| Sights
Monschau offers nature and culture - and lots of both. Below you can
search for information about the main tourist attractions of Monschau
and its surrounding region.
 |
Further pages |
|
|
 |
Eifel Museum of Photography & Film |
Wolfgang Geisel, trained photographer and innkeeper, illustrates the history of photography - from the Laterna Magica to today's digital cameras - in his lovingly assembled exhibits. The museum's attractions are rounded out by historical pictures of Monschau in the days of the German Empire and changing shows of photos from the region.
A highlight among the 3,000 exhibits acquired by Wolfgang Geisel over many years of passionate collecting is the NASA high-speed camera capable of taking up to 40,000 exposures per second. No less exciting are his numerous exhibits from the early days of photography.
The Eifel Museum of Photography and Film is a genuine eldorado for photo and motion picture enthusiasts.
Location: Monschau
Laufenstrasse 40
52156 Monschau
Phone: 02472-3590
Fax: 02472-940668
 info@altstadt-post.de
www.altstadt-post.de
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily, demonstrations by arrangement
Admission charge: € 3.00 per person, family ticket € 5.00 |
|
|
|
Glassworks |
During your stay at Monschau, let us take you through 2000 years of glassmaking history. A visit to the glassworks offers memorable insights into the evolution of glassmaking and the decorative styles of past centuries. Witness the making of vases, plates, antique vessels, drinking glasses and other objects from red-hot glass stock during several daily on-site demonstrations.
Apart from molten glass in its various stages you can observe glassmakers at work on the glass furnace. Watch products being ground to an artistic finish and see glassworker's tools from past centuries. In addition, you will gain basic information about the manufacture of mouth-blown, hand-ground glass.
Location: Monschau
Burgau 15
52156 Monschau
Phone: 02472 / 8025785
Fax: 02472 / 8025787
www.monschauer-handwerkermarkt.de
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. from January 1 through December 31 of each year.
|
|
|
|
Historical Mustard Mill |
Mustard is still being manufactured in this 5th-generation owned family enterprise which dates back more than 100 years. Originally powered by a water wheel, the mill has undergone some changes but still sports the old belt transmissions and is now open for public viewing. In the shop, which is open daily, enthusiasts and fanciers of the spicy grains can choose their favourite from among 18 different mustard varieties.
Location: Monschau
Historische Senfmühle
Laufenstr. 116-124
52156 Monschau
Phone: 02472/2245
Fax: 02472/5999
info@senfmuehle.de
http://www.senfmuehle.de
Admission charge: € 2.50 per adult, school children € 1.50 (a.m. guided tours only) |
|
|
|
Old Town of Monschau |
A stroll through Monschau's old town district and you'll grasp why our city is also called the "gem of the Eifel region" or "Rothenburg of the Rhineland".
For close to 300 years, almost nothing has changed in this historical townscape. The unique and idyllic appeal of its half-timbered and rubble masonry buildings has no equal anywhere. It forms the core of a city that combines a long past with an active modern presence.
Apart from the numerous "major" sights, Monschau lets you discover an infinite number of interesting details, from antique doors and lintels to quaint gables and facades.
And if you're into Christmas fairs, you should not miss the Monschau Christmas Market - doubtless one of the most romantic events of its kind in the world. No wonder - it is set against the background of the Old Town!
Location: Monschau
Touristik@Monschau.de
|
|
|
|
Monschau Castle |
Monschau Castle is thought to have been erected in the early 13th century. In the mid-14th century it was expanded and fortified with its massive ring walls and battlements, complete with a system of sentry walks. This almost impregnable fortress of the powerful Counts of Jülich was besieged in 1543 by the Emperor Charles V, who eventually conquered it with the aid of heavy guns and proceeded to pillage the town. Some repairs were carried out, but only for the purpose of expanding the lower castle battlements.
The French confiscated the castle as part of the national treasure, then sold it. However, the new private owners could not afford the upkeep of the extensive complex. In 1836/37 they had the roofs removed to evade building tax. The castle dilapidated and rapidly fell to ruin. It was not until the turn of the century that the Province made first attempts at preservation. Buildings were reinforced, repaired and renewed.
After World War I, a youth hostel was set up in the western wing. As the "Castle of Youth", the town's landmark remained alive and retained much of its appeal. In 1971, it was even wrapped by Christo. At night, with the town and castle illuminated, the historical complex stands out impressively as Monschau's supreme highlight.
Every summer the castle's interior court provides the spectacular backdrop for the Monschau Klassik program. During this series of events, renowned artists and famous orchestras turn the castle into a Mecca for opera enthusiasts with their festive performances.
Location: Monschau
Touristik@Monschau.de
|
|
|
|
Further pages |
|
|
|
 |
