Discover Konzen: Chapels, Trails and History

Konzen combines a rich history with trails that offer different perspectives on the village and its landscape. The Pankratius Chapel stands in the present-day cemetery, about 30 metres north of the parish church of St Peter. Its eastern half is the remnant of the mother church of the Monschau region, built around 890. The chapel is probably the oldest stone-built church in the Monschau region.

A royal estate was established in Konzen under Charlemagne. By the end of the 8th century at the latest, during the Carolingian period and continuing from a Roman-era settlement, Konzen was the centre of the resettlement of the Monschau region, which had become overgrown with forest. The Quirinius Chapel also tells the story of local construction: it was consecrated in 1968 on the site of an earlier building dating from 1679.

Experience history along the trails

The Charlemagne Trail is 8.6 kilometres long. Its 17 stops and sites showcase the features of Charlemagne’s former hunting grounds; numerous information and activity boards focus on the Carolingian period. This means that, alongside the route itself, a connected historical theme is at the heart of the trail.

The circular trail “44 – Exploring Konzen” offers a different focus and is rated very easy to easy. The first 1.2 kilometres lead from the hiking car park southwest along the “Liechewäch”. For centuries, the people of Mützenich used this path to carry their dead to the cemetery in Konzen.

Meadows, valley views and a cycling route

Konzen lies on the edge of the High Fens and in the spring basin of the Laufenbach. The “Am Laufenbach” route starts at the car park by Konzen church, passes through extensive meadows and offers views across the Laufenbach valley. A 1.1-kilometre section follows the former Vennbahn railway line. This gives the trail a scenic focus alongside the stops and historical interpretation of the Charlemagne Trail.

Cyclists can access the Vennbahn in the Monschau municipal area, among other places, via the car park on the B258 near Konzen; this is one of four access points. When looking for accommodation for your trip to Konzen, you can decide in advance what you want to focus on during your stay: would you mainly like to explore the chapels and local history, follow a themed trail, or focus on the landscape and cycling?

Discover Monschau too

In the wider Monschau destination, circular trail 15 offers a way to explore the old town independently. The Red House, the half-timbered facades along the Rur and the castle are landmarks of Monschau. The Red House was built in 1760 by textile manufacturer Johann Heinrich Scheibler as a home and business premises. At the Monschau Glassworks, visitors can watch glassblowers shape vessels or glass figures from a glowing mass.

Discover more destinations

Höfen, Rohren, Mützenich, Kalterherberg

Back to the main travel overview: Monschau.