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Monschauer Apartments
Eifel National Park & High Fens

Eifel Attractions: The Most Beautiful Places to Visit Around Monschau

Dense forests, vast upland landscapes, Lake Rur, historic towns and some of the most beautiful hiking areas in North Rhine-Westphalia: the Eifel region around Monschau offers an impressive variety of scenery and experiences. Discover our selection of the best attractions and day trips for a holiday in the Northern Eifel.

The Northern Eifel around Monschau

Which Eifel attractions are worth visiting?

The Eifel is a large region, but if you stay in Monschau, many of its most beautiful places are surprisingly close. The Eifel National Park and the High Fens, well-known hiking trails, historic towns and Lake Rur are all within easy reach.

This guide therefore focuses on attractions in the Northern Eifel and day trips around Monschau. For places to visit within the town itself, take a look at our dedicated guide to the sights and attractions in Monschau.

Whether you enjoy nature, hiking, history or simply exploring charming towns, the area around Monschau offers plenty of possibilities for a memorable stay.

Our favourite places around Monschau

The most beautiful attractions in the Eifel

These nine places are especially easy to combine with a holiday in Monschau, offering a mix of nature, history and outdoor activities.

01

Eifel National Park

Forests, valleys, viewpoints and numerous hiking trails make Eifel National Park one of the most important natural attractions in the Northern Eifel.

Explore the national park →
02

Lake Rur & Einruhr

Surrounded by wooded hills, Lake Rur is an excellent destination for walking, cycling and relaxing by the water.

Discover Einruhr & Lake Rur →
03

Vogelsang

This historic complex in the heart of Eifel National Park combines history, exhibitions and an impressive natural setting.

Learn more about Vogelsang →
04

Monschau

Half-timbered houses, narrow streets, the River Rur and Monschau Castle make the town one of the best-known historic destinations in the Northern Eifel.

Explore Monschau's attractions →
05

Heimbach

This charming Eifel town combines half-timbered architecture, historic atmosphere, Hengebach Castle and easy access to Lake Rur and the national park.

Discover Heimbach →
06

The High Fens

Just across the Belgian border, the landscape changes to open moorland, heath, forests and wide views. A beautiful contrast to the wooded Eifel.

Explore the High Fens →
07

Eifelsteig Trail

This well-known long-distance hiking trail passes directly through the region, with Monschau located between two stages of the Eifelsteig.

Discover the Eifelsteig →
08

Wild Daffodils near Höfen

The countryside around Monschau-Höfen is particularly beautiful in spring, when thousands of wild daffodils bring colour to the landscape.

Explore hiking routes →
09

Bad Münstereifel

Medieval town walls, historic buildings and shopping opportunities make Bad Münstereifel an enjoyable alternative to a day spent hiking or exploring nature.

Discover Bad Münstereifel →
Nature and the River Rur in Monschau in the Eifel
Combine historic towns, forests & water

Where is the Eifel most beautiful?

The most beautiful part of the Eifel depends on what you are looking for. Around Monschau, the scenery is remarkably varied: a historic old town, wooded hills, open moorland, a national park and Lake Rur are all relatively close together.

This makes Monschau an excellent base for exploring the region. Instead of changing accommodation every day, you can discover different parts of the Northern Eifel while returning to the same comfortable place each evening.

  • A historic old town on your doorstep
  • Eifel National Park and the High Fens for days in nature
  • Lake Rur for walking, cycling and waterside activities
  • The Eifelsteig and scenic circular hiking trails
  • Historic towns for varied day trips

Explore the Eifel and return to Monschau each evening

Our holiday apartments are located in and around the historic old town, providing a convenient starting point for exploring the Northern Eifel.

View our apartments
Forests, lakes & open landscapes

Natural attractions in the Eifel

Much of the Eifel's appeal lies in its landscapes rather than individual landmarks. Around Monschau, several very different natural areas can easily be combined during your stay.

Eifel National Park

One of the most important natural areas in the Northern Eifel, the national park offers forests, valleys and hiking trails that are well worth a full day's visit.

Explore Eifel National Park →

The High Fens

Just across the Belgian border, this distinctive moorland landscape offers a completely different experience from the wooded hills of the Eifel and is especially popular with hikers.

Discover the High Fens →

Lake Rur

Water and wooded hills shape the landscape around Lake Rur. The village of Einruhr is a pleasant starting point for a relaxing day by the lake.

Visit Lake Rur & Einruhr →

Wild Daffodils near Höfen

In spring, wild daffodils transform parts of the countryside around Monschau-Höfen, making a walk through the area especially rewarding.

Discover local hiking trails →
Culture & historic towns

Beautiful towns and historic places in the Eifel

The Northern Eifel offers more than beautiful scenery. Historic towns, castles and important heritage sites make it easy to combine outdoor activities with culture.

For many visitors, Monschau is the ideal starting point. Those who want to explore another historic town can visit Heimbach or Bad Münstereifel.

Vogelsang offers a very different experience. Located within Eifel National Park, this historic complex combines an important educational and memorial site with impressive natural surroundings.

Explore the Eifel on foot

Hiking around Monschau and Eifel National Park

Many of the Eifel's most beautiful places are best discovered on foot. Around Monschau, you will find everything from short circular walks to longer day hikes.

Classic route

Eifelsteig Trail

The famous long-distance trail passes directly through Monschau. You do not need to walk the entire route: individual sections are also suitable for day hikes. Read more about the Eifelsteig.

Spring

Wild Daffodil Trail

The countryside around Höfen is especially beautiful in spring, when wild daffodils are in bloom. You can find more information in our hiking guide around Monschau.

Nature

Eifel National Park

For a full day of walking, the trails in Eifel National Park are an excellent choice.

Something different

Cycling instead of hiking

If you prefer exploring on two wheels, the Monschau area also offers plenty of possibilities. Take a look at our guide to cycling routes around Monschau.


Elbershof

The cloth merchant's house of 1778, right on the Rur

  • 2 to 6 guests per apartment
  • 13 apartments
  • Dogs welcome
  • Breakfast buffet available

Am Markt

Plenty of room for families and groups in the old town

  • 4 to 8 guests per apartment
  • 1 apartment
  • Dogs welcome
  • Breakfast buffet available
Your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about attractions in the Eifel

What are the must-see attractions in the Eifel?

Some of the most varied attractions around Monschau include Eifel National Park, Lake Rur, Vogelsang, the historic old town of Monschau and the High Fens.

Which part of the Eifel is the most beautiful?

That depends on your interests. The Northern Eifel around Monschau is especially attractive if you want to combine forests, historic towns, hiking trails, open moorland and Lake Rur during one holiday.

What can you see in Eifel National Park?

Besides its forests, valleys and beautiful landscapes, the national park is known for Vogelsang and its many hiking trails. A visit can also be combined with Heimbach and Lake Rur.

Is Monschau a good base for exploring the Eifel?

Yes. Monschau is located in the Northern Eifel and combines a historic old town with easy access to hiking trails, Eifel National Park, the High Fens and numerous other attractions.

What can you do in the Eifel besides hiking?

Popular alternatives include cycling, visiting Lake Rur, exploring historic towns, discovering Vogelsang and taking day trips to Heimbach or Bad Münstereifel. For something more adventurous, you can also visit the Hürtgenwald high ropes course.

Where should you stay when visiting the Eifel?

Monschauer Apartments offers a selection of holiday apartments in Monschau. From here, you can explore both the historic town and many of the most beautiful places in the Northern Eifel.

Discover the Northern Eifel from Monschau

Explore the Eifel and stay in Monschau

Spend your days discovering the national park, Lake Rur, scenic hiking trails and historic towns, then return to the special atmosphere of Monschau in the evening.


Half-timbered houses on the Rur in Monschau's old town

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