In Konzen, traces of Carolingian history meet chapels and trails with different themes. The landscape on the edge of the High Fens and around the Laufenbach Valley adds to the appeal. When planning a trip, you can choose between local history, themed trails and views of the countryside.
Chapels and Carolingian History
St. Pancras Chapel is located in Konzen’s current cemetery, about 30 metres north of St. Peter’s Parish Church. Its eastern half is the remains of the mother church of the Monschau region, built around 890. The chapel is probably the oldest stone church in the Monschau region. St. Quirinus Chapel was consecrated in 1968 on the site of an earlier building dating from 1679.
The history of settlement here goes back a long way, too: By the end of the 8th century at the latest, in Carolingian times and continuing from a Roman-era settlement, Konzen had become the centre of the resettlement of the Monschau region, which had become overgrown with forest. A royal estate was established here under Charlemagne. These dates represent different chapters in the history of the town: from the settlement and royal estate to the churches, whose history can be traced through specific dates.
Trails with Different Themes
The 8.6-kilometre Charlemagne Trail focuses on Charlemagne’s former hunting grounds. Its 17 stops and locations reveal their special features, while numerous information and activity boards explore the Carolingian era. The trail combines a set distance with insights into history.
The circular trail “44 – Out and About in Konzen” is rated very easy to easy. Its first 1.2 kilometres lead southwest from the hiking car park via the “Liechewäch.” This section is also associated with a historic use of the route: for centuries, residents of Mützenich used the Liechewäch to take their dead to the cemetery in Konzen. With its published difficulty rating and local history, this circular trail differs from the Charlemagne Trail, which focuses on the former hunting grounds.
Laufenbach Valley and the Vennbahn
Konzen lies on the edge of the High Fens and in the source basin of the Laufenbach. The “Along the Laufenbach” route starts at the church car park, passes through extensive meadows and offers views across the Laufenbach Valley. A 1.1-kilometre section of the route follows the former Vennbahn railway line. It is advisable to check local trail conditions before setting out on this section.
There is also a dedicated access point for cyclists: within the Monschau municipal area, the Vennbahn can be reached, among other places, via the car park on the B258 near Konzen. This is one of four listed access points. The trails therefore offer different themes for planning a trip: historic stops, a circular route rated easy to very easy, or a route through meadows and along the Laufenbach.
More Destinations in the Monschau Holiday Region
In the wider Monschau holiday region, circular trail 15 runs through the old town and is a way to explore it independently. The Red House in Monschau was built in 1760 by textile manufacturer Johann Heinrich Scheibler as a home and business premises. The half-timbered façades along the Rur and the castle are also landmarks of the town of Monschau.
At the Monschau Glassworks, visitors can watch glassblowers shape vessels or glass figures from a glowing mass. The “Monschauer-Land-Route” cycle tour also passes through the cloth-making town of Monschau. These destinations in Monschau complement the chapels and trails in Konzen without confusing their distinct character.
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on the chapels and historic themed trails or on the landscape routes. This way, planning starts with the interests that actually bring you to Konzen and the Monschau holiday region.
Discover more destinations: Mützenich, Kalterherberg, Rohren, Höfen
Return to the overview of the holiday region: Monschau.
