Advent hike from Imgenbroich to the Monschau Christmas market

A hike on the third Sunday of Advent, timed to reach Monschau at dusk so the Christmas market is lit up on arrival. From Imgenbroich the route drops into the Belgenbach valley and runs via Grünenthal to the Kluckbach bridge, where a shelter hosts a shared picnic of Christmas biscuits, tea and mulled wine that everyone brings along. Then narrow paths climb towards Rohren before dropping into Monschau's old town.

About 11 kilometres and 160 metres of ascent, roughly three hours, partly on slippery paths. A head torch and sturdy shoes matter, as the last stretch runs through dense forest at dusk. A shuttle bus goes back to Imgenbroich from the Alte Post, or you can walk back in a little over an hour.

Meet at the car park in Imgenbroich on the street "Am Weiher", to the left in front of the church, opposite the Bodega restaurant. Register by 10 December with the tour leader via the tour's page at DAV Aachen (see the source link), where you can also ask whether non-members can join.