Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr
57% of reviewers say this trail is hard
15.3miLength
2,575ftElevation gain
7.5–8.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route is stage 3 of the Eifelsteig, a premium long-distance trail through the Eifel region. This specific section starts in the historic cloth-making town of Monschau and ends in Einruhr on the Obersee lake. The path leads from picturesque half-timbered alleys up to the Kierberg viewpoint and continues along the Perlenbach Reservoir to Monschau-Höfen. A unique feature of this area is the house-high beech hedges, traditionally used as windbreaks. The trail then follows the winding course of the Rur river in a steady series of ascents and descents through rocky forests. Hikers enjoy spectacular views from the Perdsley and Wolfshügel before reaching Einruhr.
Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Monschau or Einruhr; wild camping is strictly prohibited in the Eifel National Park. Potable water is accessible in the towns and in Höfen, but a supply should be carried for the forested stretches along the Rur. Both locations are connected to the regional bus network; schedules are found at https://www.avv.de.
The Eifelsteig is a 313 km (194 miles) quality trail from Aachen to Trier, typically completed in 15 stages.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Eifelsteig [CLOSED]
Top sights
Obersee
Reservoir
Eifelblick Kierberg
Viewpoint
Engelsley
Viewpoint
Teufelsley
Viewpoint
Camp-Hammer
Campsite
Burg Monschau
Castle
Bellesief / Pauelse Weierche
Waterfall
Perlenau
Campsite
Erlebnisstation 5 Ehemaliger Bewohner von Pleushütte
Attraction
Troistorff House
Attraction
Wald-Blick
Campsite
Haller
Attraction
Uhusley
Viewpoint
ehemal. Tuchmachergebäude
Ruins
Bruchsteinmauer
Attraction
Holz-Mühlenrad
Attraction
Felshang
Campsite
Historische Sägemühle
Attraction
Eifelblick Perdsley
Viewpoint
Wolfshügel
Viewpoint
Kräutergarten
Garden
Perlenbachtalsperre
Reservoir
Jugendzeltplatz Widdau
Campsite
Wohnmobilhafen Camp Hammer
Caravan site
Top sights
Obersee
Reservoir
Eifelblick Kierberg
Viewpoint
Engelsley
Viewpoint
Teufelsley
Viewpoint
Camp-Hammer
Campsite
Burg Monschau
Castle
Bellesief / Pauelse Weierche
Waterfall
Perlenau
Campsite
Erlebnisstation 5 Ehemaliger Bewohner von Pleushütte
Attraction
Troistorff House
Attraction
Wald-Blick
Campsite
Haller
Attraction
Uhusley
Viewpoint
ehemal. Tuchmachergebäude
Ruins
Bruchsteinmauer
Attraction
Holz-Mühlenrad
Attraction
Felshang
Campsite
Historische Sägemühle
Attraction
Eifelblick Perdsley
Viewpoint
Wolfshügel
Viewpoint
Kräutergarten
Garden
Perlenbachtalsperre
Reservoir
Jugendzeltplatz Widdau
Campsite
Wohnmobilhafen Camp Hammer
Caravan site
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our communityTop trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 15.3-mile point-to-point trail near Monschau, North Rhine-Westphalia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 19 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Expected weather for Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr for the next 5 days is:
- Fri, September 18 - 65 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 19 - 59 degrees/showers
- Sun, September 20 - 59 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 62 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 66 degrees/clear
Where is Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr located?
Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is a trail located in Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park.
How hard is Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is considered a hard hike that covers 15.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,575 ft. It takes about 7.5–8.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is considered a hard hike that covers 15.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,575 ft. It takes about 7.5–8.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr a point to point trail?
Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is a point to point trail that covers 15.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,575 ft. It takes about 7.5–8.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is a point to point trail that covers 15.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,575 ft. It takes about 7.5–8.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
According to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is usually very busy. Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Eifelblick Kierberg, Engelsley, Teufelsley, Uhusley, and Eifelblick Perdsley.
Are there waterfalls at Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Yes, Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr has a scenic view of Bellesief / Pauelse Weierche.
Is camping allowed at Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Camping is allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr in Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is backpacking allowed at Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Backpacking is allowed on Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Yes, Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr is a forest trail in Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Eifelsteig Stage 3: Monschau - Einruhr, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 17, 2026 at 4:19 am GMT+0