World music stars and up-and-coming newcomers play at the annual Monschau Festival in the castle grounds. A youth hostel is housed in the former fortress, offering travelers the opportunity to go on short or longer excursions into the countryside. The castle blends in wonderfully with the idyllic townscape.
What could be more fitting in the middle of a town with picturesque half-timbered houses and a clothmaking past steeped in tradition than a historic castle complex perched on a foothill spur? Monschau Castle completes the medieval image of this popular tourist destination in the Eifel region. The imposing building, which was probably erected by the Dukes of Limburg in the loop of the River Rur at the end of the 12th century, impresses with its extraordinary location and its current use as an event location and hostel.
Cultural events of all kinds
As the former fortress has been repeatedly converted and extended over the centuries by various lords and owners, and was even extended by an outer bailey with a spacious chapel in the 14th century, it is now an ideal venue for cultural events of all kinds.
The open space on the upper castle is particularly suitable for open-air concerts. No wonder the renowned "Monschau Festival" attracts thousands of visitors to the castle every year. World stars as well as up-and-coming newcomers perform here in front of packed crowds. Operas, musicals and artistic performances by orchestras, bands and solo artists alternate between the walls.
Hiking or cycling tours through idyllic natural landscapes such as the Eifel National Park or the High Fens Nature Park start from here. A youth hostel, which is not only used by school classes, is located in the west wing of the complex. Family apartments are just as much a part of the building as communal and conference rooms. The former chapel is now used as a party and rehearsal room for up to 80 people.
