Located just a few kilometres over the Belgian border, Monschau offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do, quaint shops, romantic old streets, half timbered buildings, a wonderful selection of restaurants & cafes, a historic mustard mill, various museums and the old friary to mention just a few.

The Monschau Christmas Market is small but beautiful, in December 1999 the town of Monschau received an award for being one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in western Germany.

Through out the weekend there are free and exciting programmes including live brass band concerts, a living manger at 3pm and 5pm and Santa Claus who will be visiting Monschau's Christmas market in the afternoons and evenings.

The Monschau Christmas Market extends from Richters Eck through Rurtrasse along the town's church and monastery to the middle of it all on the market square where there is a large and beautifully decorated Christmas tree. 

What makes it so special are its narrow streets lined with half timbered houses, the views of the small river Rur, running through the town centre and the panorama from the surrounding hills. Tucked into a peaceful and hilly landscape the houses are half timbered, topped with high slate roofs, some of them richly coloured and ornate. 

Monschau was first mentioned in 1198 when it was part of France and known as Montjoie. However the town really only became to be in the 13th century when the town’s castle was built. In 1815 Monschau was awarded to Prussia but it was only in 1918 when Montjoie changed its name to Monschau.

Despite its turbulent history the town is still extraordinarily well preserved with lots of interesting museums and sights waiting to be discovered, including a Brewery Museum and a glass works visitor centre where one can see demonstrations of various glass blowing techniques. An other highlight, not to be missed, is the Red House, which contrasts brilliantly with many of the town's dark coloured houses. Built by wealthy cloth maker; the Red House includes a Rococo staircase richly decorated with motifs from its cloth making history.