Hands down one of my favorite towns in Germany now is Monschau. Nestled in the Eifel region among the mountains, Monschau is truly a hidden germ. This almost 830-years old quaint German village is well-known due to its picturesque half-timbered houses and a medieval hilltop castle.
And visiting Monschau is sustainable – I have not seen a single big chain supermarket or shop, so basically whatever you spend supports the town.
This guide will give a few more good reasons to visit Monschau, share the best sustainable things to do and see, and maybe inspire you for your trip to this medieval charming town!
Why Visit Monschau
Founded in 1195, Monschau is a small town with a big history. Here are a few reasons why you might want to make it a part of your sustainable vacation:
- Ancient crafts: Monschau’s glass-blowing tradition dates back to the Roman era. You can also blow glass yourself at a workshop.
- Beautiful scenery: Monschau is a resort town and a favorite retreat for the Germans and tourists alike.
- Medieveal architecture: Centuries-old half-timbered houses and a medieval castle make Monschau a must-visit place if you travel to western Germany.
Getting There
Monschau is a great day trip from Aachen, Cologne or Düsseldorf. It will take about 1h, 2h or 3h respectively.
- From Aachen: Take a direct bus SB66 from Aachen’s Bahnhof Rothe Erde to the Monschau Parkhaus.
- From Cologne: Travel by train from Cologne Central Station to Aachen, then switch to the Monschau bus.
- From Düsseldorf: Head to Aachen and switch to Monschau bus.
Google Maps are pretty accurate when it comes to local transport. Alternatively, you can download the Rheinbahn app – it shows the platform to take your train from.
Best Things to Do
Castle Burg Monschau
Explore the 13th-century castle ruins for free. By the way, those who want to stay overnight might do it just there, in a youth hostel located in the castle.
Glashütte
Learn about the history of glass-blowing with live workshops where you can try your hand at creating glass art for a small fee. The Glashütte, which stands for Glassworks in German, is located just 5-7 minutes walk from the city center.
Handwerkermarkt
Explore sand sculptures, gifts, and handmade items at the local market.
The Red House
Visit this pink rococo mansion from 1752, built by Johann Heinrich Scheibler, a famous cloth maker back in the days. It is also one of the first sights you see when walking from the bus station to the city center.
In Red House, you can discover the history of Monschau’s textile industry and admire the beautiful views from the mansion windows.
Panorama Weg Hike
Right beside the Red House is the start of the Panorama Weg Hike. You can take a hike around the hills encircling Monschau for excellent views of the city. Some tourists share on TripAdvisor, the views from the hike are better than from the castle.
Anyway, both hilltops are located not far from each so you can compare views yourself.
Cobblestone Streets
Wander through the town’s charming cobblestone streets, filled with cute little corners.
Historic Churches
While this is not a must-see, you may take a look while you are there as the entrance is free.
Try local dishes
Savor a mixture of German and Belgian dishes, including mustard soup, goulash, Belgian meatballs, and Belgian beer.
Mustard Mill
Visit a family-owned mustard mill for a taste of local tradition.
Eifel National Park
Looking for outdoor activities? Monschau also offers hiking routes with beautiful views over the old town.
Tourist Train
Take the tourist train up to the castle for an easy and scenic ride. This is a great idea for family holidays or senior tourists as the train will take you up to the castle and you do not have to walk.
Sustainable Hotels in Monschau
While many visitors opt for a half-day or day trip, you can also stay overnight in one of a dozen of hotels, each providing a cozy and sustainable stay.
Final Thoughts
Monschau is one of those postcard-like destinations that you most likely hear about when researching Germany. And it is well worth a visit. Plan at least half a day to explore the town and longer if you want to go on a hike.
My Green Trips 
Leave a comment