Eifel Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and travel logistics of Eifel with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Eifel

Located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, Eifel is a beautiful region known for its picturesque landscapes and rich historic heritage. The region is also renowned for its outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and water sports. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or an adventure seeker, Eifel has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, exciting things to do, the food and drink scene, and many more.

List of Places to Visit in Eifel

If you’re planning to visit Eifel, there are many spots you can’t miss. Here are some of the top destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Eifel boasts numerous museums and historical sites that showcase the region’s rich heritage. Here are some must-visit places:

  • Nideggen Castle: Built in the 12th century, Nideggen Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Germany. The castle now houses a museum and a cultural center.
  • Roman Villa Borg: This ancient Roman villa was discovered in 1987 and has been reconstructed as a museum displaying Roman history.
  • Monschau: This picturesque town, with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses, is located in the heart of Eifel and is a monument to the region’s cultural heritage.

Natural Attractions of Eifel: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Eifel is renowned for its natural attractions and outdoor activities. Here are some of the places where you can enjoy the region’s natural beauty:

  • Eifel National Park: This 110 square kilometer national park is a perfect destination for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. With its virgin forests, rivers, and waterfalls, you can have an extraordinary adventure while enjoying stunning natural scenery.
  • Laacher See: Laacher See is a beautiful crater lake located near the town of Andernach. It is surrounded by scenic walking and cycling trails and is a great place to enjoy water sports.
  • Vulkaneifel Geopark: Vulkaneifel Geopark is a unique volcanic region in the heart of Eifel. Here you can explore lava caves, volcanic craters, and mineral springs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eifel

From the challenging mountains to the gentle hills, Eifel offers some of the best hiking and biking trails. Here are some popular routes:

  • Eifelsteig: This 313 km long trail starts from Aachen and ends in Trier. The trail passes across the Eifel region and is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the region.
  • Maare-Mosel-Radweg: This cycling trail follows the German-French border and runs for 55 km from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues. The trail passes through picturesque vineyards, valleys, and Maars.
  • Lieserpfad: This scenic trail follows the river Lieser and is famous for its diverse landscapes and stunning views. It runs for 75 km from Daun to Wittlich.

Best Things to Do in Eifel: Activities and Tours

From outdoor adventures to indoor activities, Eifel has something for everyone. Some of the best things to do in Eifel are:

  • Boat Ride on the Moselle River: Take a leisurely boat ride on the Moselle River and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.
  • Visit the Eifel Zoo: This is a great family-friendly activity. The Eifel Zoo has a wide array of animals, including lions, bears, and monkeys.
  • Visit the Bitburger Brewery: The Bitburger Brewery is one of the largest breweries in Germany. Take a guided tour and learn about the beer-making process, and of course, enjoy a cold beer!

Week-Long Itinerary for Eifel

Here’s a suggested itinerary for exploring Eifel in a week:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Nideggen Castle and the surrounding town
Day 2 Hike in the Eifel National Park and have a picnic lunch
Day 3 Cycling trip along the Maare-Mosel-Radweg
Day 4 Visit the Bitburger Brewery and enjoy a cold beer
Day 5 Take a boat ride on the Moselle River
Day 6 Visit the Roman Villa Borg and explore its history
Day 7 Have a relaxing day, visiting local shops and cafes

Food and Drink Scene of Eifel

Eifel offers a unique culinary experience with its regional specialties. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Eifeler Döppekooche: This traditional dish is made with grated potato and bacon and is usually eaten with apple sauce.
  • Sauerbraten: A popular German dish made with beef or pork that has been marinated in vinegar and spices for several days.
  • Flammkuchen: Similar to pizza, Flammkuchen is a thin crust topped with sour cream, onions, and bacon.

Local Beverages

  • Bitburger Beer: Bitburger is one of the largest breweries in Germany and is famous for its pilsner-style beer.
  • Eifeler Landbier: Eifeler Landbier is a traditional, unfiltered beer that is brewed in Eifel.

Where to Stay in Eifel: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eifel offers a plethora of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular accommodation options are:

  • Dorint Hotel & Resort Daun: A luxury hotel in the heart of Eifel with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Eifeler Hof Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option located in the town of Bitburg.
  • Jugendherberge Nideggen Hostel: A great option for those looking for a hostel. The hostel is located in the town of Nideggen and offers a range of accommodation options.

What to Buy in Eifel: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

You can bring home many unique souvenirs and local products while exploring Eifel. Here are some popular options:

  • Eifel Mineral Water: Eifel has some of the best mineral water in Germany. You can buy bottled water from local vendors.
  • Pottery: Eifel is famous for its traditional pottery. You can buy handmade ceramics and sculptures as souvenirs.
  • Wine and Beer: Eifel produces some outstanding wine and beer. You can buy bottles of local wine or beer as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Eifel

Eifel has a rich cultural heritage, and its locals are proud of their traditions. Some customs you might want to be aware of while traveling in the region are:

  • Festivals: Eifel hosts many festivals throughout the year celebrating local traditions. The most popular festival is the Schützenfest, which takes place in most Eifel towns and villages in the summer.
  • Language: While German is the official language, many locals speak the regional dialect, Eifel Platt.
  • Cuisine: Eifel’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighbors – Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. You’ll notice that many dishes carry French or Belgian names.

Best Time to Visit Eifel

Eifel is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is in the spring and summer months, from March to August. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing. The fall season is also a great time to visit if you enjoy colorful foliage and peaceful surroundings.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eifel

Do:

  • Try Local Food and Drink: Eifel has unique regional specialties that are worth indulging in.
  • Respect Local Culture: Be respectful of the region’s customs and traditions.
  • Take Time to Explore Nature: Eifel is known for its natural beauty, so make sure you take advantage of the many hiking trails and scenic spots.

Don’t:

  • Overlook the Small Towns and Villages: Eifel has many small towns and villages with their own unique charm and history. Make sure you explore them.
  • Underestimate the Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather, especially if you plan to indulge in outdoor activities.
  • Leave Late for Dinner: Restaurants in Eifel generally close early, so make sure you plan your meals accordingly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eifel

Eifel is generally safe for travelers. However, as with any destination, you should be vigilant about your surroundings and belongings. Also, be aware of local traffic laws while driving, especially on narrow and winding roads.

Health in Eifel

Eifel has good healthcare facilities, and you shouldn’t have any issues finding medical care if needed.

Getting to Eifel: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Eifel is pretty straightforward, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near Eifel

The closest international airports to Eifel are Cologne-Bonn Airport and Frankfurt Airport, which are both approximately a two-hour drive from the region.

Bus Stations Near Eifel

Buses are a convenient way to travel to Eifel. The closest bus stations are Ahrbrück and Vulkaneifel.

Other Options

Train travel is also an option. The closest railway stations are Daun railway station and Gerolstein railway station.

How to Get Around in Eifel

The best way to get around in Eifel is by car. However, you can also use public transportation, bike rentals, or walk if you prefer a slower pace.

Where to Go Next from Eifel: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eifel is well-connected to other destinations in Germany, making it a great starting point for further exploration. Nearby destinations include:

  • Cochem: Located on the Moselle River, Cochem is a charming town famous for its medieval castle and picturesque vineyards.
  • Trier: Trier is Germany’s oldest city and is famous for its Roman ruins and historic architecture.
  • Koblenz: Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Koblenz is a stunning city with a rich cultural history and many museums.

Conclusion

Eifel is a captivating region that has something unique to offer every visitor. With its cultural history, outdoor activities, and delicious food and drink scene, it’s no surprise that Eifel is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has given you all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Eifel.

Sunrise over the Eifel Sunrise over the Eifel


    Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler
    Dernau