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Popular excursion destinations
Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, Dominik Ketz

Top 15 excursion destinations

Discover nature, history and culture

The Eifel is a place for real experiences. When you are out and about here, you will encounter a landscape that tells stories: of volcanoes and monasteries, of artisan architecture and quiet retreats, of nature that touches and culture that remains.

Our top 15 selection shows you excursion destinations that allow you to experience the Eifel in different ways. Many of them can be easily combined with a hike or bike tour, others are ideal starting points for a day trip. They invite you to take a closer look. From the mysterious Laacher See lake to the imposing Eltz Castle, from the spiritual power of Maria Laach Abbey to romantic half-timbered towns such as Monschau and Bad Münstereifel and the wild beauty of the national park - each place is special in its own way.

Take your time, get involved - and get to know local stories and special features.

Top 15 excursion tips

15 results

A cheerful family is riding a water boat in an amusement park. In the background, a castle wall and trees are visible. — Copyright: Eifelpark Gondorf

WILD ANIMALS AND LEISURE – THE PERFECT DAY OUTCovering an area the equivalent of around 100 football pitches, Eifelpark Gondorf is a unique combination of amusement park and wildlife park. More than 60 attractions and over 200 wild animals make Eifelpark the perfect destination for families with children, hiking days for school and nursery school classes, senior citizens’ trips and exciting group excursions. Free Parking All attractions included in admission fee Dogs allowed on a leash

Vennbahn-2012-199-Baraque Michel Hohes Venn — Copyright: vennbahn.eu

One of the last Highland moors in Europe. One particulary special nature experience are the hiking trails over wooden walkways.

A narrow path leads through tall rocks, surrounded by lush greenery. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a tranquil atmosphere. — Copyright: Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH

A natural monument of extraordinary fascination: a narrow gorge with metre-high rock faces, cool and dark. Cracks and crevices, weathered and overgrown with mosses and lichens. Anyone walking through this eye of a needle in the sandstone is walking through a 200-million-year-old seabed that harbours many secrets.

A picturesque half-timbered house by the bank of a calm river. Surrounded by green trees and an idyllic landscape. — Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, Dominik Ketz

The historical old town of Monschau at the Rur.

A group of people is listening to a presentation in a modern exhibition room. In the center is a round table with an interactive presentation. — Copyright: Nationalpark Eifel, D. Ketz

In the Eifel National Park centre at the Vogelsang IP “International Place”, visitors can experience nature with all their senses - indoors and outdoors. Surrounded by dense mixed deciduous forests, the modern visitors’ centre above the Urftsee lake has hosted the “Wildnis(t)räume” (“Wilderness Dreams”) exhibition - a barrier-free, interactive nature experience for people of all ages. The Eifel National Park centre is open all year round.

An impressive castle sits on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery. The clear sky and sunny landscape give the scene a picturesque atmosphere. — Copyright: Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH, D. Ketz

High towers, picturesque oriels, protective walls and a deep castle moat amaze visitors when the well-preserved medieval castle appears out of nowhere on one of the hiking trails - e.g. the award-winning dream trail "Eltzer Burgpanorama". The interior holds some well-preserved treasures: the imposing knights' hall, the armoury and treasure chamber or the bedrooms, living rooms and writing rooms. All this can be experienced on a guided tour between April and November.

A vast landscape with a modern arrangement of buildings, surrounded by lush greenery. The sky is clear and there are a few clouds. — Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, Dennis Stratmann

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.

Two women are walking in front of colorful half-timbered houses in a picturesque town. The sun is shining and the atmosphere is friendly and inviting. — Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, Dominik Ketz

Bad Münstereifel is a small romantic town that has grown historically over the years, with picturesque timber-framed houses and the City Outlet, with attractive shops that are worth paying a visit. You can take a break in the many cosy cafés and restaurants.