Exploring "Pearl of the Eifel" – Monschau & Hiking in Eifel National Park
Details
Join us this summer to hike in Eifel National Park and discover Monchau and the Holy Roman town of Aachen.
HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?
Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket.
https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/monschau-eifel-national-park-30may2026
SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS
- 10% New User Discount using promo code: MEETUP10
- Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website.
WHY GO?
Fire, water, air and earth. Almost no other region in Germany is dominated by the elements as much as the Eifel uplands. The landscape reflects the geological development of millions of years in fast motion: valleys crossed by rivers, the cones of extinct volcanoes, dry maars which have become moorland, bizarre rock formations and layers of different hill ranges.
The Eifel region was settled by Celts, Romans and Franconians amd the the products of their cultures are still there to be admired: romantic towns such as Monschau also know as the "Pearl of the Eifel", with half-timbered houses dating from the Middle Ages, the fascinating remains of Roman structures and imposing castles such as “Burg Eltz”. The town is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and is a great base for hiking and outdoor activities.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?
- Exploring Monschau "Pearl of the Eifel": Charming and picturesque village with preserved half-timber houses in the Eifel mountains on the Rur River Valley. Monschau exudes with history, architecture & romance.
- Hiking in the Eifel Region: This region was shaped by volcanic activity and although the last volcano erupted about 10,000 years ago, evidence of the Eifel’s turbulent past can be seen in the crater lakes, called maars, that pepper the Vulkaneifel landscape. The region also boasts some of the loveliest fairy tale towns and medieval castles in the country.
- Short Guided tour of Aachen: Aachen is known for its history and culture, as well as its thermal springs and spa. The city was the preferred residence of Charlemagne, and was the place where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned Kings of the Germans. It's also famous for Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built in the 8th century and is considered one of the most important examples of Carolingian architecture.
- Aachen Cathedral: Aachen Cathedral was the very first site to be granted UNESCO World Heritage status in Germany, and with good reason: built in around 790 to 800, the cathedral is of world importance in terms of the history of art and architecture, and is one of the great examples of church architecture. The final resting place of Charlemagne, it was also where German emperors were crowned for 600 years.
- Aachen Thermal Baths (Optional): In Aachen, water and wellness have a long tradition. While in former times, the Romans relaxed in the therapeutic waters of the Aachen mineral springs, today, the Carolus Thermen thermal pools offer the perfect escape from everyday life. Perfect way to finish the day.
TRIP DETAILS
Start & End Date: Saturday, 30 May
Meeting Location & Time:
- Option A: Dusseldorf Hbf at 7:00 am on Saturday morning.
- Option B: Meet outside Aachen Hbf at 8:30 am on Saturday morning.
- Note: Exact meeting location will be provided in the WhatsApp group for this trip.
Finishing Location & Time:
- Option A: Dusseldorf Hbf at 10:00 pm.
- Option B: Aachen Hbf at 8 pm.
Hiking Distance: 15 km – Hiking in the Eifel uplands & exploring Monschau - "Pearl of the Eifel" & Aachen.
Hiking Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate – Hiking at relaxed pace on well-marked paths, moderate/low elevation, no experience required.
What is Included ?
- Community Guide & Leader for the entire trip. Note: English is the main language spoken in the trip.
- All public transportation from the meeting location to the finishing location (Based on the ticket option selected).
- Short guided tour of Aachen city.
- Short guided tour of Monschau "Pearl of the Eifel".
- Guided hike.
- Access to a Google photos album dedicated to this trip, where you can share all your amazing pics & videos.
- Access to a WhatsApp group only for the confirmed participants.
Where is Aachen located?
- One hour by train from: Dusseldorf & Cologne.
- Two hours by train from: Brussels.
- Three hours by train from: Amsterdam.
WHAT IS THE PLAN ?
🕖 7:00 AM – Meet at Düsseldorf Hbf
Meet your guide and fellow participants at Düsseldorf Central Station before departing towards Aachen.
🚆 7:15 AM – Train to Aachen
Enjoy a relaxed morning train journey through western Germany.
🏛️ 8:45 AM – Arrival in Aachen
Meet the rest of the group joining from other locations before continuing together towards Monschau.
🚌 9:15 AM – Bus Journey to Monschau
Scenic ride through the beautiful Eifel region.
🏡 10:20 AM – Arrival in Monschau & Start Hiking
We begin our scenic 14 km hike through picturesque forests, river trails, and rolling hills surrounding Monschau.
🌲 12:30 PM – Forest & Riverside Trails
Follow the beautiful Rur River through peaceful woodland paths and rocky landscapes.
🥪 1:30 PM – Lunch Break with Scenic Views
Relax and enjoy a break surrounded by the beautiful Eifel countryside.
⛰️ 2:15 PM – Hilltop Viewpoints over Monschau
Climb to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Monschau’s famous half-timbered houses and valley landscapes.
🏘️ 4:00 PM – Free Time in Monschau
Explore the charming old town, cafés, bakeries, and the famous “Venice View” of Monschau.
🚌 5:00 PM – Bus Back to Aachen
Return journey through the scenic Eifel countryside.
🏰 6:30 PM – Aachen City Walk
Discover one of Germany’s oldest cities, once home to Emperor Charlemagne and the coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors.
♨️ 8:00 PM – Optional Thermal Bath Visit
Relax and unwind at Aachen’s famous thermal baths or enjoy free time in the city center.
🚆 9:00 PM – Train Back to Düsseldorf
Begin the return journey home after a full day of hiking, history, and beautiful scenery.
🕙 10:00 PM – Arrival at Düsseldorf Hbf
End of the trip.
FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES
Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc.