Day trips Easter getaways
Monschau · Use the long weekend and go see something new! Here some Easter getaways not too far from home but well worth the trip.
Lined by magnificent timber houses, the Rur winds its way through old Monschau. It is a historical and picturesque town in the Eifel mountain range and was luckily left unscathed by World War II. The town is dedicated to tourism with numerous cafes, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. It was first mentioned in 1198 and became owned by the city charter in 1352. The Red House, built in 1752 for a noble family, reflects the splendor of upper class home décor. It has a world famous three floor spiral staircase built of oak. Just outside the city is the Historic Mustard Mill. It is over 100 years old and was originally driven by a water wheel. Mustard lovers can have a look in the shops at the 19 varieties and art lovers should check out the glassblowing. It is about a 1 ½ hour drive from Bonn. Orig. text. Hans-Peter Fuß
Bad Breisig. About 40 minutes from Bonn, there is a magical fairy forest which will wake from a deep winter sleep on Friday, March 25. Speaking, moving and lovingly handcrafted figures can be admired as they show the classic fairy tales. Kids who don’t flinch at flashing light swords or explosions in 3D will feel at home in Kesselberg. Parents pushing a buggy or pram will get a good workout because the fairytale experience requires an uphill stroll. Luckily, once at the top, the Bad Hönniger Castle invites you for a refreshment and a wonderful scenic view. “Märchenwald Bad Breisig”. Am Kesselberg 19 in Bad Breisig, open March 25, 26, 27, 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. admission 4.50 euro for adults and 3.50 euro for kids. Orig. text: Mario Quadt
Trier. It’s about a two-hour drive to Germany’s oldest city, Trier founded in 1700 BC. It was once one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire. Visitors there have a huge choice of things to do; there are well-preserved Roman structures like the Porta Nigra gate, ruins of Roman baths, an amphitheater outside the center and a stone bridge over the Moselle River. The Archaeological museum has many Roman artifacts. Because it is Easter, a visit to the Trier Cathedral is also a must. For history buffs, the birth home of Karl Marx is on Brückenstraße 10. If that’s not enough, visit a local wine stube or take a boat tour on the Moselle. And Luxemburg is just a stone’s throw if you want to visit the small and scenic country on the same day. Orig. text: Sandra Kreuer
Shopping in the Netherlands. Stores are closed in Germany for much of the long weekend so many people drive to the Netherlands for some outlet shopping. Drive time is under one and half hours. A popular destination there is the Outlet center in Roermond. A recommended route to get there without traffic congestion: Take A4 in the direction of Aachen, then the Dutch A2 direction Eindhoven, and then the A73 direction Roermond. If you want to go to Eindhoven, it’s better to take the A61 direction Venlo and then the Dutch A67 to Eindhoven. The outlet center opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. For more information, check their English language website.
Orig. text: Laszlo Scheuch/ck
