Wanderreise 21: Eifelsteig in kurzen Etappen Monschau - Kloster Steinfeld

According 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.

With 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.

The historical old town of Monschau at the Rur.

At the National Park Gate in Höfen you will find a Tourist Information Centre, the exhibition on "A blaze of yellow daffodils and changing forests", a digital model of the area and National Park films.

Water garden at the Heilsteinhaus in Einruhr.

Explore Rursee and Obersee by boat

With 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.

In September 2016, the new visitor’s and exhibition centre, the Forum Vogelsang IP, was opened. The two main exhibitions are the documentation of the National Socialist period, “Destiny: Master Race. National Socialist Ordensburgen - Both Fascination and Crime” and the adventure exhibition “Wilderness Dreams” organised by the Eifel National Park Centre.

In September 2016, the new visitor’s and exhibition centre, the Forum Vogelsang IP, was opened. The two main exhibitions are the documentation of the National Socialist period, “Destiny: Master Race. National Socialist Ordensburgen - Both Fascination and Crime” and the adventure exhibition “Wilderness Dreams” organised by the Eifel National Park Centre.

Lookout point with a refuge and a wonderful view of Olef. Winding paths lead through the forest in the Oleftal up to Kuckucksley.

Visit the Salvatorian Monestry Steinfeld with three characteristic towers.The monastery together with its Basilica belongs to the most important medieval monuments in the Rhineland. Its beginnings go back to the time of Henry I (919 - 936). The basilica attached to the monastery was built between 1142 and 1150 as one of the earliest German vaulted churches by Premonstratensians.