Volcanoes, Middle Ages and Nature
The Eifel has much to offer and many things that want to be explored. Untouched nature is as exciting as culture and art in many of the region’s small towns and villages.
Mayen and surrounding is worth visiting due to its active history. This beautiful countryside is situated in midst of the volcanic eastern Eifel between the rivers Rhine, Mosel and Ahr. The city’s landmark was built on a rocky outcrop above the marketplace, so that it is very well visible from the distance: the Genoveva castle. It accommodates the Eifel Museum where visitors get much information about the region’s history and culture. To the museum belongs the German slate mine that is located beneath Genoveva castle. In this underground labyrinth of tunnels much information about the daily life and work of slate miners is exhibited.
Another town of great interest is the Eifel spa resort Prüm. This town is situated in the hills of the German-Belgian Nature Park. Its character is very much shaped by a former Benedictine abbey dating back to the 18th century. Landmark of the town is the St. Salvator basilica. Its two characteristic towers which’s construction had begun in 1721 in celebration of the abbey’s 1,000th anniversary, characterize the city. During summer holidays the abbey hosts the art exhibition ‘European Association of Artists’, which is an independent association of painters and sculptors from the Eifel and Ardenne countries of France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. For all art fans a must!
Visiting the Eifel town of Bad Münstereifel feels like travelling back in time to the Middle Ages. North Rhine-Westphalia has no second such untouched medieval town. Of course, there a many sights worth seeing! The fully preserved town wall with four gates and a total of 18 fortified towers is as interesting as the imposing castle. Further, lots of lovingly restored half-timbered houses in narrow alleys remind of life during the Middle Ages.
However, Bad Münstereifel has even more to offer. It is also an important spa resort. 80 years ago it was chosen as West German headquarters of the ‘Kneipp method’.
More information: http://www.eifel.de/go/home-english.html
Photo: Monschau, borisb17/Shutterstock
