Spontaneous trip to the Eifel region

When a long weekend with beautiful weather appears on the calendar, travel blogger Sylvie from Get Out Of Town doesn’t hesitate for a second to make the most of it together with her two children. They set course for the Eifel region for an unforgettable weekend: it was short, but it truly felt like a holiday, and everyone got exactly what they wanted — from the mother eager to go hiking (hi there!) to the teenage sons craving a shot of adrenaline.

Freedom & joy

Unlike other camper trips, this time I didn’t book anything in advance, just to fully embrace that wonderful sense of camper freedom. I did jot down a few camper sites and possible activities on a little note, but beyond that we’d just see on the spot, depending on the weather and what we felt like doing.

Then finally it’s time to leave! I put fresh sheets on the camper beds, fill the cupboards with clothes, stock the fridge with plenty of soft drinks, and the pantry with treats, cookies (my secret weapon to get the kids to go hiking), and comfort food that’s easy to prepare in the oh-so-tiny but cosy kitchen of our Chausson.

And oh, how happy I am that we’re back on the road. “Wow, mom is so excited,” I hear Vic (12) snort even before we’ve left our street on the way to Eifel. I don’t see the eye roll, but I definitely feel it — and I don’t mind one bit, because Vic is right: I am absolutely thrilled. Being on the road every day, discovering new places while having everything you need right there with you, is simply the best. It completely recharges me.

Active adventures

After countless TikTok videos and one movie in the backseat, we arrive at the camper site in Gerolstein (you might know it from Gerolsteiner mineral water), and find a huge amount of space. Fantastic! Well-maintained spots for both large motorhomes and small camper vans. The camper site is next to the municipal swimming pool with a large and beautiful outdoor pool. Unfortunately, we’re just a bit too late for what could have been an unexpected swim. No worries though — a stunning sunset over the hills and a fun ball game with the boys make for a perfect start to the trip.

Everything I’d noted on my little prep (or should I say pre-trip joy?) list holds up, because we always find a spot at the camper sites and everyone is up for the activities I carefully picked out. Two activities a day, all close together and super varied. The perfect recipe for a road trip. Love it!

• A nearly 10 km hike in Gerolstein through the forest, with the Dietzenley lookout tower at 617 m offering panoramic views over the area. Stunning! And smart to start with this, because then “the worst” was behind the boys and my hiking itch was scratched.

• Ziplining at Eifel Adventures in Berlingen. Twelve ziplines, including some super long ones crossing the entire valley at lightning speed, up to 50 meters high. The cherry on top: a 15-meter free fall. So much fun to do together.
• Go-karting in Nürburg: the highlight for the boys and a surprise for all of us, because what a unique place this is! A true mecca for motorsport.
• A short interactive forest bathing walk in Eifel National Park near Schleiden — the Wilder Kermeter trail, 1.5 km long.
• Pedalo boating on the Rursee. Despite the effort, it’s incredibly relaxing. Maybe that gorgeous tranquil lake has something to do with it?
• A visit to the picturesque town of Monschau. With its timber-framed houses and narrow streets, this historic little town is an absolute must.

Would happily do it again

It’s such a joy to wake up somewhere new every morning and then set off again, not knowing where we’ll sleep that night. It might not be everyone’s favourite way to travel, but it gives me an incredible amount of energy.

Way too soon, our final stop comes into view. So there I am, during lunch in Monschau, smiling at the boys and looking back on our Eifel trip. It was simply wonderful! The Eifel is a beautiful, green, spacious region, the people are unbelievably friendly, there’s so much to do, and it’s so close by. An incredibly pleasant surprise that no one can take away from us.

Follow our adventures on @getoutoftown