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Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Städteregion Aachen

Monschau

View of Monschau Castle

Discover

Places to see

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Städteregion Aachen

Monschau

View of Monschau Castle

Recommended by 397 hikers out of 415

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Hohes Venn-Eifel

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Location: Monschau, Städteregion Aachen, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Best Hikes to View of Monschau Castle

4.8

(882)

3,215

hikers

1. Monschau Old Town – Rur Riverside Trail loop from Küchelscheid

12.0km

03:24

260m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(478)

1,832

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2. Wild Rur Below Ehrensteinsley – Rur Riverside Trail loop from Höfen

11.5km

03:04

130m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(257)

1,405

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3. Ridge Trail Above Perlenau – Monschau Old Town loop from Monschau

20.6km

05:45

390m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

Claudine en Robert🇧🇪🚴

November 6, 2022

The castle of Monschau was probably built at the beginning of the 13th century. In the middle of the 14th century, the complex was extended and enclosed by mighty ring walls and ramparts. This almost impregnable fortress of the Counts of Jülich was besieged by Emperor Charles V in 1543 with heavy artillery and finally captured, the city was sacked. The castle was only restored to expand the weather complex of the lower castle. The Frenchmen confiscated the castle as a national asset and sold it. However, the private owners were unable to maintain the extensive complex. They had the roofs demolished in 1836/37 in order to be freed from the tax on buildings. The castle quickly fell into ruins. It was not until the turn of the century that the province tried to stop the decline. The castle was secured, repaired and renovated. After the First World War, a youth hostel occupied the west wing. The castle of Monschau as a "youth castle" thus remains lively and inviting. Christo even packed it in 1971, and it is a highlight of Monschau when the castle and town are lit up. In summer, the inner courtyard of the castle becomes the atmospheric backdrop for the "Monschau Festival". Then the performances of renowned artists and renowned orchestras transform the fortress into a real Mecca for music fans. There is a youth hostel in the castle. Unfortunately, for this reason, the building cannot be visited. But a visit to the courtyard and the fantastic view of the city are also worth it!

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Joe Outside

April 18, 2022

Monschau Castle was probably built at the beginning of the 13th century. The complex was expanded in the middle of the 14th century and enclosed by mighty curtain walls and battlements. This almost impregnable fortress of the powerful Counts of Jülich was besieged in 1543 by Emperor Charles V with heavy artillery and finally taken, and the town plundered. The castle was only repaired to expand the defense system of the lower castle. The French confiscated the castle as a national property and sold it. However, the private owners could not keep the extensive complex. They had the roof removed in 1836/37 in order to be exempt from the building tax. The castle quickly fell into ruins. Only at the turn of the century did the province try to stop the decline. The castle was secured, repaired and renewed. After the First World War, a youth hostel moved into the west wing. In this way, Monschau Castle remains alive and inviting as a "youth castle".

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Stephan N

April 18, 2022

Very nice view of Monschau Castle.

Monschau Castle is a hilltop castle, meaning it is located on a natural hill. This hill is located in the town of Monschau, south of the Aachen city region.

Story

The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1217 and in the middle of the 14th century it was expanded with curtain walls and battlements so that it could serve as a fortress for the Counts of Jülich. Despite the considerable defenses, the castle was taken by Emperor Charles V in 1543 and plundered along with the city.

At the beginning of the 19th century it was finally sold by the French because they had confiscated it as national property. In order to avoid building taxes, the private owners at the time removed the roofs of the castle, which is why the castle was exposed to decay and soon became a ruin. At the beginning of the 20th century it was finally repaired and secured by the administration of the Rhine Province so that the west wing could serve as a youth hostel after the First World War.

Today it is not only a youth hostel, in summer the inner courtyard of the castle is also used for concerts, orchestras and operas, the whole thing has the motto “Monschau Klassik”.

Source:

eifelfuehrer.de/touristische-ziel/burgen-und-schloesser/burg-monschau.html

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Elevation 490 m

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Wednesday 24 September

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Location: Monschau, Städteregion Aachen, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

View of Monschau Castle

1. Monschau Old Town – Rur Riverside Trail loop from Küchelscheid

2. Wild Rur Below Ehrensteinsley – Rur Riverside Trail loop from Höfen

3. Ridge Trail Above Perlenau – Monschau Old Town loop from Monschau

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