Eifel (North Rhine-Westphalia)

The part of the Eifel that lies in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Cities and towns




Understand
The Eifel is a low mountain range bordered by the Rhine to the east and the Mosel to the south. The scenery includes some interesting formations caused by volcanic activity such as circular hills formed from vents and circular lakes in old craters.

Seasons
Traveling through the Eifel is possible all year long.
 * The peak season is from Easter until fall.
 * In winter one can go skiing in some small ski resorts.
 * There is a famous Christmas market in Monschau, but going there by car might be problematic (not enough parking slots) so one should take the bus from Aachen for example.

Talk
No shocker, people in this region speak German. Nevertheless, most people can speak English to varying degrees; older people might barely know how to say a few words, whereas the majority of the younger generations can hold a basic conversation.

Thanks to its geographic location, you might come across people that can speak some French, Dutch, or both.

Get in
By train or you might take buses leaving from bigger cities (e.g., Aachen) or leaving from the train stations.

Get around
Best by buses, local trains, or cab.

See

 * The charming and historic town of Monschau is a popular and great destination in summer, and possibly even a better one in winter. Famous for its fairy-tale like looks with narrow streets and traditional houses, as well as for it's Christmas market.
 * For hiking, mountainbiking and regular bike trips it's nice to go to the nature resort Eifel National Park in the north.

Do
Many marked hiking routes, circular and long distance through the area.


 * Eifelsteig − 313 km walk from Kornelimünster near Aachen to Trier.
 * Römerkanal-Wanderweg (Roman canal hiking trail) - 100 km walk that follows the route of the Roman Eifel Aqueduct from Nettersheim to Cologne.

Cycling. Many signposted bike routes through the region.

Stay safe
This area of Germany is usually safe. As a city that sits on a tri-point border, Aachen might have a few issues.

Go next

 * Moselle valley
 * Middle Rhine Valley