Unique stays in the Eifel

Special accommodation in the Eifel means something different from a night in an average hotel. The stays range from completely secluded nature cottages deep in the forest to luxury lodges with panoramic views of the hills. A relatively new and very popular way to enjoy the scenery is to stay in one of the Eifel's mirror houses. The reflective exterior walls allow your accommodation to completely blend into its surroundings, creating an almost magical experience where the line between inside and outside blurs. These mirror houses are particularly popular with couples looking for something completely different from an ordinary holiday.

Those who prefer a bit more space can choose from a wide range of stays in nature in the Eifel. Think wooden cottages on the edge of a lake, treehouses where you sleep among the treetops or detached bungalows in the middle of the forests of the Eifel National Park. Many of these accommodations are deliberately minimalist in design, so that nature outside plays the main role. For a stay with every comfort, including sauna or hot tub, there are also holiday homes in the Eifel with hot tub or sauna, ideal for relaxing after a long day of hiking.

Established in 2004, the Eifel National Park covers more than 10,000 hectares and is one of the youngest national parks in Germany. Located in the northern Eifel, largely in the region around Schleiden and Heimbach, the park offers vast forests, open moorlands and valleys with fast-flowing streams. Staying overnight in or right next to the park gives you direct access to the hiking network and nature, without having to get in the car first thing every morning.

Heimbach is one of the most beautiful entrances to the park. This small town on the Rur has a well-preserved medieval character, an impressive castle and direct access to the hiking trails through the national park. A stay near Heimbach combines nature with culture in a way rarely found in larger tourist centers.

Besides nature, the Eifel also has a rich cultural-historical layer. Monschau is the best-known example: a picturesque town with half-timbered houses, narrow streets and a river that runs right through it. It sometimes seems as if time has stood still there. There are several boutique bed & breakfasts, small hotels and holiday homes in the area that perfectly match the atmosphere of the region.

Other historical villages such as Reifferscheid, Kronenburg and Blankenheim are less known but certainly worth a visit. They are often located in valleys or on hills with a castle or church as an eye-catcher, surrounded by fields and forests. A holiday home in such surroundings gives you a very authentic image of the Eifel, far off the beaten track.

The Eifel is attractive all year round, but each season has its own character. In spring, the valleys turn green and fruit trees bloom along the roads. Summer is ideal for hiking, biking and swimming in the Eifel lakes such as the Rursee and the Laacher See. In autumn, the forest turns into a sea of reds, oranges and yellows, and the hiking trails are wonderfully quiet. And in winter, when there is snow on the hills, the Eifel has something fairytale-like that is hard to describe.

A weekend getaway in the Eifel doesn't have to be expensive. There are plenty of affordable cottages and bungalows for those who want to stay compact and comfortable without a big budget. Holiday homes in the Eifel can be found in all price ranges, from simple cottages for two people to spacious group accommodation. Outside the school vacations you can get lucky last minute with a nice accommodation for little, especially if you are flexible in your choice.

The Eifel is first and foremost a hiking destination. The hiking network is extensive and well-signposted, with routes for every level of ability. The Eifelsteig is the best-known long-distance trail and runs right through the heart of the region, from Aachen to Trier. But the shorter half-day or full-day routes around Heimbach, Monschau and the Rur Lake are also worthwhile.

Besides hiking, the Eifel is also a fine destination for cyclists, mountain bikers and kayakers. The volcanic lakes and rivers lend themselves well to water sports, and in winter there are opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the higher parts of the Eifel. Those interested in the history of the region can visit the many castles, monasteries and Roman remains scattered here and there in the landscape.

The Eifel is an excellent family destination. Nature is accessible, distances are manageable and there is plenty to do for children of different ages. Think playgrounds in the forests, animal parks, rock climbing routes and educational hiking trails through the national park. Many holiday homes in the Eifel are designed for families, with extra bedrooms, a fenced-in garden and amenities for the youngest guests.

You're also well off in the Eifel for a holiday with the dog. The extensive forests and hiking trails make it an ideal destination for dog owners. There are many accommodations that welcome pets, although it is wise to always check this when booking. Also note the rules within the Eifel National Park, where dogs must remain leashed on most trails.

The Eifel attracts a wide audience. Couples looking for peace and romance, families who want an active holiday, hikers walking a multi-day route and people who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What they have in common is that they are looking for more than a standard hotel or vacation park. If you're looking for a place to stay that really stands somewhere, with a story and an environment you won't soon forget, the Eifel is the place to be.

If you are not necessarily bound to the Eifel but would like to stay in the region, check out the complete range of special accommodations in Nord-Rhein Westfalen.