From Raeren to Monschau
Forests, Borders, and the Charm of the Eifel
Explore the second stage of the Vennbahn, through peaceful bordering forests and seamless border crossings. Monschau, a charming town in the Eifel region, awaits you with its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and picturesque scenery.
26,2 km
Distance
1/3
Difficulty
1h45
Duration
Multi-Stage
Route
Practical Information
Parking
Vennbahn-Parkplatz Raeren - Bahnhofstraße 72/70, 4730 Raeren
Distance to the Vennbahn: 10 km
Vennbahn-Parkplatz Reichenstein - 52156 Monschau, Deutschland
Distance to the Vennbahn: 0 km
Equipment
Suitable for all types of bicycles
Difficulty level
Easy
Tourist information offices on the stage
Stage 2
From Raeren to Monschau
Stage 2
From Raeren to Monschau
The second stage of the Vennbahn leads you from Raeren’s former train station to Monschau. At first, you cycle through the placid woodlands of the German-Belgian border region in the direction of Roetgen. It is here where the peculiar cross-border change takes place. The Vennbahn makes you cross borders so often that you’ll quickly lose track of which side of the border you are. Later, the landscape opens up into wide meadows, and you reach the picturesque town of Monschau.
The Border and the Forest: From Raeren to Roetgen on the Vennbahn
The Border and the Forest: From Raeren to Roetgen on the Vennbahn
Slightly uphill, this stage of the Vennbahn leads you from Raeren through placid woodlands towards Roetgen. In this portion, the road was elevated in order to let the Vennbahn cyclists pass safely through a tunnel. Even while crossing the German-Belgian border, the Vennbahn stays on Belgian territory surrounded by German territory on a total length of about 25 km.
Monschau, the Pearl of the Eifel: A Must-Visit Destination on the Vennbahn
Monschau, the Pearl of the Eifel: A Must-Visit Destination on the Vennbahn
The landscape gradually opens up, and you finally reach the destination of this stage: the former cloth-making town of Monschau. Beautifully preserved half-timbered houses emphasise the charm of this lovely Eifel town. The idyllic setting of the town will enchant you.
Find your way
Follow these signs.
Safety notice: A few tips for a trouble-free journey
- Use of the Vennbahn cycling and hiking trail is at your own risk
- No liability is assumed for any damage resulting from negligence on the part of the user
- The Vennbahn is only for use by non-motorised traffic (speed limit: 30 km/h, E-bikes: max. 25 km/h, E-Scooter: max. 18 km/h)
- The respective national Highway Code shall apply
- The markings and signposting shall always be decisive
- Always proceed at a controlled speed so that you can avoid any obstacles in good time
- In case of an accident, call 112 and tell them your location
Nearby accommodations
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Frequently asked questions
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The second stage of the Vennbahn starts at the former station in Raeren..
Roetgen and the old town of Monschau are among the highlights of the second stage of the Vennbahn.
