Nationalpark Eifel
Tucked away in western Germany, the Eifel National Park is a hidden gem for road cyclists looking for a quieter, more dramatic alternative to the popular roads of Zuid-Limburg. While Limburg has charm and punchy hills, the Eifel brings longer, steadier climbs, sweeping views, and roads that feel like your own private playground. It’s just across the border, but the change in scenery is immediate: rugged forested hills, deep valleys, and wide-open skies.
The climbs here are a real treat. Take on the Hammer Mauer, a short but brutal wall that will test your legs and your pacing. Or head toward Vossenack, where the road snakes up through woodland with a steady rhythm and a peaceful backdrop. These climbs don’t just challenge your legs, they reward you with quiet, scenic descents and the sense that you’ve ridden somewhere special.
One of the park’s standout features is its water. The shimmering lakes and giant dams of the Rursee area offer stunning views, especially when the morning mist starts to lift. Riding along the shorelines or climbing above them gives you moments to pause and take it all in. This is not a place to rush through.
Eifel doesn’t have the café culture of Limburg, but what it lacks in bustle it makes up for in solitude and space. It’s the kind of place where you can ride for hours with barely a car in sight, surrounded by forest, history, and hills that keep your legs working and your focus sharp. If you're looking for longer efforts, fewer crowds, and big-sky beauty, Eifel delivers.
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Best time to ride
The optimal months for cycling in Eifel National Park are from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally mild, and the natural beauty of the park is at its peak. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Winter months can be cold and snowy, making cycling less favorable.
Read moreWhere to stay
Base Towns
Gemünd
On the eastern shore of the lakes sits Gemünd. It's a small, welcoming town with places to stay and plenty of options to eat.
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Accommodations (6)
Places in Nationalpark Eifel that welcome you and your bike.
ACHAT Hotel Monschau
The ACHAT Hotel sits in a central spot, just five minutes on foot from Monschau’s historic town center. There’s a small wellness area in the hotel, and your bike can be parked safely in a secure space.
Dormio Resort Eifeler Tor
Sitting right at the base of the Rur Dam, this holiday house resort is a solid base for exploring the Eifel by bike. It’s a great pick for groups, with comfy houses to come back to after a day on the road. After your ride, you can unwind in the pool or grab a meal at one of the two restaurants in the park.
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How to get there
- By Car: most visitors will travel to the Eifel National Park by car. The park is easy accessible via the A1 and A4 motorways.
- By Train: Regional trains connect to towns like Heimbach and Kall. Alternative options are to come from Aachen (DE) or Eupen (BE)
- By Plane: The nearest major airports are Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS).
Bike Rentals (0)
Most riders bring their own bikes to the Nationalpark Eifel. For a good rental road bike you can go to Zuid-Limburg just across the border.
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Shops (2)
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Cafes & bars (7)
Achim Möhrer Café Chalet Inh.
Café Chalet is a natural log house built in true Canadian style, and it’ll definitely catch your eye as you ride past. They serve breakfast, pastries, coffee and cake, plus a solid lunch if you’re stopping longer.
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Popular Climbs (8)
Hammer Mauer
2.75km | 179m | 6.5%
Beautiful climb out of the valley heading toward Eicherscheid. The first hairpin kicks up past 10%, then things ease a little until the final hairpin. Once you ride out of the forest and spot Eicherscheid ahead, the gradient softens and the road opens up.
Kermeter Climb from the Rur dam
3.57km | 192m | 5.4%
Classic Eifel climb with steady, manageable gradients, smooth tarmac and plenty of great views along the way.
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Cycling Routes (8)
Loop South of Schleiden
63.83km | 1090m
This loop from Schleiden takes you through the rolling hills of the Eifel National Park, offering wide views and quiet forest roads. With 1,022 meters of elevation over 63.8 km, it’s a solid ride for anyone who enjoys climbing. The final stretch includes a climb to Herhahn that’s perfect if you’ve still got energy left. If you want to shorten the route to 51km leave out this climb.
Long ride to Vossenack - Monschau
138.61km | 2500m
This challenging loop from Schleiden (or Gemund) covers 138.6 km and climbs a total of 2,500 meters through the Eifel's rugged beauty. The route is packed with short, steep climbs and constant elevation changes that keep the ride engaging.
Highlights include the ascent to Vossenack and a scenic stop in the historic town of Monschau.
After Monschau, a short stretch on the Vennbahn adds a smooth, relaxed section. This ride is a true test of endurance with rewarding views and a classic up-down Eifel rhythm.
Loop to Vossenack - Monschau - Hammer Climb
91.4km | 1520m
This 91.3 km loop offers 1,520 meters of climbing and a rich mix of landscapes.
The route features climbs to Mariawald, Vossenack, and Hammer rewarding you with forest views and peaceful roads.
A scenic section on the Vennbahn leads gently into the charming town of Monschau. On your way back the climb to Hammer will provide a good challenge. On the descent from Kesternich to Einruhr you'll be rewarded with Eifel panoramas.
It's a varied and satisfying ride with a perfect mix of effort and reward.
Around the Nationalpark - Rursee
84.3km | 1340m
This 84.3 km loop from Gemund circles the edge of the Eifel National Park, combining forest serenity with open lake views. The second half treats you to stunning views over the Rursee, making the effort well worth it.
Key climbs include the ascent from Rurberg to Steckenborn and the final climb to Mariawald from Heimbach.
With 1,340 meters of elevation, it’s a ride that balances challenge and scenery. Ideal for riders who enjoy quiet roads and varied terrain.
Loop du France
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Map of Nationalpark Eifel - 27 pins
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Reviews
Write a review Write a reviewExperiences from riders who have been here
Mathijs
When I’m driving south, I definitely prefer the Eifel over South Limburg. The climbs are longer, the roads are quieter, and the views around the lake are just awesome. And if you stop for a coffee, you’re pretty much guaranteed a big slice of pie to fill you right back up.