How to get there: Monschau is best reached by car on the B 258. The historical town centre is pedestrianised and the car parks on the edge of the town are only a short walk from the centre. A day ticket costs seven euros with a reduction for overnight visitors. Public transport is not so easy and the bus station is located further out of the town. Visitors coming from Bonn would need to travel by train through Cologne and Aachen (approx. 3 hours) and then catch a bus.

Food & Drink

The Lütticher Hof located on Stadtstraße, di¬rectly opposite the tourist information is recommended. Guests can enjoy simple cuisine on the patio by the river Rur with a view of the fortified 13th century Haller tower. A particular specialty to Monschau is the Dütchen: sweet sponge cones usually eaten with ice cream and cream. These can be found for example at Café Kaulard on the historical market square.

In past times the Felsenkeller brewery (now a museum) produced the Monschauer Pils Felsquell and the darker, slightly cloudy Zwickelbier. The Zwickelbier can still be tasted in the adjoining restaurant. There is an alternative if you are driving: the Bierteller (beer plate) is served with a selection of cheese, sausage, vegetables and homemade Zwickelbierbread. And of course, the original Monschauer mustard. The restaurant patio offers diners a wonderful view.

Unique in Europe

One of the attractions in Monschau is the only one of its kind in Europe – an oak wood, self-supporting spiral staircase over three levels in the Roten Haus der Tuchmacher (Weaver’s red house). This noble building was built directly on the riverfront in 1752 by the weaver and merchant Johann Heinrich Scheibler. The original late baroque building and the picture lined walls of the study are not to be missed. The entrance corridor offers an optical illusion – its plastered walls have been painted with layers of oil paints to look like magnificent marble. The house is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm on the hour (except at 1pm). Entrance costs four Euros for adults, free for under 18s.

For children

The adventure museum Lernort Natur is a popular children’s attraction where they can not only learn about animals and how they live but also touch, stroke and pick them up. Visitors can also see a working bee hive as well as a red ant colony. Tours can be arranged on demand. There are special tours for disabled, blind and deaf visitors.

Accommodation

Hotel Horchem in one of the oldest buildings in the town. As well as standard and comfort rooms, there is an appartment in the neighbouring building for two to four people. The hotel is located on the market place opposite the Roten Haus der Tuchmacher. Only minutes away from the castle Moschauer Burg.

Wet Weather

There are five wet weather excursion tips in one: directly adjacent to the Lernort Natur musuem there is a glass hut, a sand sculpture exhibition, a handicraft market and a model railway. These five attractions are located in one building complex so visitors do not need to get wet.

It is worth making a visit to the mustard mill for which Monschau is famous. Since 1882 homemade mustard has been produced here and is sold in the mustard shops. Guided tours of the mustard mill can be taken. In the adjoining resturant Schnabuleum you can sample hearty Eifel dishes served with Monschau mustard. (Original text: Britta Roös, Translation: Caroline Payne)