The Eifel is a popular holiday region that lies largely in Germany. It occupies the eastern part of the Eifel-Ardennes plateau. We know the western part as the Ardennes. Inside the Eiffel different chains can be distinguished, such as the High Eifel, the North Eifel and the Volcano Eifel, which is known for the different crater lakes. The great thing about the Eifel is the variety of activities and sights. The hilly landscape is not only a fantastic area for walking, cycling or other sports activities. It has also created a number of picturesque towns. The Eifel is known for the picturesque villages that often originated here centuries ago. A reasonable part of the prettiest villages in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Pats is located in the Eifel region.
According to Barblejewelry, the River Rhine flows through the eastern side of the Eifel. In the south, the Moselle meanders through the beautiful landscape of the Eifel. The grapes from which the famous Moselle wines are made are grown on the banks of the Moselle. A river cruise is an ideal way to discover the beautiful places along the Rhine and Moselle. Places such as Cochem, Zell and Alken are often visited.
Top 10 sights of the Eifel
#1. monschau
When you talk about picturesque villages in the Eifel, idyllic Monschau is the best example. This town has been known for its beauty for centuries. This is mainly due to its great location in the Roer Valley. The height differences provide a great dynamic within the street plan. This makes a walk through Monschau a kind of discovery journey through beautiful village views. The large number of half-timbered houses that you still see in Monschau is striking. These ensure that Monschau is the absolute must-visit within the Eifel in our opinion.
#2. Trier
In the south of the Eifel is the oldest city in Germany: Trier. This kreis-free city was once founded by the Romans. It was the Roman Emperor Augustus who lived here in 16 BC. gave the order. Today, there are still several sights in Trier that recall the Roman era. The Porta Nigra is the most famous example of this. This ‘Black Gate’ was built at the end of the second century as a city gate. Other buildings from that time that can still be admired in Trier today are the Roman amphitheater and the Roman bridge over the Moselle. Trier Cathedral is a famous landmark from later times. This Dom St. Peter is considered one of the most beautiful historic church buildings in Germany.
#3. Satzvey. Castle
Satzvey Castle is a beautiful example of a Rhenish moated castle. The castle was built in the twelfth century and has undergone two major reconstructions and renovations: in 1396 and in 1882. The medieval building has been family property for centuries. It is, however, open to the public. The current owners ensure that there is often something to do within Satzvey Castle by organizing knightly games, folklore fairs and other events. Guided tours are also regularly organized where you can admire the castle from the inside and the outside. These tours last approximately 45 minutes. The exact days, times and prices can be found on their website.
#4. Eifel National Park
The Eifel is bursting with beautiful nature. The rolling landscapes in combination with the many lakes and rivers form an excellent basis for a lush flora and fauna. Part of the Eifel has been turned into a national park: Eifel National Park. This nature reserve covers an area of more than 10,000 hectares. A large part of the park consists of beech forest. The protected status is intended to preserve this large contiguous forest area. It is the habitat of wild animals such as the lynx, the wildcat, the eagle owl and the red deer. Not all parts of the Eifel National Park are open to the public. In total there are 240 kilometers of signposted hiking trails within the national park. Furthermore, more than 100 kilometers of groomed cycle paths have been laid out, so that you can also discover the Eifel by bike.
#5. Cochem
The fifth place in the top 10 sights of the Eifel is reserved for Cochem., located on the Moselle. This is undoubtedly the most touristic place within the Eifel region. The best time to visit Cochem is therefore earlier in the morning or at the end of the day, as soon as the tourists are less prominent. Cochem is the main port for cruises on the Moselle and a stopping point for river cruises on the Moselle. The town has several fascinating sights, of which the Reichsburg of Cochem is the literal and figurative highlight. This approximately thousand-year-old castle is the oldest building in Cochem. Other highlights of Cochem are the historic market square, the old mustard mill and the Peterskapelle. You will also see many half-timbered houses in the streets in Cochem.
#6. Dreimühlen waterfall
The differences in height and the available water ensure that several waterfalls have arisen within the Eifel. The Dreimühlen waterfall is the best known and most interesting waterfall in the Eifel. Other names including this waterfall are Nohner waterfall or Drömmeler Spröetz called. The Dreimühlen waterfall was created in 1912 after the sources of the Ahrbach had to be diverted in favor of the construction of a railway line. The Dreimühlen waterfall is free to visit all year round. From the parking lot it is about a 1500 meter walk to the waterfall. The walk itself is worth it. If you visit the Dreimühlen waterfall in winter during a cooler period, there is a chance that the waterfall is frozen.
#7. Nurburgring
The Nürburgring is a race track near the town of Nürburg. The original Grand Prix circuit measured about 28 kilometers and was known for the many accidents that happened. Five Formula 1 drivers died here between 1951 and 1976. The northern part of the old circuit has been preserved. This Nürburgring Nordschleife is now mainly used for test drives of, among other things, new car models. In addition to the old circuit, a new and much shorter circuit has been constructed, which is now used for various car and motorsport competitions. The reason to put the Nürburgring in the top 10 sights of the Eifel is the fact that you can drive around the circuit with your own car. Don’t want to do that with your own car? There are several companies that rent out special race cars that allow you to drive laps around the Nürburgring.
For car spotters, the Nürburgring and the immediate vicinity are an ideal place to spot the coolest sports cars. This place has a huge attraction for owners of so-called supercars. The N-258, built along the Nürburgring and the adjacent parking lots, are ideal places to see fast and special cars in real life. With a bit of luck you’ll spot a cool scoop here when you capture a new car model that has yet to be introduced.
#8. Ordensburg Vogelsang
Several remains of the Second World War can be seen within Germany. One quickly thinks of concentration camps, where the most horrific things have taken place. The existence of these camps is known to many people. Less well-known are the SS training camps, where so-called ‘Junkers’ were trained to join the growing Nazi elite who had to help Hitler to found the Third Reich. Ordensburg Vogelsang, located in the Eifel, is such a training camp. It was built between 1934 and 1936 to a design by the German architect Clemens Klotz. Today Ordensburg Vogelsang is open to the public.
#9. Wallende Born
The Eifel region has a volcanic origin. This can be seen in various ways. For example, several lakes are located in so-called calderas: craters formed by volcanic activity. In some places the volcanic is still actively going and visible. The Wallende Born is perhaps the best expression of contemporary volcanism in the Eifel. It is a cold water geyser that sprays about every 35 minutes. During an eruption, which lasts about five minutes, a water column is created that can reach a height of about three to four meters. Then the water runs back to the source.
#10. Monreal
Picturesque Monreal rounds out the list of the best sights in the Eifel. Monreal is one of the prettiest villages within the Vulkaneifel. This is the part of the Eifel where you will find several craters and lakes. Monreal was founded in the Middle Ages by the Count of Virneburg. Monreal is best known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses. The beautiful location on the Elzbach and the presence of two medieval castles (the Löwenburg and the Philippsburg) complete the picture.
