The Eifel in Germany is the ideal destination for a weekend break or a short getaway. In just 48 hours, you can go for a walk through the Eifel National Park, enjoy local cuisine and discover charming villages such as Monschau. This region offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, small-scale hospitality and authentic experiences – exactly what makes a weekend in the Eifel unforgettable. In this blog, I’ll take you on a tour of my favourite spots, restaurants and boutiques in the Eifel.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Steinfelder Straße 9
1. Restaurant Freistaat Eifel in Nettersheim
Dining at Freistaat Eifel in Nettersheim is highly recommended if you enjoy local cuisine. This small restaurant mainly uses meat, vegetables and cheese from local farmers. The menu features dishes made with fresh produce straight from the fields, which changes with the seasons. A typical dish from the Eifel is fresh trout from local streams, often served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes. You can also enjoy local wines from the Moselle and Ahr regions or an Eifel beer here. It’s a lovely spot to stop for a break after a walk through the Eifel countryside.
Krewelshof 1
2. Krewelshof Hofcafé
A meal at Krewelshof Hofcafé in the Eifel is well worth a visit if you enjoy authentic farm-fresh food and a cosy atmosphere. Pull up a chair for breakfast, lunch or a slice of homemade cake whilst looking out over the water and the surrounding green fields. On the menu you’ll find a hearty farmer’s breakfast with fresh bread from their own bakery, farm-made jam and regional sausages and cheese. In the afternoon, they serve different dishes every day, ranging from light salads to hot meals, all made with produce from the farm or the local area. Would you rather sit out in the fresh air? Take a seat in the beer garden or by the boathouse right on the lake.
Mayener Straße 7
3. Restaurant Eifelküche
Eifelküche in Kelberg is a cosy restaurant where you can sample authentic Eifel dishes. It’s situated close to walking trails and the Nürburgring, making it ideal for a break after a day out and about. The menu changes with the seasons and features, for example, juicy schnitzels, crispy chips and fresh salads, all made from fresh, local produce. You can also choose from a selection of regional wines and beers to accompany your meal. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, as if you were dining in someone’s home, whilst outside you can sit and soak up the sun. It’s the perfect place to savour the flavours of the Eifel.
Vogelsang 71
4. Gastro Vogelsang IP
Gastro Vogelsang IP in Schleiden is a special place to dine during your visit to the Eifel National Park. The restaurant is situated near the Vogelsang International Centre and features a large panoramic window overlooking the Eifel forests, which makes the dining experience all the more delightful. Here, you can choose dishes made almost entirely from regional Eifel produce, such as home-baked bread, fresh soups and salads, homemade cakes and meat from local farmers. This allows you to savour the authentic flavours of the Eifel, combined with an impressive natural landscape.
Nice to visit
Hengebachstraße 1
1. Walking in the Eifel National Park
As soon as you arrive in the Eifel, you feel it straight away: peace, space and fresh air. For me, a walk through the Eifel National Park is the best way to truly experience the region. Along the route, you’ll walk past the famous maars. These are circular volcanic lakes that are characteristic of this area. They give the landscape an almost mystical atmosphere and are perfect spots to pause for a moment and take some photos. As you walk through dense forests and over rolling hills, all you hear is silence, you can smell the scent of nature, and you gradually let go of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Dreiborner Weg 25
2. Strolling through Gemünd
Take the time for a leisurely stroll through the charming little town of Gemünd. This is highly recommended if you’re wondering what to do in the Eifel. Here, it’s all about taking your time to look around and experience local life. For example, visit Konzept Silke Altmann, a creative boutique offering unique clothing and accessories that you won’t find in large retail chains. By buying something here, you’re directly supporting local businesses and contributing to a more sustainable way of travelling. It’s precisely these kinds of small, authentic experiences that make Gemünd so enjoyable.
Monschau
3. The fairytale-like town of Monschau
A visit to Monschau is a must during your trip through the Eifel. This picturesque little town looks as though it has stepped straight out of a postcard, with its half-timbered houses, wooden beams, flower boxes and narrow streets. Small bridges span the River Rur, creating a romantic atmosphere. Stroll along the riverbank, lose yourself in the winding alleyways and discover little boutiques selling handmade candles, ceramics and local produce. Settle down on the terrace of Café am Roten Haus by the River Rur for a cup of coffee with a view of the water. Fancy taking home a typical souvenir? Then pop into the Senfmühle Monschau, where you can buy the famous local mustard from the Eifel.
Staying overnight
Parkallee 1
1. Kurparkhotel
Kurparkhotel Gemünd is a small-scale, charming hotel that’s perfect for a relaxing stay surrounded by nature. Here, you can stay close to the Eifel National Park. What makes this hotel so special is the peace and comfort you feel the moment you arrive. The rooms are spacious, light and modern, allowing you to truly unwind after a long walk through woods and hills. Thanks to the peaceful setting, you’ll wake up in the morning to fresh air and silence, whilst walking trails and nature begin literally just round the corner. After an active day, you can unwind in the wellness area and sauna.
Am Stausee 2
2. Seehotel
Seehotel am Stausee is a special hotel, beautifully situated right on the ‘Gerolstein Reservoir’. It is an excellent choice for those looking for accommodation and ranks among the top hotels in the Eifel. Many rooms feature a balcony with views of the lake or the surrounding forests, allowing you to start each day with a soothing panorama. The hotel is also situated on well-known walking routes such as the Eifelsteig, making it an ideal base for active days in nature. The hotel also boasts an extensive wellness area with a swimming pool, saunas and peaceful relaxation zones, where you can unwind after a walk. Add to that the atmospheric restaurant serving regional and seasonal dishes, which is the icing on the cake.
Mühlenstraße 1
3. Mühle Birgel
Mühle Birgel is a unique hotel where you don’t just spend the night, but literally step into the history of the Eifel. This hotel forms part of a centuries-old watermill and half-timbered complex, where the mills are still in operation and the past is both visible and audible. The rooms are set within authentic half-timbered houses dating from the 17th–18th centuries and combine historic charm with modern amenities. This means you’ll experience both comfort and character during your stay in the Eifel. It is one of the most unique hotels in the Eifel. During the day, you can visit the mills and learn more about traditional crafts, whilst in the evening you can enjoy regional dishes or live music in the on-site restaurant. It is precisely this unique blend of history, culture, gastronomy and nature that makes the Historic Birgel Watermill an unforgettable place to stay whilst travelling through the Eifel.
In just two days, the Eifel shows just how diverse Germany can be. From the peace and space of the Eifel National Park to the cosy atmosphere in Monschau and the local flavours of the Freistaat Eifel. Whether you’re coming to go for a walk, enjoy local cuisine or simply escape the hustle and bustle, the Eifel offers everything you need for a short but unforgettable trip. After reading this blog, you’ll know exactly what to do on a weekend break in the Eifel in Germany.
Love,
Babette
For nature lovers, hiking in the Eifel National Park is an absolute must. Here, you’ll walk past the famous maaren (circular volcanic lakes), through dense forests and over rolling hills. The tranquillity, fresh air and impressive views make this a unique experience of nature. Places such as Vogelsang IP also offer panoramic views of the Eifel landscape. Are you curious about other walking routes? Have a read of the blogs: Day stages of long-distance walking trails or Walking in Luxembourg.
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Seehotel am Stausee: Situated right on the Gerolstein reservoir. Many rooms have a balcony with views of the lake or the surrounding forests.
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Kurparkhotel Gemünd: A small-scale hotel close to the Eifel National Park, set amidst nature and surrounded by tranquillity and greenery.
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Mühle Birgel: Situated next to a historic watermill in a natural setting, where you’ll stay amongst half-timbered houses and the characteristic mill landscape.
A weekend in the Eifel is special thanks to the combination of tranquillity, unspoilt nature and an authentic experience. You can walk through the Eifel National Park, enjoy local dishes made with regional produce (such as fresh trout and local wines), and discover charming villages such as the fairytale-like Monschau with its half-timbered houses and small boutiques. The mix of nature, gastronomy and atmospheric towns makes the Eifel a versatile and unforgettable destination. Fancy a weekend break somewhere else? Have a read of the blogs ‘A weekend break just outside Maastricht ’ or ‘A weekend break on Ameland’.
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