This comprehensive guide shares the very best things to do in Monschau, Germany, plus helpful travel tips so you can soak up all this beautiful village has to offer.
Monschau is one of Germany’s most beautiful small towns. In the heart of the village is an eye-catching hilltop castle that overlooks the medieval city center. And you’re sure to be wowed by the centuries-old half-timber frame homes that lean over the passing river
Not to mention, Monschau is famous for its vibrant glass-blowing tradition that dates back to the Romans! Monschau is also a popular vacation destination and resort town for local Germans, thanks to its idyllic location in the Eifel region.
If you’re planning a trip to Monschau, here are some of the best things to do while there.
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Where is Monschau?
Monschau is along the western border of central Germany. It’s very close to the Belgian border, and you can feel Belgian influences while you’re there (especially in the food and beer options!).
Monschau is about an hour south of Aachen and about 1.5 hours east of Cologne, making it easy to visit from two of Germany’s big cities.
Is Monschau worth visiting?
Monschau is worth visiting for those that appreciate small towns and wish to see a classic German destination. This charming village dates back to 1195 and oozes Germanic heritage and charm.
If you’re curious about how much time you need in Monschau, you don’t need long. As a small town, you only need a day or two, making it a perfect day trip or weekend destination.
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How to Get to Monschau
The best way to reach Monschau is via car. It’s the most direct way, especially if you’re coming from somewhere other than Aachen or Cologne. Monschau does have national buses that drop off there, making it possible to visit via public transportation.
Getting to Monschau from Aachen: Direct bus from Aachen’s Bahnhof Rothe Erde to the Monschau Parkhaus.
Getting to Monschau from Cologne: Train from Cologne Central Station to Aachen, and change to the Monschau bus.
I recommend checking out the DB Navigator app to route the best way to get to Monschau via public transportation from where you’re based.
Read More: 19 Best Things to Do in Aachen, Germany
Best Places to Stay in Monschau
If you decide to spend more time soaking up the beauty of this small town, here are some of the best hotels in Monschau.
- Manoir -1654 is a beautiful, half-timber frame hotel/guesthouse with larger suites in the heart of Monschau’s downtown area.
- Burghotel is a quaint place to stay in Monschau’s Altstadt, housed in a historic German building.
- Historic Cloth Maker House is a gorgeous vacation rental nestled along the river with original elements paired with a modern interior and a fireplace.
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12 Best Things to Do in Monschau, Germany
Since this fairytale town is so tiny, if you have some hustle, you can check off all the best things to do in Monschau!
1. Visit Burg Monschau.
Dating back to the 13th century, Burg Monschau is an iconic landmark in Monschau that’s free to enter. It sits atop a hill overlooking the surrounding area and offers an excellent place to take photos. Visitors can enter and walk around the castle grounds for free to marvel at the ruins and portions that have been preserved.
There’s even now a youth hostel in the castle’s west wing where young travelers can enjoy a unique place to stay.
2. See the glass-blowing demo at the Glashütte Monschau.
At Glashütte Monschau, you can experience a taste of Monschau’s glass-blowing history. Here, the techniques that originated from the Romans are kept alive.
On one end of the store is a demonstration area where a glass-blowing artist creates a work of art in front of an audience for free. Throughout the day, it’s possible to pay a few euros to try glass blowing, which is particularly great for kiddos!
Once you’ve seen the demo, be sure to wander the store and admire the beautiful works of glass for sale if you’re looking for a meaningful souvenir from Germany.
3. Tour the beautiful Red House, a historic mansion.
The Red House is a gorgeous pink mansion filled with prime examples of rococo design from the 1760s. Throughout the home, guests can peep into preserved rooms where historic furniture and fixtures tell a story from a bygone era.
The Red House was built as the residence for Monschau’s prominent cloth maker, an industry that once put the town on the map. What I found particularly interesting was the small area that displayed various cloth-making exhibits showcasing historic dye and pattern books.
4. Hike the Panorama Weg for a bird’s eye view.
Those up for stretching their legs shouldn’t miss the opportunity to hike the Panorama Weg that goes up and around the hills encircling Monschau. The route is about 1.5 miles, but you can half the trail that loops through downtown if you wish to complete only some of it.
However, I recommended at least climbing the portion of the trail opposite the castle. This part rocks an excellent view of the city that includes the iconic hilltop castle, which is a better view than from the Burg Monschau.
5. Wander the town’s picturesque cobblestone streets.
Many may not find just wandering around a worthwhile thing to do, but Monscahu has so many cute little corners that I recommend it! And although small, tucked around unsuspecting streets are many unique buildings and incredible views, especially once you get out of the main downtown area.
6. Pop into Monschau’s small cathedral and churches.
This is another thing to do in Monschau that may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy touring historic churches, you may as well pop in and take a look! The churches in Monschau are actually pretty small. Still, they’re historic, free to enter, and another to do for those interested. At the very least, the exteriors of these buildings are great to take pictures of for avid photographers.
7. Shop for souvenirs at the Handwerkermarkt and check out the Sand Sculptures in the back.
In the same building as the glass store, you’ll find a cool indoor market and a display of impressive sand sculptures. The market has various stands selling gifts and handmade items. The interior is pretty cute and made to look like a little German village. In the back, you can pay an entry fee of €6 to see detailed sand sculptures.
8. Tour the taxidermy museum.
If you’re into nature, taxidermy, or quirky museums, you should check out the Erlebnismuseum Lernort Natur. This nature museum features over 1,000 animals on display. It provides a lesson into Germany’s hunting history and unique facts about the different species.
9. Visit during the holidays and go to the Monschau Christmas markets.
Sometimes the best Christmas markets in Germany are the small ones, and Monschau’s market is definitely up there as a great pick for little and cozy options. Unlike bigger markets that are open nearly every day of the week, Monschau’s is only open on weekends.
The Monschau Christmas Market is typically open from the end of November until right before Christmas. But you can check out current opening dates and times on the market’s official website, which change every year.
10. Try Monschau delicacies.
Monschau is unique because it’s a German town nestled along the Belgian border. Which means the local food is a nice mix of German and Belgian culinary influences.
Here are some dishes to consider trying in Monschau:
- Mustard soup
- Goulash
- Belgian meatballs
- Belgian beers: Kasteel Rouge
- German classics like Schnitzel and potatoes
Best Restaurants in Monschau
When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, consider these highly-rated restaurants in Monschau:
- Zum Heller: A really cozy family-owned restaurant right on the river.
- Restaurant Rur-Café: A traditional German restaurant in a historic building that’s so popular you almost certainly need reservations.
- Mon-bistro: A bistro serving traditional German dishes in the heart of the city.
- VAT 60: A lively pub with very friendly owners, a good selection of whiskeys and beers, and highly-rated food.
- Cafe Weekend: A touristy but cute little cafe with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Red House and the city center serving local Monschau delicacies.
11. Sample local condiments at a historic Mustard Mill.
Mustard is big in Monschau, and the historic Senfmühle Monschau is a great stop to get a taste of a local tradition (get it?). This family-owned mill has been around for over a hundred years, and was once powered by a water wheel.
While you’re there, you can tour the facilities, sample unique mustard flavors, and take home a nifty little souvenir crock or other tasty snacks!
12. Enjoy some fresh air at the Eifel National Park.
Eifel National Park is a newer expanse of protected land made up of sprawling forests and wilderness. Visitors can hike around the river, rent e-bikes, and visit the cafe, all while enjoying some fresh air and time well spent in nature. The park is just 15 minutes away and is a perfect way to fill a weekend in Monschau or any visit longer than a day.
13. Stand in three countries at once at the Three Country Point.
The Three Country Point is where Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands meet at a single point, making it possible to be in three countries at once. But that’s not all that’s there! Around the area is a sprawling park with playgrounds, two observation towers, a hedge maze, and more.
It’s an excellent place for families to spend the day, but it can also be easily seen in an hour or two. Technically, the Three Country Point isn’t in Monschau. It’s about a 50-minute drive north, just outside of Aachen, but it’s worth the effort to see such a unique local attraction.
Monschau Travel Tips
If you’re new to Germany or looking for helpful tips, here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Monschau!
- A tourist train takes visitors from one end of the village to another, and up to the castle on a 30-minute tour for those with mobility needs or small kiddos. €7.50 per adult, or €18 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children).
- Many things are closed on Sundays.
- Make reservations for the town’s popular restaurants if interested because they fill up quickly. Plus, the city is small, so reservations are extra important to ensure you can nab a table.
- Many establishments are mom-and-pop shops, which means many close over holidays and during summer break.
- If driving and visiting on the weekend, try to arrive early (by 10am) to get parking. It fills up fast.
- If coming from a different region or a first-time visitor, Monschau is an excellent destination to pair with a visit to Aachen. Aachen is a bigger German city home to an impressive cathedral and is the home of Roman ruler Charlemagne.