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North Rhine-Westphalia

Hohes Venn-Eifel

Attractions and Places To See in Hohes Venn-Eifel - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see in Hohes Venn-Eifel include a diverse range of natural landscapes and historical sites. This cross-border region, spanning parts of Germany and Belgium, features extensive moorlands, dense forests, and numerous lakes and rivers. Visitors can explore unique ecosystems, significant historical landmarks, and picturesque towns. The area is characterized by its varied terrain, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.

Best attractions and places to see in Hohes Venn-Eifel

  • The most popular attractions is Monschau Old Town, a settlement that features a medieval townscape of half-timbered houses and narrow streets. It offers a top vantage point on the corpse alley with views of the evangelical church and the Red House.
  • Another must-see spot is Urft Dam, a man-made monument and historical site. This dam was once the largest reservoir in Europe at the time of its construction, and it is a popular destination for hikers.
  • Visitors also love Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir, a trail that offers beautiful sections with reflections in the water. These well-maintained boardwalks allow for pleasant walking experiences along the reservoir.
  • Hohes Venn-Eifel is known for its unique natural features, historical landmarks, and scenic trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient moorlands to impressive dam structures and charming old towns.
  • The attractions in Hohes Venn-Eifel are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 6300 upvotes and over 6100 photos shared across more than 4300 highlights.

Last updated: July 5, 2026

Monschau Old Town

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Shortly before reaching the old town, there is a top vantage point on the corpse alley. Nicely located, with a wonderful view of the evangelical church and the Red House, among other things.

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Urft Dam

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When the dam was built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Urftsee was the largest reservoir in Europe. The reservoir lies entirely within the Eifel National Park, where nature is allowed to run free in many places. There is a place to stop for refreshments right next to the dam. A special feature for Germany is that the Rursee is located right at the foot of the dam.

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Wonderful hiking section that will be remembered for a long time with its beauty.

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Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir

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Beautiful footpath, partly over wooden footbridges, in the immediate vicinity of the shore.

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The Heimbach reservoir is not actually a dam, but a so-called compensation basin. It serves to compensate for the fluctuations in the water level caused by the intermittent operation of the peak current power plants in the Urft and Rurtalsperre. These two hydropower plants usually only produce electricity when larger demand peaks are expected or measured in the general high-voltage network, which is usually the case in the mornings of working days. In the rest of the time the machines are idle and therefore no water inevitably flows into the reservoir. The usable space of the reservoir is therefore filled with water within a few hours when the power plants are in operation. Then the storage volume is dosed and drained in such a way that the underflow of the river bed of the Rur is continuously exposed to an amount of water that meets the ecological requirements of the flowing water and the requirements of other requirements. Source: nationalparktor.de/nationalparkstadtheimbach/wasserinfos/wasserinfos.html

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Tips from the Community

Claudine en Robert🇧🇪🚴
November 6, 2022, Monschau Old Town

Lively bustle in old walls, a medieval townscape with idyllic half-timbered houses, narrow alleys and cobblestone pavement. Monschau is the cultural center of an entire region and one of the most popular holiday and excursion destinations in the Eifel.

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Shortly before reaching the old town, there is a top vantage point on the corpse alley. Nicely located, with a wonderful view of the evangelical church and the Red House, among other things.

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Very nicely located wooden walkways in good condition.

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Beautiful footpath, partly over wooden footbridges, in the immediate vicinity of the shore.

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According to legend, there used to be elves in Heimbach. Children from Heimbach want to ask them back and have therefore made 25 elf houses and placed them along the way.

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Nice to hike very quiet and comfortable to walk at the end a nice cold beer in the small beer garden

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Rombea
May 2, 2022, Urft Dam

The Urttalsperre is the oldest dam in the Eifel and a popular destination. The dam wall was the largest structure in Europe at the time, has a length of 266 m and a height of 59 m. There is a nice excursion restaurant at the dam wall, which you can reach by boat, bus, car, bike or on foot. The Urftsee is also a very beautiful hiking area with a great path along the shore, which always offers a beautiful view of the Ordensburg Vogelsang.

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Especially nice to walk on the north side. Here footbridges lead directly past the water. There are great views around every bend in the path.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What unique natural landscapes can I explore in Hohes Venn-Eifel?

The Hohes Venn-Eifel region is renowned for its diverse natural beauty. You can explore the extensive highland moor of the Hohes Venn, characterized by peat heaths and moor birches. The area also encompasses the Eifel National Park with its woodlands, lakes, and rivers. Don't miss the picturesque Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir, offering beautiful sections along the shore, or the unique Struffelt Heath and Moor Nature Reserve, known for its rare plant and animal species.

Are there any significant historical sites or cultural landmarks in the region?

Yes, the Hohes Venn-Eifel is rich in history. A must-see is Monschau Old Town, a cultural highlight with its medieval half-timbered houses and narrow streets. You can also visit the impressive Urft Dam, which was the largest reservoir in Europe at the time of its construction. The region also features numerous castles, palaces, and abbeys, along with remnants of Stone Age caves and Roman buildings.

When is the best time to visit Hohes Venn-Eifel to see the daffodil valleys?

The Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park is famous for its wild daffodil valleys, which burst into bloom in spring. Millions of yellow flowers can be seen, particularly along the approximately twelve-kilometer-long daffodil route that starts in Monschau. Spring is the ideal time to witness this spectacular natural event.

What outdoor activities can I do near the attractions?

The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking and cycling on numerous pathways and trails. For example, there are many gravel biking routes, including challenging tours through the Hohes Venn like 'Tour 2: Over wooden planks – with TOUR through the Hohe Venn' or 'Gravel riding between dams – forests, water, vast views'. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking in Hohes Venn-Eifel guide.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities available?

Absolutely! Many attractions in Hohes Venn-Eifel are suitable for families. The Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir offer an easy and scenic walk. The Struffelt Heath and Moor Nature Reserve also has family-friendly sections. Additionally, the Eifel National Park offers easy hikes, such as 'Eifel National Park by public transport – Wild Kermeter', which are perfect for families. Explore more options in the Easy hikes in Hohes Venn-Eifel guide.

Can I go hiking in the Hohes Venn-Eifel region?

Yes, hiking is one of the most popular activities here. The region is crisscrossed with numerous trails, from easy walks to more challenging routes. You can find beautiful waterfall hikes like the 'Monastery Route' or scenic loops around Monschau. For a variety of options, check out the Waterfall hikes in Hohes Venn-Eifel guide.

What makes the Hohes Venn moorland unique?

The Hohes Venn is a unique and ancient nature reserve, one of the oldest and largest in Belgium, covering 4,500 hectares. It's characterized by vast, unmanaged peat heaths with purple moor grass, gnarled moor birches, and scattered spruces. This landscape changes dramatically with the seasons and is the source of several rivers. Visitors can explore via paths and wooden walkways, though some zones are restricted to protect its unique flora and fauna.

Are there opportunities for stargazing in Hohes Venn-Eifel?

Yes, the Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park is known for its exceptionally dark skies, making it an excellent location for stargazing. Special 'SternenGuides' offer night tours to observe the Milky Way and constellations, providing a unique natural experience.

What do visitors enjoy most about Monschau Old Town?

Visitors frequently praise Monschau Old Town for its lively atmosphere within old walls, its medieval townscape with idyllic half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and cobblestones. Many also highlight the top vantage point on the corpse alley, offering wonderful views of the evangelical church and the Red House.

What are the options for water-based activities?

The region is rich in water bodies, including numerous rivers and picturesque lakes like the Urftsee and Heimbach Reservoir. Activities such as canoeing and fishing are available in the Hohes Venn. The lakes of Eupen, La Gileppe, and Bütgenbach are also among the largest inland waters in Belgium within this broader region, offering various water sports opportunities.

Is there public transport access to the attractions in Hohes Venn-Eifel?

While the region is best explored by car or bike, some areas of the Eifel National Park are accessible by public transport. There are specific easy hikes designed to be reached this way, such as 'Eifel National Park by public transport – Wild Kermeter'. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific destinations.

Are there any notable viewpoints in the Hohes Venn-Eifel region?

Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. From the Monschau Old Town, there's a top vantage point on the corpse alley with views of the evangelical church and the Red House. Baraque Michel, one of the highest points in the Hohes Venn, provides breathtaking views across the entire area. The Urft Dam also offers impressive views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.

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