Langerwehe sits within the Eifel Nature Park created by the last Ice Age. The Belgian border isn’t too far away, so don’t go too far otherwise you’ll probably be hearing Dutch instead of German.
There are lots of historic neighborhoods (D’horn, Crept, and Stütgerloch were once Frankish and Roman settlements) to explore filled with castle and monastery ruins, old churches, and museums, so you’re likely to want to spend a good bit of time here in town.
A great place to start out your stay here in Langerwehe is at the ruins of Monastery Schwarzenbroich that goes back to around some time in the 1300’s. Only a few of the brick walls remain in the Meroder Forest, but there is a beautiful (and historic) memorial stone dedicated to the Apostle Matthias.
Then a visit to Schloss Merode is in order. This 12th century manor house is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the region, so make sure not to miss it. But, the castle’s park is open for business and where you’ll find the annual May Celebration held every Spring.
Merode’s also the village where you’ll find a World War II Soldier’s Cemetery (for you war history buffs), a final resting place of 220 soldiers.
There’s a monastery in Wenau as well, and it’s now the place for many religious music concerts; so catch one if you can. Wenau also sits on the north end of a wonderful Nature Park, so you’ll be able to get some hiking in after you’ve visited the village’s Parish Church Katharina (another must-see).
For something a bit culturally different, come see the Pottery Museum. Some time around the turn of the last millenia, Langerwehe started producing pottery and for several hundred years the industry was a boon to Langerwehe’s economy.
The museum is also where the Eifel Market is held every September and a chance for finding a great bargain. In July Langerwehe has its own Summer Festival with great food, music, and merry making for everyone.
Forget about finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow; you’ve found something much better here in Langerwehe at the end of the forest.
