Eifel: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

Families can find a wealth of exciting excursion destinations in the Eifel. The low mountain range, stretching across Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, impresses with historic castles and churches, picturesque half-timbered villages, interesting museums, and thousands of years old water-filled volcanic craters – the maars. An adventure for young and old are the thrilling excursions in the national park.

Table of contents

Eifel - The most beautiful cities
Eifel - 4 most beautiful natural sights
Eifel - Climate

Eifel - The most beautiful cities

Schleiden

Lace up your hiking boots and start from Schleiden for day trips into the mountainous landscape of the Eifel. The town is located in the heart of the Eifel National Park with hiking trails for every level of athletic ambition. Among other things, the over 300 km long Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail is suitable for a day stage. With the Rur Dam, an attractive local recreation destination is in close proximity to Schleiden. From extended walks to a refreshing summer dip in the cool water, enjoy a relaxing day at the dam against the backdrop of the Eifel. Among the most famous excursion destinations is also the imposing NS-Ordensburg Vogelsang with an informative NS Documentation Center.

Nürburg

The historical landmark of the region is the ruin of Nürburg, which was built as early as the mid-12th century. Many parts of it are preserved to this day. You can visit several areas during a visit. From here, you enjoy a wide panoramic view and can even see parts of the legendary Nordschleife. The Nürburgring has been the venue for numerous car and motorcycle races for almost a century, including even Formula 1 from 1951 to 2020. Numerous hiking trails lead around Nürburg. In the winter months, you even have the opportunity for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and sledding.

Monschau

In the far west of North Rhine-Westphalia, the small town of Monschau nestles against the wooded banks in the narrow valley of the Rur. One of the most significant sights by the rushing river is the Red House of the cloth maker Johann Heinrich Scheibler. In its richly furnished rooms, you gain interesting insights into the bourgeois residential culture of the 18th century. During a stroll, you experience the lively hustle and bustle in Monschau's old town amidst slate, half-timbered, and rubble stone masonry. Discover exciting exhibition venues such as the municipal art and culture center, visit the Historical Mustard Mill, or enjoy pure bathing fun at the family-friendly Vennbad. Outside the town, an impressive hedge and moorland landscape awaits.

Wierschem

Romantic castles line the banks of the Moselle. With Eltz Castle, one of the most famous hill castles from medieval times is located near Wierschem. A hike through the hilly forest landscape up to the castle rewards you with a fantastic panoramic view of the holiday landscape. Be sure to visit the castle interior as part of a guided tour. A boat trip along the Moselle is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the surroundings. On the sunny slopes of the banks, the grapes for Moselle wines like the white Pinot Gris grow. In the local wine taverns in your holiday region, you can taste the Moselle wines in a typical manner.

Cochem

The Reichsburg Cochem rises high above the picturesque town. It dates back to the Middle Ages and houses a museum. Various events take place here, including the castle festival and culinary events. From Cochem, you can reach the Pinnerkreuz and the Klotten Wildlife and Leisure Park by chairlift. In Cochem, visit the Winneburg castle ruins. A tour of the town is also worthwhile: stroll along the Moselle promenade and through the old town with its quaint half-timbered houses. Complete your visit with a wine tasting. You can either visit a winemaker or attend one of the regularly held wine festivals.

Bad Münstereifel

The beautiful landscape of the Northern Eifel, plenty of fresh air, and a rich wellness and Kneipp offering make Bad Münstereifel an attractive place for relaxation. The town is idyllically situated on both sides of the Erft and captivates with a picturesque old town, enclosed by an impressive, largely preserved city wall from the early 13th century. On a tour along the History Trail, you will pass photo-worthy sights such as the Collegiate Church, the Heisterbach Gate, and the castle. Families with children can enjoy a fun time at the Doll and Toy Museum as well as the Eifelbad with various swimming pools and a 122-meter-long water slide. A trip to the Effelsberg Radio Telescope is also worthwhile.

Heimbach

Discover Heimbach and the surrounding area on long hiking trips. Above the town, the Mariawald Abbey stands as an architecturally noteworthy stopover. The Hengebach Castle from medieval times also attracts visitors as a landmark of the city, offering a pleasant climb over Heimbach, rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the Eifel landscape. The Rur Dam, a popular local recreation destination, is located in the immediate vicinity of Heimbach. A picnic on the shore or a bike tour along the Rur River Cycle Path offers enjoyment for the whole family. Adventurous visitors can explore the Heimbach Jungle Trail. Lined with shady trees with a jungle flair, it leads along narrow wooden bridges over the reservoir shore.

Bernkastel-Kues

In Bernkastel-Kues, everything revolves around wine. Away from the picturesque town center with its quaint half-timbered houses, predominantly Riesling grape varieties grow on the sun-drenched steep slopes. You can taste the wine made from these grapes in one of the many wineries or at one of the wine festivals in Bernkastel-Kues. But the town also impresses with its location: Breathe in the fresh air on a hike along the Moselsteig and take an extended walk along the Mosel riverbank. A magnificent view opens up to you from the 12-meter-high observation tower on the Grainskop mountain.

Eifel - 4 most beautiful natural sights

Birresborn Ice Caves

The Birresborn Ice Caves are a unique natural wonder in the Eifel region of Germany. These fascinating caves, formed by the mining of basalt, are known for their impressive ice formations that develop during the cold winter months. Even in the warmest summer months, the ice in these caves remains, creating a breathtaking contrast to the surrounding landscape. A visit to the Birresborn Ice Caves offers an unforgettable experience that will captivate both adventurers and nature lovers. Discover the hidden treasures of the Eifel and be enchanted by the majestic beauty of the Birresborn Ice Caves.

Germany - Eifel Hohes Venn Nature Reserve

High Fens Nature Reserve

Discover the High Fens nature reserve, a true gem in the Eifel. This breathtaking reserve spans 4,501 hectares and is a paradise for nature lovers. With its unique flora and fauna, including rare animal species and a variety of plants, the High Fens offers an unparalleled experience. The picturesque hiking trails lead you through moorlands, forests, and along rivers, transporting you to another world. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and tranquility of this place and experience nature in its purest form. Visit the High Fens and be fascinated by its untouched beauty.

Laacher Lake

The Laacher See, a jewel in the Eifel, is a place of breathtaking beauty. This volcanic lake, the largest of its kind in Germany, immediately captures attention with its deep blue color and the surrounding green landscape. The rich wildlife and plant life arouse visitors' interest and create a strong desire to explore nature. The picturesque hiking trails around the lake invite you to walk and relax. The Laacher See is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a place that brings the fascination of Earth's history to life. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of this place and act now - plan your visit to the Laacher See.

Eifel National Park

Discover the breathtaking Eifel National Park, a true gem in Germany. This natural paradise spans 110 square kilometers and offers an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Hike through dense forests, past bubbling streams and picturesque lakes. Observe rare animal species in their natural habitat and be enchanted by the beauty of the wild nature. The Eifel National Park is not only a place of relaxation but also a place of learning and discovery. Experience the fascination of nature up close and be inspired by the untouched beauty of this place. Visit the Eifel National Park and experience an unforgettable nature adventure.

Eifel - Climate

The climate in the Eifel is influenced by the Atlantic, with winds from the west/southwest and a lot of precipitation throughout the year. The summers are cool, the winters not so cold, but often temporarily snowy. Relatively dry and mild with average temperatures of 14 °C in July is the climate in the rain shadow of the High Eifel. In winter, the snow in the high altitudes lasts a bit longer, which pleases winter sports enthusiasts. On average, the temperature in January is -2 °C, in the Voreifel 2 °C. On hot summer days, the Eifel, with its approximately 5 °C cooler temperatures, is wonderfully suited for a pleasant summer retreat in a holiday home with a healthy bioclimate.

The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.