfect place for a cosy weekend, whether it be summer or winter.
Explore the Eifel Region Germany:
Visit the quaint little town of Monschau where the river Rur runs through. With its medieval centre and half-timbered houses, it’s right out of a Grimm Brothers fairy-tale. You can easily spend half a day or so walking around and discovering places alongside narrow cobblestone streets.
Go to the Rursee Lake in the Eifel National Park, which is about a 30-minute drive from Monschau and is the second largest artificial lake in Germany. It’s an impressive sight, with quaint villages, cafes and restaurants dotting the shoreline. Take a boat cruise on the lake (approximately 1.5 hours both ways) with Rursee Schifffahrt and relax over a drink on deck.
If you’re interested in WW2 like I am, the Eifel region is an interesting spot, as the fighting was especially bad here in 1944-1945 (Battle of the Huertgen Forest) resulting in very heavy casualties on both the American and German sides. I found the Huertgenwald eerily fasc
inating, and there are quite a few bunkers left over for history enthusiasts. Likewise, the Ordensburg Vogelsang, a former Nazi estate used as an educational centre for future leaders in the 1930’s, is a must-see.
Have a drink at:
Hotel Horchem & Braukeller along the riverbank in Monschau. If you’re lucky, you can make use of their lovely terrace. They serve food as well.
Where to eat in the Eifel Region Germany:
Restaurant Flosdorff on the market square. They m
ake wholesome, tasty German food. Excellent local beer on tap as well.
Yacht Club Rursee in Simmerath, for seasonal dishes and local specialities, such as fish and excellent flammkuchen.
Where to sleep in the Eifel Region Germany:
Hier und Jetzt in Monschau City where the rooms are clean, beautifully presented and cosy – one of my favourite bed and breakfasts in Germany.
If the above is taken, try Manoir 1654 as it also oozes German charm in the old town centre of Monschau.