Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH/D. Ketz
Wanderreise 20: Eifelsteig in kurzen Etappen Aachen - Einruhr
✔Distance hike ✔Short stages ✔5 days ✔approx. 57 km ✔Aachen-Kornelimünster to Einruhr
Hiking on the Eifelsteig in shortened stages from Aachen-Kornelimünster to Einruhr
How can you enjoy hiking around 56 kilometers in four days? On the Eifelsteig, of course! The 313-kilometre trail leads from the imperial city of Aachen to the Moselle metropolis of Trier, always along the most beautiful parts of the Eifel. And one of the most enchanting sections entices you right at the start, from Aachen to Einruhr on Lake Rursee. The four stages, each eleven to 17 kilometers long, are pure pleasure hikes!
Kornelimünster welcomes you with its historic charm... a quaint market, small alleyways, the Kunsthaus NRW art museum, which is well worth seeing. Plenty of hospitality sets the mood for the hike to Roetgen. From here, on the edge of the High Fens, the Eifelsteig trail leads you on to the Monschau district of Mützenich. Kaiser Karl's bedstead - as the bizarre quartzite rocks in the middle of the dense fen vegetation are called in the local dialect - is part of a legend whose fairytale magic is told there. Monschau itself is known for its beautiful half-timbered architecture and idyllic location amidst wooded hills. With its traditional houses, narrow alleyways and cozy cafés, themedieval town of Monschauis worth a visit for anyone looking for a picturesque and relaxing atmosphere.
You can reach the forests and gorges of the northern Eifel from the tiny village of Widdau. Your destination is Einruhr am Rursee... here you can let your legs dangle in the water and your soul relax.
Or, because you like it here so much, you can book an extra overnight stay to give yourself over completely to the water sports and recreational opportunities of the Rursee. Perhaps you already felt like extending your vacation before the hike? The old town walk through Aachen with its wonderful cathedral and winding alleyways, which can also be booked, is of course also a perfect introduction to exploring the Eifelsteiger!
All of this is completely relaxed for you, as luggage transfer and packed lunches are included. Just start hiking and enjoy!
Impressions
Travel itinerary
Total route: Kornelimünster - Einruhr
- approx. 57 km in total
Day 1: Arrival
- Overnight stay in Aachen
Copyright: vennbahn.eu Historische Altstadt Aachen
Open todayAachen's historic old town invites visitors to take a stroll. Let yourself be guided through narrow alleys and across historic squares through Aachen's almost 2000-year-old history.
Day 2: Aachen-Kornelimünster - Roetgen (approx. 15 km)
- Transfer to the start of the hike
- Hike on the Eifelsteig stage 1 | approx. 15 km
Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, D. Ketz Historischer Ortskern Kornelimünster
Open todayKornelimünster with its churches worth seeing and old town houses, the former monastery and today's museum offers an excellent ambience for strolling. Important art treasures, the "Historical Fair" in June, the Korneli Octave in September and the Christmas market are reasons to visit the pilgrimage site. The pubs in the romantic alleyways attract walkers and stopovers. Kornelimünster is the starting point of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail, which runs 313 km in 15 stages through the Eifel to Trier.
Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH / D. Ketz Dreilägerbachtalsperre
RoetgenOpen todayThe Dreilägerbach dam, which was built between 1909 and 1911, is located between Roetgen and Rott. An undisturbed hike around the drinking water reservoir is particularly attractive in the southern area. You will find hiking boards and signposted circular hiking trails in the surrounding hiking car parks.
Day 3: Roetgen - Monschau-Mützenich (approx. 14 km)
- Hike on the Eifelsteig stage 2 to Mützenich (approx. 14 km)
Copyright: Eifel-Tourismus GmbH, AR, shapefruit AG Kaiser Karls Bettstatt
MonschauOpen todayAccording to the legend, Emperor Charles the Great had become lost in the High Fens during a hunting excursion near his residence in Aachen and was forced to spend the night on this large quartzite rock. The rock, near the town of Mützenich, situated immediately on the German-Belgian border, is still quite commonly referred to as: Kaiser Karl’s Bettstatt.
Copyright: J.C. Munoz - artenatural Sternenpark Eifel National Park - Magical night sky
SchleidenOpen todayWith its star-filled night sky, Eifel National Park is qualified as a Dark Sky Park. This large protected area obtained the significant recognition of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). The Eifel National Park region is one of the few locations in Germany where it is possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Copyright: vennbahn.eu The High Fens
Open at all timesOne of the last Highland moors in Europe. One particulary special nature experience are the hiking trails over wooden walkways.
Day 4: Monschau-Mützenich - Widdau (approx. 16 km)
- Hike on the Eifelsteig stage 3 to Widdau/Grünenthal | approx. 16 km
- Transfer to the hotel
Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, AR-shapefruit AG Eifel-Blick - "Steling" in Monschau-Mützenich
MonschauOpen todayAt 658 meters above sea level, the Steling is the highest elevation in the Aachen region. The excellent visibility was the reason why there was even a fire watch tower on the Steling. The view extends in an easterly direction over the Eifel National Park.
Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, Dennis Stratmann Historische Senfmühle
MonschauOpen todayFind your favourite mustard among a total of 22 different kinds. Look over the mustard miller´s shoulder during his work.
Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, Dominik Ketz Historic centre of Monschau
MonschauOpen todayThe historical old town of Monschau at the Rur.
Day 5: Widdau - Einruhr (approx. 11.5 km)
- Transfer to the start of the hike
- Hike on the Eifelsteig stage 3 to Einruhr | approx. 11.5 km
- Departure or additional night in Einruhr/Aachen
Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, AR-shapefruit AG Wassergarten Einruhr
SimmerathOpen todayWater garden at the Heilsteinhaus in Einruhr.
Further information
- 4 x overnight stays/breakfast in hotels and guesthouses
- Packed lunch per hiking day
- Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation
- Tour description: "Eifelsteig" hiking guide book
- On request: extra night in Einruhr, participation in a public guided tour of the old town of Aachen (in German)
The combination of travel services offered to you is a package tour within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2015/2302.
You can therefore make use of all EU rights that apply to package travel. Information on your main rights under Directive (EU) 2015/2302.
- from € 369.00 per person in a double room
- Single room surcharge from 120,00€ (+surcharge for luggage transfer for only one participant)
- plus guest contribution / tourist tax (payment on site)
Return transfer: The return journey can be made either by public transport or by cab at a fixed price.
- 10/15/25 to 12/31/26
Eifel Tourismus GmbH
Kalvarienbergstraße 1
54595 Prüm
Request a quote
You can request the offer "Wanderreise 20: Eifelsteig in kurzen Etappen Aachen - Einruhr" from the provider Eifel Tourismus GmbH here.
October 15, 2025 to December 31, 2026
