"Adenau – Main Town of the High Eifel Region" Adenau by MikeAtSea

Adenau Travel Guide: 22 reviews and 28 photos

Adenau is in the High Eifel region some 300 meters above altitude. It is surrounded by the Hohe Acht (747m) and the Nürburg (678m) which are about 5 to 6 km away.
The town is a little more city like in comparison to the rural farming communities that comprise most of the Eifel region.
Some of its income is generated by the Nürburg Ring race course that was opened in 1927.
Since Adenau is in a valley the town stretches out, only in recent years one has begun to build houses on the hills above the town centre.
The history of Adenau goes back to a document where Emperor Otto III from the year 992 which mentions the river “adenova flvvis” or Adenau River as well as the town Lower Adenau that is situated 5 km away from Adenau as “lierades adenove”.
Already the Romans passed the region in ancient times, archaeologists discovered Roman coins, graves and lamps when a water pipe as well as the road were built. It is believed that the Roman road moved from Tier to Adenau.
A boost to the town came in 1601 when market rights were given to the small settlement. It was then allowed to hold four yearly markets and certain weekly markets for the region.
French troops occupied the region from 1801 to 1814 and after the French left Adenau became part of the Prussia.
During World War II 50% of the town was destroyed.
Today the city is a little pretty yet bustling town that serves the community of the High Eifel region and many people come here on a daily basis to do their shopping. The historical town centre and Buttermarkt centre offer a magnificent resemblance of the old architecture and the splendour of buildings done in the medieval times.
Modernity with a number of events on the Race Course keeps visitors from all over the world flocking to the Eifel each year.

Last visit to Adenau: Feb 2005
Intro Written Feb 4, 2005
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Reviews (23)

Christmas Market Local Customs (2)

Almost every town and city in Germany offers a Christmas market, where besides Glühwein and other traditional beverages... more travel advice

Glühwein Local Customs (2)

Okay I am honest since I am writing this tip with a massive hangover... Gluehwein is hot red wine cooked with a special... more travel advice

Kart Centre Sports & Outdoors (2)

This is a very different kart race course right next door to the famous Nuerburg Ring. 60 karts are available to race... more travel advice

Drive your car or bike on the... Sports & Outdoors (2)

It is possible to drive your own car or motor bike on the Nürburgring. The route used is the Nordschleife with a length... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Game Warning
Things to Do (12)
See All The Nürburg-Ring
Restaurants (4)
See All Dine in one of the oldest houses in town

Transportation (1)
Road to Adenau
Shopping (1)
General Shopping
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Comments (4)

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SLLiew Jul 19, 2009 at 9:51 AM

Nice traditional architecture of the town houses shown here.
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RhineRoll Feb 28, 2005 at 3:46 AM

Great pages on the Eifel places to visit :-) Did you make it to Ahrweiler's walled town, too?
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Bigs Feb 5, 2005 at 7:13 AM

Adenau looks nice with all the beautiful halftimbered houses... My dad once drove with us over teh Nürburg Race Course...but only with the speed of 30 to 50 kmh :)
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pepples46 Feb 4, 2005 at 11:01 AM

wunderschoen, great to see Adenau here on VT, your working on it, I'll be back!! tks Michael