Monschau – A pretty village to visit any time of the year

Situated in the Eifel region of western Germany, near the Belgian border, this pretty town is so cute you just have to include it on your travel bucket list. Especially during Christmas time. Monschau is known for its medieval center, with half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and slate-cladded houses.

You will find many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops in the village and the Rur River runs through the town completing the peaceful picture.

What is Monschau known for?

The town is famous for its historic Old Town area, which is a delight to explore on foot. Visitors can wander through narrow alleys lined with centuries-old buildings, visit the striking Monschau Castle perched atop a hill overlooking the town, and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the local architecture.

Monschau is also surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding Eifel National Park offers hiking and biking trails through lush forests, tranquil valleys, and rolling hills. Additionally, the Rur River flows through Monschau, providing opportunities for scenic walks along its banks or leisurely boat rides.

Biking Trails

Here are a few biking trails leading through the village – a perfect summer activity:

Eifel Höhen Route leads a circuit around the Eifel National Park
RurUfer Radweg, the highest elevation of the High Fens with the mouth of the Rur River in the Maas.
Vennbahn (Bike path) on the old Vennbahn track between Aachen and Luxembourg.

The best time to visit Monschau

You can visit this town any time of year and you will love it. In our opinion, it is definitely worth a visit during Christmas time when the whole village transforms into a magical land.

Christmas Market (Weinachtsmarkt) in Monschau

This pretty town received the accolade of having one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Western Germany.

The market is not huge but it stretches from Richters Eck, via the Market Square with its beautiful Christmas tree and on to the Patere Höfje, behind the Aukirche church.

The market usually takes place the 4 weekends before Christmas.

If you are as much in love with Christmas as we are, you will simply love the Christmas House with its magical Christmas look which sells decorations on all 3 floors. This is a Christmas fanatic’s dream come true and a must-visit. (Apparently, they are open from March to December, so you can visit at other times of the year as well.)

If you are not staying in Monschau, do arrange your travel to have enough time for sightseeing as well as shopping and stay a bit later in the evening. You simply have to experience the Christmas carols being played, sipping on a glass of mulled wine, while enjoying the magical Christmas atmosphere created by the beautiful twinkling lights.

For more up-to-date information about times and exhibitions, visit their Christmas Market Website to ensure you have the latest information.

You might also want to read our article on The beautiful Oberammergau in Germany.

Nearest airport & Getting around

The nearest airport is in Cologne: About 100 km from Monschau

As there is no train station in Monschau, it is best to rent a car. However, if you are going to the Christmas market, parking might be an issue and I would recommend then rather going by bus or very early by car and spending the day.

Things to do in Monschau Germany

Monschau Castel would be worth a stop especially if you can attend one of their open-air concerts.
Rotes House (Red House), a museum, with a carved self-supporting staircase over 3 floors.
Go for a cruise on the Rursee (River Rur)
Kids will love Hellenthal National Park Eifel just outside of Monschau (15 min drive), with its animals and Falconry show.
There are many hiking trails
Visit Felsenkeller Brauhaus and museum for a tour through the black slate cellar.
And then of cause my favorite the Altstadt (Old Town) with its timer framed houses, flower box windows, cobble stone streets and pretty little shops.
There are guided tours available at the Historic Mustard Mill where the age old recipe is still being made since 1882.

Restaurants

Monschau has quite a lot of pretty restaurants with the majority serving traditional German dishes and most of them are located in the old town, in the streets surrounding the market square.

Accommodation

You can choose from more than 150 places to stay in Monschau, and there are some really lovely places.

Our recommendation on where to stay:

Book your Accommodation now

If you would love to stay in the town during Christmas, you need to make reservations well in advance as they are very quickly fully booked.

Why we recommend Venngasthof Zur Buche

Venngasthof Zur Buche offers a children’s playground. Guests at the hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Monschau, like hiking and cycling.

Review: “Really nice guesthouse close to the famous Vennbahn and many of the hiking trails in the nearby Eifel and Ardennes. Great facility for bikes, separate garage with tools and charging points for ebikes….” Daniel – booking.com

Plopsa Coo is 48 km from Venngasthof Zur Buche, while Reinhardstein Castle is 25 km from the property. Book your stay>>

Vennbahn - A Cyclist Dream

It is situated close to the Vennbahn which is a picturesque cycling route that stretches across three countries: Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg. It follows the path of a former railway line, offering cyclists a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, charming towns, and historical sites.

The Vennbahn route spans approximately 125 kilometers (about 78 miles) and passes through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque valleys. Along the way, cyclists will encounter charming villages, historical landmarks, and beautiful natural scenery.

The Vennbahn is known for its gentle gradients and well-maintained surface, making it suitable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.