Eifel volcano country: Monschau to Maria Laach
A half-timbered town on the Rur, crater lakes around Daun, a castle above the Nürburgring and a Romanesque abbey on a volcanic lake.
- Distance
- 193 km (120 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 40 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Germany
- Updated
- July 28, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 193 km (120 mi) with 7 stops, from Aachen to Koblenz. About 2 h 40 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Germany · More road trips from Aachen
Route description
Leave Aachen south on the B258, about 30 km through the forest to Monschau. The old cloth-making town fills a narrow valley of the Rur, with slate-roofed half-timbered houses and a castle above. The centre is tight and closed to large vehicles, so use the car parks on the edge and walk down. The Eifel National Park and the Rursee lie close by if you have a spare day.
Continue south-east across the high plateau to Daun, about 90 km. The Volcanic Eifel is dotted with maars, round lakes that fill craters left by gas explosions. From the chapel above the Weinfelder Maar, marked paths lead to two more: the Schalkenmehrener Maar and the Gemündener Maar, where you can swim in summer.
Drive north-east to Nürburg, about 35 km, and walk up to the castle ruins for a view over the Nürburgring. The Nordschleife is open on many days to anyone with a road-legal vehicle and a lap ticket, though it is not for motorhomes. Then follow the B412 east to the Laacher See, a crater lake with the Romanesque abbey of Maria Laach on its shore.
A path of about 8 km circles the Laacher See; on the east shore, carbon dioxide bubbles up through the water. From there it is 30 km to Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine at the Deutsches Eck. Roads in the Eifel are quiet and suit motorhomes, but they twist a lot. The region is best from May to October; on race weekends near the Nürburgring, book campsites early.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Aachen
Germany - 234 km
Monschau
Germany - 372 km
Daun
Germany - 43 km
Weinfelder Maar
NatureDaun, GermanyA round volcanic crater lake with a lone chapel and graveyard on its rim, the most photographed of the Daun maars. Park near the chapel; marked paths link it with the neighbouring Schalkenmehrener and Gemündener maars.
- 525 km
Nürburg Castle
HistoryNürburg, GermanyA ruined castle on a volcanic cone, looking down on the Nürburgring racetrack that loops through the forest around it. Short walk up from the village; the Nordschleife is open to paying public drivers on set days.
- 628 km
Maria Laach Abbey
HistoryGlees, GermanyA Romanesque Benedictine abbey church from the 12th century on the shore of the Laacher See, a volcanic crater lake. Paid car park by the abbey; a path circles the lake past bubbling gas vents.
- 731 km
Koblenz
Germany
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Aachen → Monschau · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOvernight nearby, for example: Zum Jone Bur (2 km); Camp-Hammer (7 km).
- Day 2: Monschau → Nürburg Castle · 100 km · 1 h 23 minOn the way: Daun, Weinfelder Maar.Overnight nearby, for example: Nürburgring Caravan Park (1 km); Falkleymühle (13 km).
- Day 3: Nürburg Castle → Koblenz · 59 km · 0 h 49 minOn the way: Maria Laach Abbey.Overnight nearby, for example: KNAUS Campingpark Koblenz (2 km); Campingplatz Gülser Moselbogen (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Eifel volcano country: Monschau to Maria Laach?
3-day road trip of about 193 km (120 mi) with 7 stops, from Aachen to Koblenz. About 2 h 40 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Eifel volcano country: Monschau to Maria Laach?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 40 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Eifel volcano country: Monschau to Maria Laach start and end?
It starts in Aachen and ends in Koblenz.
Which countries does Eifel volcano country: Monschau to Maria Laach pass through?
Germany.
Where can you camp along Eifel volcano country: Monschau to Maria Laach?
OpenStreetMap lists 227 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Stellplatz Bad Aachen, Aire de Kelmis and Natur-Camping Hammerbrücke.
When is the best time for Eifel volcano country: Monschau to Maria Laach?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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