11 Wonderful Must-do’s in the Eifel Region

Fairytale like castles, mysterious woods and cute little villages, the Eifel region was the biggest surprise I ever encountered. The Eifel region is located in the west of Germany bordering Belgium and Luxemburg in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Surprisingly this area in Germany is often overshadowed by the bigger cities such as Munich and Berlin, but that is a shame because the Eifel region is truly a hidden gem. In this post, I’ll introduce you to 11 wonderful must-dos in the Eifel Region.

11 Wonderful Must-do’s in the Eifel Region

Reach great heights at Geierlay Hängeseilbrücke

Literally, because this suspended bridge hangs 100 metres above the ground, connecting Mörsdorf with Sosberg. Up until 2017, it used to be Germany’s longest suspended bridge with a length of 360 metres. Do you dare to walk to the other side? I myself am afraid of heights, but surprisingly enough didn’t struggle at all. The whole structure feels very safe and sturdy, and the Germans have pretty strict safety regulations. So I wouldn’t worry at all.

Once you have reached the other side it is possible to add a walk to your visit. The Geierlayschleife is a 5km route that takes you underneath the bridge in the gorgeous wood landscape. I definitely recommend going on this walk.

Getting there

You can access the suspension bridge from both sides. There is a visitor centre in Mörsdorf so most people start there. There is paid parking on either side of the bridge but do keep in mind that you’ll need to walk about 1.5km to Geierlay itself.

I’d recommend starting In Mörsdorf, walking across the bridge, then walking back through the Geierlayschleife.

Entrance to the bridge is free but it does get busy, especially in summer. We arrived at 7:30 and there was only one other family (but this was during the Covid epidemic though). Try getting there early if you want the bridge for yourself.

Admire German architecture in Monschau

Monschau is a small town near the National Park Eifel. It is one of the most famous villages in the Eifel region because of its appeal. The village is characterised by charming half-timbered houses a winding river crossing through the town, and a castle that peers down from the hilltop. Like the entire region, it will almost feel like you have entered a fairytale.

Don’t miss out on the following sights:

• Burg Monschau
• Admire the Rotes Haus from the outside and/or visit the museum within.
• Hike up the Panorama Weg for a *surprise* panorama view of the town.
• Watch a glass-blowing demo at the Glashütte.
• Roam the cobbled streets.

About 15 minutes away from Monschau is the National Park Eifel where you can hike or bike around. The town itself is small which is why you’ll only need a couple of hours to explore it.

Explore the less-known Monreal

Monreal looks a lot like Monschau. Half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and that overall German charm. Just like Monschau, Monreal is a small town, but the advantage of this town is that it isn’t that discovered among tourists.

Spend your day walking along the Elzbach River, visit Löwenburg Castle, and from there you’ll see the ruins of Philippsburg Castle which you can visit as well. But the absolute best thing to do in towns like these is simply wander around.

Visit Fairytale castle Burg Eltz

I have yet to see a castle more enchanting than this one. Burg Eltz, also known as Eltz Castle, is perched on a rock surrounded by woodland. The castle started out as a guard post but eventually became a hereditary community. Nowadays the castle is open for visitors. You can enter the castle for €14 p.p. This price includes a guide in either German, English or French.

I recommend getting there early because it can get quite busy, especially during summer. A visit to Burg Eltz can easily be combined with a visit to Geierlay as the two are about a 30-minute drive apart from each other.

There are two ways to get from the parking lot (parking costs €4) to the castle. You can either pay a couple of euros to take a bus to the castle or you can walk from the parking lot. The walk starts in the middle of the parking lot (not at the chapel, this is a rather steep walk). It takes about 5-10 minutes and it’s an easy downhill walk. I’d recommend walking to the castle because nothing compares to the feeling when you turn the corner and suddenly see the castle. This simultaneously is a perfect photo spot.

Visit Picturesque Cochem

Perched between a mountain and the Moselle River is another lovely German town located in the Eifel Region: Cochem. Cochem is known for its half-timbered houses, medieval houses and the castle on the hill. Just like Monreal and Monschau, this town could have been a fairy tale, but the castle and the river are what distinguish it from the other two.

There are plenty of things to do in Cochem and it might even be combined with Geierlay and Burg Eltz. Explore the Reichsburg castle, wander around in the ‘Altstad’ (old town), catch a chairlift to the Pinnerkreuz lookout point, which will provide you with stunning views of the valley and the Moselle, grab some lunch and eat it at the riverside whilst watching boats go by, or dive into the Cold War history at Bundesbank Bunker. There is so much to explore!

Rent a bike for a day

It depends on where you’re staying but I’d absolutely recommend renting bikes! It is so much fun to bicycle from town to town and you truly get to go to hidden places. I stumbled upon these gorgeous churches. So pack some lunch, rent a bike (I’d recommend an e-bike because of the hills unless you’re sporty!), and just bicycle from town to town! Who knows what you might stumble upon!

Race at the Nürburgring

Have you ever dreamt of racing on the Nürburgring? Well you can! Starting from €30 per lap you can experience the Nürburgring in your own car or motorbike. Not so keen on driving yourself? You could also go for a co-pilot ride, a backstage tour or simply watch one of the racing events. Furthermore, there is a large indoor themepark called RING°WERK where you can go karting, enjoy the simulator and other rides, or visit the exhibitions. Entrance is € 11.50 for adults and € 8.90 for children.

Check the Nürburgring Website for more information regarding tickets and events.

Visit a growing waterfall

Yes, you read that right! The Dreimühlen Waterfall is not like any other waterfall, this one grows. It originated from the limestone deposits of three tributaries of the Ahbach, which originate from carbonate springs. When the railway line between Dümpelfeld/Ahr and Jünkerath was built in 1912, the three upper courses were merged and diverted. Since then, the water has flowed over the edge of the site, the carbonate-rich water releasing carbon dioxide at the splash edge, and the remaining calcium carbonate encrusting the colonizing moss. Such carbonate deposits are called carbonate sinter rocks. Since the construction of the (now disused) railway, the waterfall has grown more than 12 meters.

Getting there

You can park in Nohner Mühle. From there it’s about 1.5km to the waterfall. There is a paved and a more adventurous unpaved path leading towards the waterfall. Here you can find a fun walking route.

Keep in mind that it can be a bit muddy if it has rained!

Go on a Safari at Wild & Erlebenispark Daun

Wild & Erlebenispark Daun is a 220 hectares wild park in an area with forest, meadows and streams. You can access the wildpark with your car to see various animals such as llamas, bisons, emus, deer, boars, and more in their natural habitat. The car route is 8 kilometres and there are 6 photo stops along the way where you can get out of the car and feed the animals./

But that is not all, there is also a bird of prey station where you can watch demonstrations daily, there is a monkey ‘gorge’ which you can enter, and finally there is a giant playground with a tobbogan run. So Wild & Erlebenispark Daun is fun for the whole family!

Entrance is €14,00 for adults and €12,50 for children. It is possible to get a family ticket for €50,00 (2 adults & 2 children). The Tobbogan ride is not included in the price.

Go on a hike in National Park Eifel

110 square metres of wild and rugged nature is waiting to be explored by you. National Park Eifel is mostly known for its deep blue lakes, rivers, and mountain passes. You might get lucky and spot a wild cat, black storks or an eagle owl. Every season has something different to offer. In spring you will find fields filled with wild daffodils, in summer the daffodils will make place for other flowers and while herbs, in autumn the forests will turn in all shades of orange and in winter snow will turn it into a winter wonderland.

You can experience the park by foot or by bike. Check AllTrails (not sponsored unfortunately 😉 for some of the best hikes through the area!

For those who truly want to experience the full deal I’d recommend 4 stage Wilderness Trail. 85 kilometres spread over 4 days, will take you from the south to the northernmost point of the National park. Just like the wild cats would. Check this website out for more information.

Visit Rhine Roman Icon Schloss Drachenburg

You’re at the right address in Germany if castles are your thing. In fact, it’s what made me fall in love with this country. Schloss Drachenburg is another majestic castle worth visiting. If you want to visit the castle tucked away in a nature reserve along the Rhine, you can either hike 30 minutes to the entrance or take the historic Drachenfelsbahn directly to the castle gate. Unfortunately, the latter often is crowded, but the walk offers splendid panoramic views of the valley so it’s not that bad.

Once you have explored the outside, it is possible to head inside. The castle was an architectural dream of Steven Sarter. He laid the foundation stone for the residence which was supposed to be a mixture of a villa, mansion and castle. The castle was neo-early gothic on the outside yet neo-renaissance on the inside. However, Steven never got to live there since he lived in Paris and died there. The castle has got a rich history; it has been a summer resort, a Christian Boys’ Boarding School, it was bombarded during the second world war, and was restored to the monument it is nowadays.

Entrance to the castle is €8 for adults and €6 for children or you can get a family ticket for €16. It is also possible to book a guided tour. You can do this at the official website.

These were my 11 must do’s in the Eifel Region. I hope you enjoy your trip to Eifel. It is a stunning region that deserves all the recognition. Let me know in the comment section if you’re planning on visiting the Eifel or if you have already been to these fairytale places.

Love,

Sharon