Exploring "Pearl of the Eifel" – Monschau & Hiking in Eifel National Park

WHY GO?

Fire, water, air and earth. Almost no other region in Germany is dominated by the elements as much as the Eifel uplands. The landscape reflects the geological development of millions of years in fast motion: valleys crossed by rivers, the cones of extinct volcanoes, dry maars which have become moorland, bizarre rock formations and layers of different hill ranges.

The Eifel region was settled by Celts, Romans and Franconians amd the the products of their cultures are still there to be admired: romantic towns such as Monschau also know as the "Pearl of the Eifel", with half-timbered houses dating from the Middle Ages, the fascinating remains of Roman structures and imposing castles such as “Burg Eltz”. The town is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and is a great base for hiking and outdoor activities.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

• Exploring Monschau "Pearl of the Eifel": Charming and picturesque village with preserved half-timber houses in the Eifel mountains on the Rur River Valley. Monschau exudes with history, architecture,& romance.
• Hiking in the Eifel Region: This region was shaped by volcanic activity and although the last volcano erupted about 10,000 years ago, evidence of the Eifel’s turbulent past can be seen in the crater lakes, called maars, that pepper the Vulkaneifel landscape. The region also boasts some of the loveliest fairy tale towns and medieval castles in the country.

• Short Guided tour of Aachen: Aachen is known for its history and culture, as well as its thermal springs and spa. The city was the preferred residence of Charlemagne, and was the place where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned Kings of the Germans. It's also famous for Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built in the 8th century and is considered one of the most important examples of Carolingian architecture.
• Aachen Cathedral : Aachen Cathedral was the very first site to be granted UNESCO World Heritage status in Germany, and with good reason: built in around 790 to 800, the cathedral is of world importance in terms of the history of art and architecture, and is one of the great examples of church architecture. The final resting place of Charlemagne, it was also where German emperors were crowned for 600 years.
• Aachen Thermal Baths (Optional): In Aachen, water and wellness have a long tradition. While in former times, the Romans relaxed in the therapeutic waters of the Aachen mineral springs, today, the Carolus Thermen thermal pools offer the perfect escape from everyday life. Perfect way to finish the day.

Aerial view of Eifel

TRIP DETAILS

Start & End Date: Saturday, 28 Sep

Meeting location & time:

• Option A: Dusseldorf Hbf at 7:00 AM on Saturday morning.
• Option B: Meet outside Aachen Hbf at 8:30 AM on Saturday morning.
• Note: Exact meeting location will be provided in the whatsapp group for this trip.

Finishing location & time:

• Option A: Dusseldorf Hbf at 9:45 PM.
• Option B: Aachen Hbf at 8pm

Price: Starting from 15 euros

Hiking Distance: 15 km – Hiking in the Eifel uplands & exploring Monschau - "Pearl of the Eifel" & Aachen.

Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate – hiking at relaxed pace on well-marked paths, moderate/low elevation, no experience required.

What is included ?

• Community Guide & leader for the entire trip (Speaking English, Ukranian, Russian & German). Note: English is the main language spoken in the trip.

• All public transportation from the meeting location to the finishing location (Based on the ticket option selected).
• Short guided tour of Aachen city.
• Shiort guided tour of Monschau "Pearl of the Eifel".
• Guided hike
• Access to a google photos album dedicated to this trip, where you can share all your amazing pics & videos.
• Access to a whatsapp group only for confirmed participants.

Where is Aachen located?

• One hour by train from: Dusseldorf & Cologne
• Two hours by train from: Brussels
• Three hours by train from: Amsterdam

"Pearl of the Eifel' - Monschau

WHAT IS THE PLAN ?

For those joning us from Dusseldorf, we meet in Dusseldorf train station, where you will meet your guide and then we head to Aachen where you meet other participants joining from other places.

Once in Aachen, we catch a bus to Monschau that gets us there at 10:20am. There we would start our 14 km hike. Going along the river Rur, we would go through picturesque forest, over stony paths. Monschau is fantastic from a bird's eye view, and we would enjoy it, hiking up to the hills.

On our return to Monschau around 16:00, we would have some time to enjoy this beautiful village and it’s famous "Venice view". At 17:00 the Bus would take us back to Aachen (arrive at 6:30pm), where we would go on a 4 km city tour. Aachen is one of the oldest cities of Germany, royal residence of the emperor Charlemagne (Karl der Große), coronation site of 30 Holy Roman emperors and of German kings – definitely worth visiting.

Post the walking tour, we can go to Thermal Baths (optional) to end the day in a relaxed manner and then head back home from Aachen.

Fun Facts:

• Aachen Cathedral was the very first site to be granted UNESCO World Heritage status in Germany.
• In the Eifel region you have about 200 dormant volcanoes and even a few active ones!
• Eifel National Park is designated as Germany’s first dark sky park. The air in the Eifel national park is so clear and unclouded that you can observe the stars very well.

WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?

To go through our amazing reviews by participants, please click on the links below:

• Google Reviews
• Facebook reviews

Check out some reviews left by our participants:

WHAT IS NEXT ?

• WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
• Trip Briefing: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to a detailed trip briefing document providing details on what to expect, how to prepare etc.
• Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?

• WHATSAPP (fastest): Reach out to us directly by clicking here.
• EMAIL: Reach out to us on info@urbanturetravel.com or by clicking on "Contact the event organizer" option below.
• FACEBOOK: Message our facebook page @urbanaturetravel
• INSTAGRAM: Message our Instagram page @urbanaturetravel

W HO IS THE COMMUNITY GUIDE FOR THIS TRIP?

Hi! I'm Julia, an avid day hiker and long distance backpacker.

Walking and hiking is my passion. I have enjoyed a lot of active holidays over the years.

So get ready to get inspired to go outside and enjoy next outdoor adventure together.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

• Free cancellation up to 2 full days before the start of the trip. After that, cancel up to 12 before the trip to get a 50% refund.
• If the event is cancelled on our end, you will get a full refund.
• Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
• Urbanature Travel (UNT) needs a minimum of 5 participants for this trip to take place, else we may cancel this trip.
• UNT reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
• UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.