Popular destination Eifel: tips & highlights for a holiday or weekend getaway!

The German Eifel region is an excellent choice for a holiday or a weekend getaway close to the border! A remarkable world of mid-height mountains, volcanic lakes, spa towns, and picture-book villages awaits you. One of the most popular destinations in the Eifel and a highly attractive spot for a holiday cottage is the fairytale-like town of Monschau, which reveals its most beautiful side all year round! From here, you can explore the omnipresent nature via family-friendly hiking trails with scenic views over reservoirs or follow the Wildnis Trail—a diverse and challenging hike through the wilderness of the Eifel. Curious about the sights and special features you can expect in the Eifel? Scroll through the article below for more information.

Eifel National Park

Those staying in the Eifel can look forward to a nature reserve spanning more than 100 square kilometres, perfect for hiking and recreational activities like paddleboarding on the reservoirs or canoeing down the rivers. So close to the border, you might not expect such a wealth of protected wildlife in the park, including wildcats, kingfishers, and black storks. Wild forest cats are quite shy, but you might have a better chance of spotting beavers in the Hürtgenwald. Walk from the village of Hürtgen along mossy paths and a brook-like landscape where beavers may appear.

An absolute must in spring is the Daffodil Route. During this time, the Perlenbach and Fuhrtbach valleys transform into a vibrant carpet of wild daffodils. At about 14 km long, this route is ideal for families with young children!

Swaying at high altitude on the Geierlay Suspension Bridge

A fun and exciting attraction amid the Eifel's nature is the Geierlay Suspension Bridge. At nearly 400 metres long, it’s one of Germany’s longest suspension bridges. Between the villages of Sosberg and Mörsdorf, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over a gently rolling canopy of treetops. In autumn, the bridge is a popular crossing point to admire the vibrant fall colours, and in winter the bridge is beautifully lit! Combine the crossing with a hike from Mörsdorf, which leads through forest and agricultural landscapes to the bridge.

Popular destination Eifel: Monschau

A picturesque place to start your Eifel holiday is the town of Monschau. This centuries-old town with its typical half-timbered houses is a prominent attraction in the Eifel, surrounded by many guesthouses, hotels, B&Bs, and holiday cottages. Located not far from the South Limburg border, it’s a great destination for a long day trip from the Netherlands! During an autumn weekend getaway, enjoy a colourful storybook setting framed by vividly hued forests. A fun attraction is the town train that takes you up to a hilltop castle. Although the castle itself isn’t open for tours, the view over fairytale-like Monschau is well worth it!

Follow the Wildnis Trail

Many people book a holiday home near Monschau because it serves as an excellent base for the Wildnis Trail. This hiking route consists of four stages, guiding you past idyllic mountain streams, fragrant meadows, and panoramic viewpoints. Don’t want to hike the entire wilderness trail but still want to tackle some elevation? Choose the first and most challenging stage up to Simmerath Einruhr. This climb rewards you with a stunning view over the Obersee.

Are you heading to the Eifel mainly to enjoy nature without demanding hikes? Then book a holiday cottage near Heimbach. From here, the fourth and least challenging route leads you toward Hürtenwald Zerkall. Over a distance of about 17 kilometres, you'll pass gnarled oaks and walk through a richly varied forest. You can also combine it with a canoe trip to Zerkall along the Rur River.

Cochem along the Moselle

When thinking of a popular destination in the Eifel, most people immediately mention Cochem as one of the region’s most touristy cities—and for good reason. The town lies beautifully along the Moselle and is best known for its robust castle, an iconic symbol of the city. Cochem is also the main departure point for river cruises on the Moselle, which winds its way between the Eifel and the Hunsrück.

Book a holiday home in spa town Bad Bertrich

The Eifel is surprisingly close to the Dutch border, making it a favourite area for day-trippers. Ideally, though, you should rent a holiday home to truly discover everything this region has to offer! For example, book a cottage in one of the many Eifel spa towns and enjoy the naturally warm and healing waters from a mountain spring at Bad Bertrich. This charming Eifel town lies in the Volcanic Eifel near the Moselle, attracting both hikers and wine lovers alike. In this area, you can hike along so-called Maaren—lakes formed in volcanic craters—and within short driving distance of this forest-rich spa town, you’ll find vineyards on the steep banks of the Moselle. Here, you can taste not only established Rieslings but also discover red Moselle wines.

Rent a cottage in the Eifel

Picturesque villages, a vast hiking network through rolling forests, and a unique landscape with volcanic lakes make the Eifel one of the most beautiful holiday regions near the border. Monschau and Cochem are perfect spots to settle into a holiday home, with Monschau especially known as the ideal starting point for the award-winning Wildnis Trail. Want to experience all the stages of this Trail during your hiking adventure? Then book consecutive stays in Monschau, Simmerath-Einruhr, Schleiden-Gemünd, Heimbach, and finally Hürtgenwald-Zerkall. Prefer a more romantic Eifel experience from the water? Rent a holiday cottage in Cochem as your base for a dreamy Moselle cruise!