We’ve seen so many wonderful pictures on Instagram of Monschau, one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in Germany. This summer, during our vacation in the Eifel, we finally managed to take a day trip and visit the city on the Rur. The medieval town center with its around 300 listed houses, winding alleyways and many stores offers an incredible number of great photo spots ❤
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Interesting facts about the town of Monschau
Monschau is a picturesque town in the Eifel region of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is located near the Belgian border and is known for its well-preserved old town with narrow, winding streets and half-timbered houses dating back to the Middle Ages. 17. and 18th century. Monschau is considered one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in Germany and attracts many tourists every year who enjoy the historic atmosphere and idyllic location in the Rur valley.
The town has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Monschau was an important center of the textile industry in the 19th century, especially for the production of linen fabrics. Many old factory buildings and mills along the Rur still bear witness to this industrial past. The Red House, a former factory building, now houses a museum that documents the history of the town and its textile tradition.
In addition to the historic architecture, Monschau also offers a varied natural backdrop with numerous hiking trails and nature reserves in the surrounding area. The nearby Eifel National Park is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Monschau is also known for various cultural events, including the Monschau Festival, which organizes classical concerts in historic buildings.
The town of Monschau on the Rur in the Eifel
Where is Monschau located?
Monschau is located in the Eifel region of North Rhine-Westphalia, right on the border with Belgium. The city is located around 110 kilometers west of Cologne, around 35 kilometers southwest of Aachen and around 30 kilometers northeast of Liège in Belgium. The region is an ideal starting point for exploring both the German Eifel and the nearby Belgian regions.
Would you like to stay overnight directly in Monschau? Here you can find the 10 most beautiful hotels & apartments in the city at Booking.com
A map of the old town
We found the following map with all the sights on the official website of the town of Monschau. This map can be downloaded here free of charge.
Map with sights in the old town of Monschau
Parking in Monschau
Around 800 parking spaces are available around the historic old town. The largest and best known are the Seidenfabrik parking garage (90 parking spaces), the Burgau parking lot (320 parking spaces), the Aukloster parking lot (90 parking spaces) and the parking lot at the mustard mill. Parking generally costs between EUR 1.50 and EUR 2.50 per hour, but there are also discounted day tickets.
Our tip: We parked our car completely free of charge in one of the parking lots along the main road 258 (Burgring) just above the city (location in Google Maps). From here it is only a few meters on foot to the old town.
The most beautiful photo spots & sights
Even though Monschau is not particularly large, the old town offers countless wonderful photo opportunities. There are few special sights – the entire old town is a sight in itself 🙂
The river Rur in the old town
The Rur flows picturesquely through the old town of Monschau and characterizes the idyllic townscape with its calm course. However, due to the narrow valley and town location, the town is susceptible to flooding. This was particularly dramatic during the devastating flood disaster in July 2021, when heavy rainfall in the Eifel region led to extreme water levels rising. Monschau was also affected: The Rur burst its banks, flooding streets and buildings and causing extensive damage to the historic old town. Since then, extensive flood prevention and protection measures have been taken to better protect the residents and the city’s unique buildings from future flood events.
View from the Evangelical Bridge
The view of the Rur and the half-timbered houses from the Evangelical Bridge is one of the two top Instagram and photo spots in Monschau!
A great photo spot in Monschau
The Evangelical Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge that crosses the Rur and is a striking landmark of the city. It connects the old town with the western part of the city and is known for its solid construction and picturesque location in the heart of the half-timbered town. The bridge originally dates back to the 18th century and has been renovated several times while retaining its historic charm. Due to its central location, it is a popular spot for walkers and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding half-timbered houses and the riverbank.
View from the Alte Rurbrücke
The view from the Alte Rurbrücke is the other top Instagram and photo spot in the city – what a great backdrop!
View from the Alte Rurbrücke
The Old Rur Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the city and an important historical structure. It spans the Rur in the old town and connects important parts of Monschau. The bridge impresses with its robust stone construction and blends harmoniously into the medieval townscape with its half-timbered houses. Originally built in the Middle Ages, it has been repaired several times over the centuries and is now a popular photo spot for visitors. The Old Rur Bridge offers a particularly beautiful view of the picturesque old town and the river, which meanders idyllically through the Monschau valley.
Monschau Castle
Monschau Castle is an imposing medieval fortress perched on a steep rock above the old town. It was built in the 13th century and originally served as a protective and administrative seat for the rulers of the region. From the castle, there was a strategically important view over the Rur valley and the neighboring areas, which made it an important defensive structure. The ruins still dominate the townscape today and are a popular destination for visitors.
Monschau Castle
Over the centuries, the castle was extended and rebuilt several times, but in the 18th century it lost its military significance and gradually fell into disrepair. Today, parts of the original walls, the keep and a few other building remains have been preserved, giving visitors an impression of the former size and function of the complex. The ruins are easily accessible and offer not only historical insights, but also a wonderful panoramic view over Monschau and the surrounding Eifel landscape. Monschau Castle is also a venue for cultural events such as concerts, theater performances and historical tours.
Have you always wanted to spend the night in a real castle?
Today, the castle is home to a youth hostel with great family apartments 🙂
Marketplace
The market square is the central point of the historic old town. Surrounded by lovingly restored half-timbered houses from the 17. and Built in the 18th century, the square exudes a charming atmosphere that retains the flair of times gone by. The market square regularly hosts weekly markets, festivals and cultural events.
In the center of the market square is the old fountain, which is considered a historical landmark and gives the square additional charm. Numerous cafés, restaurants and small stores around the square invite you to linger and stroll. Especially during the Christmas season, the market square in Monschau is transformed into an atmospheric Christmas market that is known far beyond the region and attracts many visitors.
The Red House
The Red House in Monschau is an impressive baroque town house from the 18th century, which once belonged to the wealthy cloth manufacturer Johann Heinrich Scheibler. It owes its name to the striking red sandstone façade, which stands out clearly from the surrounding half-timbered houses. Inside, lavishly decorated wooden staircases, magnificent stucco ceilings and original living rooms bear witness to the upscale lifestyle of the owners at the time. Today, the Red House is home to a museum that not only displays the domestic culture of the time, but also vividly documents the history of the cloth industry in Monschau.
The Red House in Monschau
More impressions of the old town
The narrow streets of the old town invite you to stroll and discover. They are lined with picturesque half-timbered houses, which are painted in different colors and are typical of the Eifel region. These historic houses give an authentic impression of life in the past and offer many photo opportunities. Many of the half-timbered houses have been lovingly restored and are now home to cozy cafés, small boutiques and craft stores.
We were in the city at around 11 am on a Saturday morning and it took us around 4 hours to walk around.
Is a visit to the town of Monschau worthwhile?
In October 2024, the historic half-timbered town was officially named “Germany’s Most Beautiful Small Town” – an award that recognizes its unique combination of picturesque old town, rich history and idyllic location in the Eifel region. Another title followed shortly afterwards: “Trend Destination 2025”.
The town impresses with its beautiful, well-preserved half-timbered architecture, winding alleyways and historic flair, which is rarely found elsewhere. Monschau is a real highlight, especially for lovers of history, culture and nature – not only can you explore the medieval old town here, but also experience numerous museums, the castle and the idyllic Eifel countryside.