Höfen: Nature, hiking trails and daffodils

Nature and the National Park Gate

When planning a trip around Höfen, nature, trails and the National Park Gate take centre stage. If you are looking for a hotel in Höfen, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: hiking, cycling or a spring visit appeal to different interests. The barrier-free exhibition “Daffodil Delight and Changing Forests” is located at the Höfen National Park Gate. Stations featuring sound, scent and touch introduce visitors to National Park topics. The exhibition explores these topics through sound, scent and touch, complementing the trails and landscape with a multisensory experience. You can include the exhibition in your travel plans as a focus in its own right, alongside outdoor activities.

Trails and orientation

Two trails start at the Höfen National Park Gate: the Wilderness Trail and the barrier-free Höfen Hedgerow Trail. The Eifelsteig passes directly by the building. The trails therefore differ in their connection to the centre: two start there, while the Eifelsteig passes by. The centre also offers e-bike hire, places to rest, and local hiking and cycling information. This information covers both activity options; e-bike hire is an additional service. If you need to hire a bike for your plans, check its current availability in advance.

Spring landscape near Höfen

In spring, wild daffodils can be seen in the Perlenbach and Fuhrtsbach valleys near Höfen. The exact period when they are visible naturally varies; if you are travelling specifically to see the flowers, check the current flowering period in advance. At the same time, the landscape is gradually changing from planted coniferous forests to near-natural mixed deciduous woodland. These two aspects of nature offer different perspectives: the daffodils draw attention to spring, while the changing forest describes a transition between forest types. A seasonal flower theme and the gradual transformation of the landscape therefore go hand in hand.

More experiences in the wider Monschau destination

In the wider Monschau destination, cultural and town-related attractions complement Höfen’s focus on nature. The Circular Route 15 is available for exploring Monschau’s old town independently. The Red House was built in 1760 by textile manufacturer Johann Heinrich Scheibler as a residence and business premises. Its original dual function brought together home and business; Scheibler’s profession also links the building to textile production. The Red House, the half-timbered façades along the Rur and the castle are among the landmarks of the town of Monschau. Visitors exploring the old town can therefore use both a circular route and several prominent buildings as points of reference.

At the Monschau Glassworks, visitors can watch glassblowers shape vessels or glass figures from a glowing mass. The focus here is on the craft process and the forms it produces. For cyclists, the “Monschauer-Land Route” passes through the cloth-making town of Monschau. In Monschau’s distinct town setting, visitors can choose from different themes, including an old-town walk, architectural history, glassblowing and cycling.

Discover more destinations: Mützenich, Kalterherberg, Rohren, Konzen

Back to the wider travel overview: Monschau.