Monschau, sometimes called the "Pearl of the Eifel", is a small, historic town in the German Eifel. Largely unchanged for over 300 years, the narrow, cobblestoned streets and traditional half-timbered houses have made this charming place one of the main tourist attractions of the region. Set in the beautiful landscapes of the Eifel region, at a stones-throw from the Eifel National Park, it makes an excellent base for hikers and cyclists. While popular in summer, it only becomes truly overrun for its famous Christmas market in winter.
The historic heritage that makes Monschau the main tourist destination in the Eifel today, is largely due to its former fame as a centre for textile production. As early as the 12th century it was one of the primary towns of the region. City rights were obtained in 1352, but the town really flourished in the 18th century, when some 6000 textile workers alone were employed in Monschau. As the textile industry diminished in the 19-hundreds, tourism grew and became the main source of income.
Nowadays, Monschau has about 14.000 permanent residents. However, with over 170.000 hotel night bookings and no less than 2.000.000 day trip visitors per year, it remains the urban centre of the Eifel region.
- Monschau Touristik GmbH, Stadtstraße 16, +49 24728048-0. Daily 10.00-17.00. The towns tourist information office is easy to find and has a selection of good hiking and cycling maps (from €5), simple leaflets with the so-called Roten Faden city walk along the main sights (€0.50) and a simple free town map. The friendly staff speaks English and is also happy to help with bookings or hotels or the wide range or guided tours, and can assist with general information or other questions you might have.
Keep in mind that many of the hotels, shops and restaurants here are small family businesses which may not accept foreign credit cards. Fortunately, there are two ATM's available in the town centre. You'll find them at the bank offices of: Sparkasse, Laufenstraße 42. and Raiffeisenbank, Stadtstraße 1.
Monschau Touristik GmbH, Stadtstraße 16, +49 24728048-0. Daily 10.00-17.00. The towns tourist information office is easy to find and has a selection of good hiking and cycling maps (from €5), simple leaflets with the so-called Roten Faden city walk along the main sights (€0.50) and a simple free town map. The friendly staff speaks English and is also happy to help with bookings or hotels or the wide range or guided tours, and can assist with general information or other questions you might have.
Sparkasse, Laufenstraße 42. and Raiffeisenbank, Stadtstraße 1.
Sparkasse, Laufenstraße 42. and Raiffeisenbank, Stadtstraße 1.
The ancient atmosphere of the town, with its countless traditional houses and cobblestoned streets, and its setting in the lush green surroundings, is Monschau's main attraction. Over 300 buildings are listed as monuments.
- Red House, Laufenstr. 10, +49 24725071. In the heart of town, named after the pronounced colour of its façade, this is one of the most noticeable buildings. This 1756 mansion was owned by Johan Heinrich Scheibler, one of the most prominent cloth producers and traders in town. His famous 18th century fabrics found their way to the courts of the French king and the Turkish sultan. The mansion is now a museum, boasting a full historic interior with all the grand features of the Rococo / Louis XV style that marked the wealth of its former proprietor. Of particular interest is the three story open-newel spiral staircase, decorated with wood carvings depicting all the main steps in the cloth production. Two surviving original cloth sample books showcase the huge collection of cloths designed and produced here. Guided tours start every hour. €2.50.
- Burg Monschau. The old castle overlooking town originates in the 13th century but was attacked and seized by Emperor Charles V in the 16th century. The castle fell into ruins after private owners had the roofs removed in 1836/37, in order to avoid property taxes. At the turn of the 20th century, the province initiated an effort the save the historic building from complete destruction. Since the 1970s, it houses the local youth hostel and serves as the stage for concerts in summer. Unfortunately, as it is in use by the hostel, it's not open for the general public.
- Mustard mill, Laufenstr. 116-124. Mustard remains a typical produce of Monschau, and in the old mustard mill the traditional recipe is still being made. When it was installed in 1882, the mill relied on a waterwheel. Today, it's driven with electricity. The small shop sells a range of different varieties. Guided tours in German are given on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11.00 and 14.00h, with no reservation needed. Groups can make reservations for guided tours. €2.50.
Red House, Laufenstr. 10, +49 24725071. In the heart of town, named after the pronounced colour of its façade, this is one of the most noticeable buildings. This 1756 mansion was owned by Johan Heinrich Scheibler, one of the most prominent cloth producers and traders in town. His famous 18th century fabrics found their way to the courts of the French king and the Turkish sultan. The mansion is now a museum, boasting a full historic interior with all the grand features of the Rococo / Louis XV style that marked the wealth of its former proprietor. Of particular interest is the three story open-newel spiral staircase, decorated with wood carvings depicting all the main steps in the cloth production. Two surviving original cloth sample books showcase the huge collection of cloths designed and produced here. Guided tours start every hour. €2.50.
Burg Monschau. The old castle overlooking town originates in the 13th century but was attacked and seized by Emperor Charles V in the 16th century. The castle fell into ruins after private owners had the roofs removed in 1836/37, in order to avoid property taxes. At the turn of the 20th century, the province initiated an effort the save the historic building from complete destruction. Since the 1970s, it houses the local youth hostel and serves as the stage for concerts in summer. Unfortunately, as it is in use by the hostel, it's not open for the general public.
Mustard mill, Laufenstr. 116-124. Mustard remains a typical produce of Monschau, and in the old mustard mill the traditional recipe is still being made. When it was installed in 1882, the mill relied on a waterwheel. Today, it's driven with electricity. The small shop sells a range of different varieties. Guided tours in German are given on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11.00 and 14.00h, with no reservation needed. Groups can make reservations for guided tours. €2.50.
Situated inside the Eifel National Park, the town makes a great base to explore the rugged Eifel landscapes. Hiking and biking is highly popular, with countless paths available and plenty of marked and unmarked routes to follow. While you should always wear proper hiking shoes and should expect elevation where-ever your go, there are fairly short and easy routes for less experienced outdoor fans. More experienced hikers of cyclist are well able to figure out the itineraries of their choice with one of the excellent maps available from the internet or the tourist office in Monschau. Alternatively, there are medium and long set routes and several marked paths. If you have any interest in the region's nature, diving into the Eifel forests and enjoying some of the pretty views around Monschau village is an absolute must.
- Christmas market. 4 weekends before Christmas, Fr-Su 11.00 - 21.00. The last four weekends before Christmas, Monschau is all about fairy-like lights, the smell of mulled wine and -of course- an abundance of Christmas decorations. The little town takes its Christmas market quite seriously indeed, with live music, plenty of food and dozens of market stands selling sweets, gifts and decorations. Make sure to not plan your departure too early, as the highlight of the event is the atmosphere and countless little lights after sundown. The market roughly covers the area from Richters Eck, via the Market Square on to the Patere Höfje, behind the Aukirche church. Keep in mind that Monschau is a particularly popular destination in this time, so book your accommodation well ahead if you want to stay for the night. Free admission.
- Monschau Klassik. This annual classical music concert brings an every changing programme of national and international musicians in the wonderful courtyard of the old fortress. Make sure to purchase tickets well in advance.
Christmas market. 4 weekends before Christmas, Fr-Su 11.00 - 21.00. The last four weekends before Christmas, Monschau is all about fairy-like lights, the smell of mulled wine and -of course- an abundance of Christmas decorations. The little town takes its Christmas market quite seriously indeed, with live music, plenty of food and dozens of market stands selling sweets, gifts and decorations. Make sure to not plan your departure too early, as the highlight of the event is the atmosphere and countless little lights after sundown. The market roughly covers the area from Richters Eck, via the Market Square on to the Patere Höfje, behind the Aukirche church. Keep in mind that Monschau is a particularly popular destination in this time, so book your accommodation well ahead if you want to stay for the night. Free admission.
Monschau Klassik. This annual classical music concert brings an every changing programme of national and international musicians in the wonderful courtyard of the old fortress. Make sure to purchase tickets well in advance.
The old town has a wide selection of tourist oriented shops, selling a range of souvenirs, books and clothing. Local food specialities include Printen, a spiced cooky, Dütchen, a biscuit like roll often filled with cream and fruits and mustards. A square type of chocolates called Monschauer Venn-Brocken is shaped to resemble the peat blocks that were locally produced in large quantities to fuel the textile industry. All of these can be purchased from many tourist shops, cafés and the several bakeries you'll encounter in the old centre. There's one small supermarket in the lower part of the Laufenstraße, but for other shopping opportunities (including supermarkets Aldi, Lidl and Netto and a small department store) head to the Imgenbroich area. Many of the tourist shops in the old centre are open on Sundays, but that's not the case for all regular stores.
Monschau is packed with restaurants, and while the best places will get busy, you'll not easily go hungry here. Almost all are cheap to mid-range places, with the large majority serving traditional German dishes and simple steaks and chips. Most of the places are located in the old town, in the streets surrounding the market square. Some additional options can be found in the adjoining villages which are part of Monschau municipality.
There's no night life to speak of, but many of the eateries double as cafés and coffee shops, serving also those just looking for a drink. When weather allows, several of the outdoor terraces stay open for evening drinks, but for a pub feel try Zum Haller.
- Zum Haller, Eschbachstr. 4. Popular place along the river. The menu includes a range of pizzas and a good selection of traditional German dishes, which are excellent value. The place has a strong pub-feel, with fun and friendly staff. The 3-course set menu's are cheap, at around 15 euro. No outdoor terrace. Mains from €10.
- Rur-Café, Stehlings 16, +49 2472 2274. Right on the market place, this restaurant offers traditional meat and fish dishes. The couple who runs it is most proud of their mustard sauce dishes, but most of the food gets good reviews. Mains from €15.
- Café Kaulard, Markt 8, +49 2472 2301. One of the best places to sample some of the excellent local sweet pastries and pies, this coffee house also serves savoury breakfast and lunch dishes. It's a cosy establishment with a nice view over the market and a pleasant outdoor terrace. From €3.
- Schokoladen Café, Stadtstraße 35, +49 2478025101. The name says it all; if you're craving chocolate in any way, or something similarly sweet, this is one of the best options around. Nonetheless, they also serve coffee and nice savoury lunches. With patience games on every table, it's a fun place to linger.
- Alte Herlichkeit, Stadtstraße 7, +49 2472 2284. Tu-Su 12.00 - 15.00h and after 17.30.. Old-fashioned German style, and traditional German food. This place has some lovely views over the river. Slightly more upmarket than the other restaurants in town, prices are somewhat higher and dishes a bit more sophisticated, but still well within midrange. Open for lunch and dinner. €25.
Zum Haller, Eschbachstr. 4. Popular place along the river. The menu includes a range of pizzas and a good selection of traditional German dishes, which are excellent value. The place has a strong pub-feel, with fun and friendly staff. The 3-course set menu's are cheap, at around 15 euro. No outdoor terrace. Mains from €10.
Rur-Café, Stehlings 16, +49 2472 2274. Right on the market place, this restaurant offers traditional meat and fish dishes. The couple who runs it is most proud of their mustard sauce dishes, but most of the food gets good reviews. Mains from €15.
Café Kaulard, Markt 8, +49 2472 2301. One of the best places to sample some of the excellent local sweet pastries and pies, this coffee house also serves savoury breakfast and lunch dishes. It's a cosy establishment with a nice view over the market and a pleasant outdoor terrace. From €3.
Schokoladen Café, Stadtstraße 35, +49 2478025101. The name says it all; if you're craving chocolate in any way, or something similarly sweet, this is one of the best options around. Nonetheless, they also serve coffee and nice savoury lunches. With patience games on every table, it's a fun place to linger.
Alte Herlichkeit, Stadtstraße 7, +49 2472 2284. Tu-Su 12.00 - 15.00h and after 17.30.. Old-fashioned German style, and traditional German food. This place has some lovely views over the river. Slightly more upmarket than the other restaurants in town, prices are somewhat higher and dishes a bit more sophisticated, but still well within midrange. Open for lunch and dinner. €25.
Most hotels offer Wifi in the main areas, although quality is not always great. There's good mobile phone coverage and reasonable coverage for mobile internet on most providers.
- Postal service point, Stadtstraße 1 (inside the Nah und Frisch Lebensmittelmarkt. 10.00-13.00h. Note that the postal service inside the small supermarket is open for limited hours, much more limited than the shop itself. It can handle packages too.
Postal service point, Stadtstraße 1 (inside the Nah und Frisch Lebensmittelmarkt. 10.00-13.00h. Note that the postal service inside the small supermarket is open for limited hours, much more limited than the shop itself. It can handle packages too.
Close to the Dutch and Belgian borders, interesting day trips and next stops can be found within and outside of Germany.
The Hellenthal Wildlife Park, an easy 15 minute drive away, makes for an excellent day trip. Overlooking the Oleftalsperre, this park's excellent collection of birds of prey is considered one of the best in Europe. Flight shows are carried out several times a day. Furthermore, there are large compounds with mostly indigenous types of wildlife and some of their international counterparts, including several kinds of deer, wild boars, lynx etc.
Among the other towns of interest in the Eifel are Blankenheim, with the Eifel Museum as well as a Roman villa and Mechernich, where visitors can get an insight in the areas ancient mining industry. Both are a 45 min. drive.
Large destinations worth visiting include Aachen, Cologne, Liège and Maastricht, all within a 90 minute travel distance.