Germany > Historic Monschau

I slept well last night and I feel completely fine again. Fortunately. After breakfast, we take the luggage downstairs and check out. We can leave the luggage at the reception. We walk to the cathedral. It is possible to climb the cathedral tower. Until recently, this was not allowed due to corona measures. It is just after nine o’clock when we arrive at the tower. We are among the first visitors. Groups of up to twenty visitors can climb the tower. Shortly after, we start with the first step of the total 509 steps to the top. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful view over Cologne. We see all the places we visited. The churches are especially visible. We also see our hotel located just under the cathedral.

Germany - View of the railway bridge from the tower of the cathedral

The descent goes much more smoothly. At the hotel, we pick up our luggage and walk to the car. We have to pay fifty euros. The machine only accepts cash up to twenty euros. We only have a fifty-euro bill. We try to get change in several shops. When the shops just open, they don’t have change yet. Eventually, we manage to get change and can pay for the parking garage. We leave Cologne and head toward Monschau. The route goes through the Eifel Nature Park—a beautiful green area to drive through. Around half past eleven, we approach Monschau. We follow the signs to the Aukloster parking lot. Here, it turns out many people have already parked. When we enter the lot, other drivers already gesture that it’s full. The other lots are full as well. Several cars are looking for a spot. What now? On the other side of the village is another parking lot. This one actually has more spaces. To get there, we first have to return to the main road and take the next Monschau exit. The lot appears full as well, but on the lower level of the garage there is still plenty of space. We immediately buy a parking ticket valid until tomorrow. With our luggage, we walk into Monschau. The wheels of the suitcase rattle over the cobblestones. Our Bed and Breakfast is on Kirchstrasse. We’re lucky. Although check-in is only from three o’clock, our room is already ready.

Germany - The reflection of the halftimbered houses in Monschau

This means we can put our luggage in the room right away. The Bed and Breakfast is right in the center of Monschau. Everywhere are the typical half-timbered houses. It feels as if time has stood still here. We wander through the streets. The old center of Monschau is not very large, but every street is charming. Through narrow alleys and steps, we arrive at the Haller ruin—remnants of old fortifications. The view from here is especially beautiful. On the other hill stands the castle where the Counts of Jülich had a fortress built in the 13th century. Since the early last century, the fortress has housed a youth hostel. At a terrace by the water, we soak up the atmosphere of Monschau while enjoying a drink. In the afternoon, we visit the Rote Haus (Red House). This characteristic and prominent red building in the center was home to the Scheibler family. They started the production and sale of linen in Monschau. Following the Scheiblers, more linen merchants settled in Monschau. In the evening, we want to eat in one of the restaurants. The day-trippers have left the town again and calm has returned to the streets. The first restaurant is fully booked.

Germany - The beautifully lit houses of Monschau

Soon we see several people walking the streets looking for a place to eat. It turns out most restaurants are fully booked. We decide to join a queue for a terrace by the river Rur. Although it’s a bit cooler now that the sun has disappeared, this seems like the best option. There are four couples ahead of us. It feels a bit like we are just watching the people on the terrace. Luckily, several people pay quickly, and within twenty minutes it’s our turn. We end the last evening of our trip in German style with schnitzel and beer.