Half-timbered houses from the 18th century line narrow cobblestone streets in this small Eifel town. The red-roofed mustard mill still operates after 100 years.
Monschau curves through a narrow valley of the Rur River in Germany's Eifel region. Walk past hundreds of half-timbered houses from the 1700s, stop at glass-blowing workshops to watch artisans at work, or climb to the 13th-century castle overlooking the town. Inside the Red House Museum, a grand oak staircase spirals through three floors of period rooms, while at the historic mill, millers grind 19 types of mustard using water-powered stones.
Walking Monschau's Medieval Streets
The Rur River flows through the town center, with stone bridges linking both sides. Half-timbered houses line the narrow lanes, their dark wooden beams contrasting with white walls and bright flower boxes. The streets wind with the valley's natural contours. At Marktplatz, the central square, a water wheel turns steadily beside cafes where people sip coffee and watch the mill work throughout the day.
Inside the Red House Museum
A distinctive red brick facade marks this 18th-century merchant's home, built during Monschau's textile manufacturing era. The oak staircase climbs three floors without support columns, its railings carved with scenes of cloth-making. Walk through rooms filled with 18th-century furniture and look for the trompe l'oeil paintings - frames painted directly onto the walls. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Making Mustard at the Senfmühle
Since 1882, the water-powered stones at Senfmühle have ground mustard seeds into 19 varieties. Watch the millers work with their grinding stones and taste combinations like orange-spiced or beer-infused mustard. The mill shop stocks local products including jams, liquors, and even mustard-flavored chocolate.
Hiking the Eifel Trails
Set out on 240 kilometers of marked paths around Monschau. Take the Eifelsteig route to Einruhr through beech forests and open meadows, or follow the Wildnis Trail past rock formations shaped by ancient volcanoes. In April and May, yellow daffodils carpet the valley floors. During winter, many trails become cross-country skiing routes that connect to paths throughout Eifel National Park.
Getting Around Monschau
Cars can't enter the town center - park at Aukloster or near the Glashütte. Buses run regularly to Aachen (1 hour away) and Eupen. If you're driving from major cities, take the E40 motorway, exit at Eupen, and follow the N67 through the High Fens Natural Park. Bring sturdy shoes - the town's steep streets and stone steps require good footwear.
