Between Vennbahn and Rur

Medium

36,2 km

3:00 h

338 m

612 m

401 m

Round Tour

Regional bike tour

Best Season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Startpoint

Former station Monschau

Destinationpoint

Former station Monschau

Explore the diverse landscape of the German-Belgian border region between Monschau and Sourbrodt on this tour. Whether spruce forests, the idyllic Rur valley or the unique High Fagnes in Europe, there is a lot to discover in terms of landscape.

The tour starts at the former Monschaus railway station, which is located outside the historic city centre. The tour takes us over the Vennbahn to Sourbrodt. Where once trains ran on coal and steel, today cyclists can explore the unique low mountain range landscape of the Eifel/Ardennes comfortably and with little gradient. On our way we pass the former smugglerdor Mützenich and after only a few kilometres we reach the viaduct of Reichenstein, which offers a wonderful view of the surroundings and provides a breath of adventure. From Kalterherberg we leave Germany and the tour leads to Belgian territory.

The unique heath landscape announces the Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park. As a gigantic water reservoir, this fascinating moorland area ensures that there are numerous streams and rivers to bridge. Behind the excellently preserved station building of Sourbrodt we leave the Vennbahn. A short time later, the Rur shore cycle path leads us back to Monschau. The splashing Rur accompanies us on our way past Reichenstein Monastery and Norbertus Chapel until we finally reach the centre of the former cloth making town of Monschau with its splendidly preserved idyll of half-timbered houses. Here we end the day with a leisurely stroll through the old town or in one of the cosy cafes before returning to the starting point.

Highlights along the route:

Reichenstein Viaduct
Kalterherberg-Sourbrodt trolley route
Sourbrodt station building
High Fagnes
Rur Valley
Reichenstein Monastery
Historical Old Town Monschau with Red House

Map

Between Vennbahn and Rur

52156 Monschau

Route

Details

Directions

The tour is completely signposted. From Monschau follow the Vennbahn logo to Sourbrodt station. Leave the railway line and turn right onto Rue de la Station and turn right again at the fork in the road and follow Rue du Pre Louis to KP 79, then return to the starting point via junctions 80, 83, 86, 71, 38, 39, 30,32, 33,27.

Route character

The tour runs on very well developed paths through the Eifel landscape. The road surface is mostly asphalted, but especially on the Rur shore cycle path there are also water-bound sections, which are in good condition. Only between knots 33, 26 and 27 in Monschau and on the Belgian section far away from the Vennbahn are some crisp climbs to be found.

Safety Guidelines

Please stay on the marked routes.

Equipent

With the weather adapted clothing, enough water and a little food you are well equipped for the tour.

Tip

Gastronomy along the route

You will find restaurants in the centres of Monschau, Mützenich, Kalterherberg and Sourbrodt.

Getting There

Use our route planner for the individual planning of your journey by car and enter "Beerenburg, Monschau" as your destination.

Parking

Park your car in the parking areas at the former Monschau train station.

Public Transit

Please note that during the week, cycling on AVV buses is only possible during off-peak hours. Arriving by public transport including cycling during the week is therefore difficult. On Sundays and public holidays, however, it is advisable to travel by AVV bicycle bus. The bicycle bus transports you and your bicycle (in a trailer provided especially for this purpose) in the summer months to the stop Bf. Kalterherberg directly on the route. In the evening you can take the bicycle bus back to Aachen.

Your personal connection information with fare information and conditions for travelling by public transport is available at: www.avv.de

Maps

Unterwegs mit Pittchen Pedale, Radwandern in der Städteregion Aachen, Radwegekarte [On the way with Pittchen Pedale, bicycle touring in StädteRegion Aachen, biking map] 1:50.000 with accompanying booklet, Price: 7,50 €, ISBN 978-3-89899-529-0, Meyer & Meyer Verlag