The Top 7 Things to See and Do in Eifel National Park, Germany

The amazingly diverse landscape of Eifel National Park spells paradise for hikers. Many hiking trails of varying difficulty and length meander through this park, each promising unique views. En route, you can expect imposing hills, valleys and gorges, waterfalls and bubbling streams, crystal lakes and moors, vast meadows and extinct volcanoes, picture-postcard towns, fairy-tale castles and historic squares.

Germany’s Volcano Route, stretching from the River Rhine to the Eifel Mountains, between the cities of Bonn and Trier, is an immensely popular themed route. This 174 miles (280 kilometers) long road connects as many as 39 stations of geological, natural and cultural significance. A drive or hike along this route opens your eyes to natural wonders at every turn – crater lakes, extinct volcanoes, quarries, domes, rubble hills, waterfalls, geysers and more.

From the river, you can experience a completely different perspective of the magnificent Eifel National Park. Rur Lake Shipping Company operate noiseless electric boats that take visitors on leisurely short cruises, from April to October. You can choose to cruise the Obersee Reservoir, from Einruhr to Rurberg and further on to the Urftsee dam; or, you can enjoy the pristine landscape between the landing stage in Heimbach-Schwammenauel and Rurberg.

Monschau has remained pretty much unchanged for the last 300 years. It draws tourists with its unbelievably charming historic old town, cobbled alleys, ancient fortifications, adorable half-timbered houses and general air of chill. The museum Rotes Haus and the 13th century Monschau Castle are the most famous sights in Monschau. And don’t leave town before sampling Monschaus’s famous mustard!

Bad Münstereifel is a historic spa town almost entirely contained within beautifully maintained 13th century fortifications. A perfect weekend in this town consists of walking along the city walls, exploring its many beautiful buildings and shopping at the historic City Outlet. Technology buffs must not miss the Radioteleskop Effelsberg, the second largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world.

Come winter, and the Eifel National Park is usually covered in a blanket of snow, beckoning winter sports enthusiasts to flock to the area. The region offers excellent opportunities for cross-county skiing and tobogganing.

The surreal sight of Burg Eltz, perched on a 70 meters (230 feet) high rock in the midst of dense forests, never fails to drop jaws. The castle offers guided tours, in the course of which, you can explore its grand interiors, original furniture, weaponry and more. There are great restaurants and souvenir shops in the castle compound.

Burg Eltz, Burg-Eltz-Strasse 1, Wierschem, Germany, +49 267 295 0500