Just Across Belgium's Border Is A Picturesque German Resort Town With An Artistic Aura And Cobbled Streets

Dreaming of a romantic weekend getaway to include in your Central European itinerary? You might want to check out Monschau, a charming German resort town of around 12,300 inhabitants, tucked away in the verdant Eifel region in North Rhine-Westphalia. Think about Fachwerkhäuser (traditional timber-framed buildings), the calming murmur of the Rur River, cobbled streets, and a medieval historic center that seems straight out of a storybook. Plus, the town offers easy access to over 240 kilometers of scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests, river valleys, and the rolling hills of the Eifel National Park.

The "Pearl of the Eifel," as it's often referred to, is located near the Belgian and German borders, an area that was historically disputed between the Kingdom of Prussia (later part of Germany) and the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (later Belgium). Interestingly, until 1918, the city was known by the French title Montjoie, which was Germanized to Monschau following the end of World War I and the resulting anti-French sentiment – a striking example of the complex historical and cultural tapestry that has shaped the town's unique architectural heritage and identity over the last three centuries.

Monschau's strategic position also offers an irresistible opportunity to discover the charm of three countries in one trip. The cities of Liège in Belgium and Maastricht in the Netherlands are both about 70 kilometers away, respectively, while Cologne — considered by locals one of the best Destinations you can't skip on a trip to Germany — is just around 110 kilometers to the east. Just across the Belgian border is also Durbuy, one of the world's smallest cities and an underrated medieval gem that's perfect for a family-friendly visit. Not surprisingly, the town welcomes over 2 million day visitors annually.

Getting lost in the narrow, cobbled streets of Monschau is a wonderful way to soak in its fairytale-like atmosphere. Yet, exploring the layered history behind its main attractions reveals the town's true character. The journey begins at the city's oldest structure: Burg Monschau (Monschau Castle), a 13th-century hilltop fortress that commands sweeping views over the half-timbered rooftops and the lush Eifel park forests beyond. Once a stronghold guarding the Rur valley, the castle today serves as a Jugendherberge (youth hostel) and cultural venue. 

The picturesque half-timbered houses that line the streets of the city center date back to the 18th century, when Monschau was a thriving textile hub, supporting a workforce of around 6,000. The prominent Red House, once the residence of prosperous cloth merchant Johan Heinrich Scheibler is now a must-see museum, featuring majestic Rococo and Louis XV interiors, along with original fabric samples. 

A visit to the historic Senfmühle (mustard mill), operating since the late 19th century, gives a taste of one of the region's most iconic and beloved mustard products, the Monschauer Dütchen, as well as guided tours and tastings. What's more, the Glashütte Monschau offers a glimpse into the art of glass-blowing, while the Kunst- und Kulturzentrum features the work of leading figures in contemporary photography, including Henri Cartier-Bresson and Vivian Maier.

While Monschau is a year-round destination — thanks in part to its official designation as "Luftkurorte" (in English, "Health Resort"), which recognizes the town's clean air and climate as supportive of health and well-being — it is in winter that it truly shines. The town transforms into a magical festive wonderland, featuring some of the most beautiful Winter Markets in the country, along with the Dresden Weihnachtsmärkte, Europe's oldest continuously-operating Christmas Market that enchants both locals and visitors.

Spring (approximately from the end of March to the beginning of June) and fall (from the end of September to the end of November) offer ideal weather conditions for exploring the town's outdoors, especially the 110 square kilometers of Eifel National Park. These include notable routes such as the Wilderness Trail — a four-day, 85-kilometer hike starting in southern Monschau-Höfen and ending in Hürtgenwald-Zerkall further north — and the more demanding Eifelsteig — a 15-day trek that winds past some of the most stunning natural and cultural landmarks in the Aachen district.  

Due to its low levels of light pollution, the park is also recognized by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) as an International Dark Sky Park — the first of its kind in Germany — offering visitors the chance to end their day beneath the dazzling Milky Way. The "Stars Without Borders" astronomy workshop at the Vogelsang IP (International Place) observatory hosts guided tours and walks through the wonders of the night sky (available in both English and German).