Eifel National Park Attractions: Our Top 11 Highlights

Attractions in Eifel National Park on the Map

To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked our 11 highlights in Eifel National Park on a map.

Rursee

What do you need to know? The Rursee is a massive reservoir right in the heart of Eifel National Park, surrounded by hills, forests, and hiking trails. It’s the one attraction in Eifel National Park you simply can’t miss!

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The lake isn’t just stunning to look at — it also offers tons of activities. You can hike, bike, stand-up paddle, and take a boat out on the water.

Our tip: From late March through early September, you can take boat tours on the Rursee. They last one or two hours and are a really cool experience.

Town of Monschau

What do you need to know? Monschau is a small historic town near the Belgian border and one of the most popular day-trip destinations in the Eifel. The standout features here are the half-timbered houses and Monschau Castle.

Is it worth it? Totally! Little houses lining the river, a castle, and narrow cobblestone lanes — a stroll through Monschau genuinely feels like stepping back in time. And the regional food here is seriously delicious, which tastes even better with a backdrop like this.

Victor-Neels-Brücke

What do you need to know? The Victor-Neels-Brücke is a 20-meter-high suspension bridge spanning the Urftsee. It was built specifically for cyclists and hikers to connect the two banks — super practical.

Is it worth it? Walking or cycling across is a genuinely cool experience. At 20 meters, it’s not intimidatingly high, so even if you’re not totally comfortable with heights, it’s still worth a try.

Our tip: The Victor-Neels-Brücke is part of the Urft Bike Trail and serves as the perfect link between the Urftseerandweg and the former Nazi Order Castle Vogelsang — another top highlight in Eifel National Park. On a nice day, we really recommend doing a bike ride along this route.

Hirschley Eifel-Blick

What do you need to know? The Hirschley Eifel-Blick is a 512-meter-high peak and one of the most beautiful vantage points in Eifel National Park. From up here, you get a sweeping panorama over the Rursee and the steep slopes of the northern shore.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Not only do you get the best view of the Rursee from here, but you’re also standing at an unrivaled photo spot in the park. The mountains, valleys, and forests are simply stunning.

Schilsbachtal am Rursee

What do you need to know? The Schilsbachtal is a nature reserve on the Rursee. Small tributaries of the Rur wind through here, and you’ll find hillside forests and charming little mountain huts.

Is it worth it? The Schilsbachtal is a wonderful spot for a leisurely stroll. You can soak up the — watch out, pun intended! — Rur-al scenery, admire the cute huts along the forest edge, and simply unwind.

Freilichtmuseum Kommern

What do you need to know? The Freilichtmuseum Kommern is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. Here, 78 fully furnished historic buildings from the Prussian Rhine Province are waiting to be explored. You can buy tickets online in advance.

Is it worth it? History really comes to life here — you can watch it unfold in real time. See horseshoes being fitted, laundry being washed, bread being baked, and weaving in action. Super authentic and genuinely exciting for the whole family.

Mariawald Abbey

What do you need to know? Mariawald Abbey is a former Trappist monastery perched above the Rursee town of Heimbach. You can walk the grounds during opening hours or register online for a guided monastery tour.

Is it worth it? It’s not just the history that makes this place so compelling. The setting, right in the middle of unspoiled nature, is a highlight in itself. A visit lets you learn a lot about monastic life, take in the Eifel scenery, and enjoy something delicious at the monastery restaurant.

Our tip: If you’re up for a hike, we really recommend the Stations of the Cross trail to Mariawald Abbey. The pilgrimage route climbs gently, winds through forests, passes a small stream, and keeps things interesting with its wayside shrines.

Hike Through the Schlehbachtal

What do you need to know? The hike through the Schlehbachtal is a moderately difficult trail of about 12 kilometers, passing over green meadows with grazing cows and along the Schlehbach stream.

Is it worth it? We don’t want to sound like fitness gurus, but this hike is genuinely good for body and soul. The route is very manageable and takes about three hours — and with surroundings this idyllic, the time just flies by.

St. Eduard Chapel

What do you need to know? The St. Eduard Chapel is a small forest chapel from 1898 in the Hellenthal Forest — about an hour’s walk from Hellenthal. It’s also known as the Arenberg Forest Chapel and is a listed historic monument.

Is it worth it? Deep in the forest, the little chapel feels both peaceful and a little eerie at the same time. Either way, it’s truly beautiful and a wonderful spot to pause — whether for a break during a hike or to light a candle inside.

Wildpark Schmidt

What do you need to know? Wildpark Schmidt is a nature park with native wildlife, tame domestic and farm animals, and a wide variety of plant life. Among the animals living here are donkeys, deer, and birds of prey. Tickets can be purchased on-site.

Is it worth it? Wildpark Schmidt is probably the best thing to do in Eifel National Park if you’re traveling with kids. They can pet donkeys, feed wild animals, cuddle with rabbits, and marvel at large birds of prey. Super exciting — and honestly, us adults have a great time here too.

Vogelsang IP Memorial

What do you need to know? Vogelsang is a former Nazi Order Castle of the NSDAP. Today the site is a memorial with an exhibition and daily guided tours. To book tickets for the guided tours, contact info@vogelsang-ip.de by email. Tickets for the exhibitions can be purchased on-site.

Is it worth it? Vogelsang is a fascinating destination if you’re interested in history and want to experience a striking piece of living history right in the middle of Eifel National Park Germany. The 90-minute guided tours shed real light on the site’s past and are incredibly interesting. Plus, the vista from up here is spectacular!