The Eifel
A paradise for wandering and a vacation destination for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts: the Eifel. Discover one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Germany, spanning 5,300 km² across Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. Numerous rivers flow through this cross-border low mountain range, which is topographically divided into high plateaus and the characteristic Eifel maars typical of the volcanic Eifel. Do you know what surprises and attractions await you in the vacation region between Aachen and Trier, and what events attract visitors throughout the year? The Travelcircus experts have traveled through the Eifel and compiled highlights from the low mountain range. There are indeed quite a few. With such a variety of activities and excursion destinations, choosing the perfect vacation spot in the Eifel is not easy. We will show you where those seeking relaxation and adventure travelers can find enjoyment in the Eifel.
Key Facts
The low mountain range extends from Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia to Belgium and Luxembourg:
- The area of more than 5,300 km² is divided into North and South Eifel.
- Four nature parks, scenic routes, and the characteristic volcanic landscapes attract numerous visitors to the Eifel each year.
- The Eifel National Park records 870,000 visitors each year, making the region one of the most popular in Germany after the Bavarian Forest.
- The highest mountain in the low mountain range is the Hohe Acht at 746.9 meters, with many peaks also reaching over 600 meters.
- The largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Rhineland-Palatinate is the Laacher See, with an area of about 3.3 km² and over 50 meters in depth.
Attractions and Popular Travel Destinations
In western Germany lies one of the most versatile mountain ranges and one of the most beautiful vacation regions. The landscape of the Eifel is characterized by mountains, valleys, and charming towns. In the Eifel National Park in the north of the region, hiking paths and wilderness trails attract visitors, while the south bears traces of volcanism. From leisure and sports activities to relaxing wine holidays, both relaxation seekers and adventure travelers can find everything necessary for a varied vacation in the Eifel. Here are some of the experiences you can have:
- Nature experience: The region offers four different nature parks, lakes, river valleys, mountains, and volcanic craters.
- Hiking vacation: Themed trails, sports trails, and the 313-km Eifelsteig lead active travelers and nature lovers through the Eifel.
- Relaxation offerings: The serene towns in the Eifel provide the perfect backdrop for relaxing wellness vacations.
- Biodiversity: In the Eifel, particularly at Kasselburg, numerous birds of prey and the largest wolf pack in Western Europe can be found.
- For young and old: At Wildpark Daun, visitors can marvel at a rich variety of species and plants across 220 hectares. Famous for its large wild populations, you will discover a unique blend of mountains, valleys, and streams. More information about offerings for both small and large visitors can be found here: http://wildpark-daun.de
- Koblenz Cable Car: Glide over the Rhine in the cable car while enjoying the view. The Koblenz cable car operates daily from 09:30 to 19:00, transporting visitors from one bank of the river to the other. For more information about the cable car in Koblenz, click here: www.seilbahn-koblenz.de
- Volcano Park: Extinct volcanoes, abandoned mines, and a bubbling geyser - with its six experience museums, 17 cultural and landscape monuments, as well as hiking and biking trails, the Volcano Park offers a fascinating insight into the volcanic history of the Eifel and the extraction of volcanic rocks for 7,000 years. Information about the Volcano Park in the Eifel can be found here: www.vulkanpark.com
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: Discover Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, perched on the rocky spur above the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine. Visitors can enjoy not only the views of the fortress and the beautifully landscaped park but also a wide range of cultural and educational offerings for young and old. Find out more here about historic offerings.
Top Excursion Destinations in the Eifel
Further information about the vacation idyll of Trier can be found at www.trier-info.de.
- the oldest bishop's church in Germany: the Trier Cathedral
- the Gothic Church of Our Lady
- the Roman amphitheater, the Imperial Baths, the Barbarathermen, and the Porta Nigra, which, like the two churches, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1986
- the location in the Moselle valley
- the numerous vineyards and natural backdrops
- the Trier Cathedral of St. Peter, the oldest bishop's church in Germany
- Art Nouveau houses
- the Karl Marx House
More Information about Monschau
For more information about the vacation area of Trier, see www.trier-info.de.
- The Red House, which served as the ancestral seat of the Scheibler family
- The Art and Culture Center of Monschau, hosting changing art exhibitions
- The mustard mill built in 1882
- Monschau Castle, a popular venue for the 'Monschau Festival' in the summer
- The annual Monschau marathon, where runners must overcome an altitude difference of 760 meters
- The historic town center with its half-timbered buildings and small cafés
- The many bike paths that lead through here
Attractions in Aachen
For more information about this popular vacation region, visit www.monschau.de.
- The Aachen Cathedral, the city's landmark and the first German UNESCO World Heritage site
- The treasury with one of the most significant church treasures in Europe
- The Aachen Town Hall, built in the 14th century, with its magnificent coronation hall
- The historic city center around the cathedral and town hall
- Exciting museums such as the well-known Ludwig Forum Aachen or the new Centre Charlemagne - New City Museum Aachen
- The vibrant student district of the university city with over 50,000 students
- The impressive view from Lousberg, where the first landscape park in Europe was created
- The Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen
- The Three Country Corner, where Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany meet, offering dining and recreational opportunities
Excursions in Heimbach
For more information about Aachen, visit www.aachen.de.
- The scenic diversity of the National Park in the northern Eifel
- Numerous hiking and biking trails, such as the Eifel Ridge Route
- The Pilgrimage Church of Heimbach
- Hengebach Castle
- Mariawald Abbey, the only Trappist monastery in Germany
- The annual 'Tensions' concerts held at the Art Nouveau Hydropower Station
- Some bathing opportunities for young and old
Exploring Koblenz
Koblenz, the third-largest city in Rhineland-Palatinate, welcomes you with numerous cultural landmarks and views of the Moselle and Rhine.
- One of the oldest cities in Germany
- The gateway to the cultural landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley
- The Niederberg Castle
- A variety of museums and cultural institutions, including the DB Museum
- The Electoral Palace
- The romantic Stolzenfels Castle
- The extensive range of alternative music and concerts
- The peninsula known as 'German Corner', where the Moselle River meets the Rhine
- The birthplace of Austrian Chancellor Prince Clemens von Metternich
Events
- Eifel Literary Festival: The Eifel is not without reason a backdrop for numerous novels and thrillers. The literary scene hosts one of the country's largest literature festivals each year.
- Castle Festivities Mayen: The cultural highlight in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate - in early June, a 60-member ensemble provides entertainment in Mayen.
- Nostalgia at its best: On every Sunday and holiday, the historic Oleftalbahn runs through the Eifel National Park.
- Themed hiking tours: Hike along volcanic craters, mineral springs, or the Eifel trail, and learn about the history of the vacation region from knowledgeable guides.
- City festivals: Festivals and parades take place year-round in nearly every town and city in the region.
- Classics at the Volcano: This concert series, held between June and July, provides excitement.
- Rock am Ring: One of Germany's most famous festivals and a contrast to classical events, Rock am Ring takes place in Mendig in the volcanic Eifel.
- Exploration tours: In the juniper protection area in the Eifel, you can learn about its origins and enjoy the natural spectacle.
Map
(Almost) all roads lead to the Eifel. The Eifel can be reached from Cologne, Koblenz, Frankfurt, or Aachen in just a few minutes.
The journey from Munich to the Bavarian Forest:
The journey from Cologne or Aachen is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car on the A1, and it takes nearly 1.5 hours from Aachen.
The journey from Frankfurt: Traveling from Frankfurt via the A3 and Koblenz takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes; from Koblenz, you drive along the A48 for about 1 hour.