We're spending 3 nights in Bruges and have another 5 nights to spend somewhere before flying out of Amsterdam (in May 2019). My husband would like to spend time in Germany, so we're not stopping in Brussels this trip . I've found some good suggestions in this forum and am now wondering how to set up a base (or two) in the region where we might visit small towns such as Monschau, Aachen, Konigswinter, Blankenheim, Maastricht, and the Eifel National Park. We might want to visit the larger city of Koln/Cologne as well. I've just started to look into this area so any other suggestions are welcome.

We love to hike, visit historical sites such as churches and castles and just wander around small villages. It seems we would have plenty to do in this area, but I'm not familiar with this region. Does it make sense to stay in Monschau to have access to the Eifel region for example? We will have a car and don't like to drive more than 1.5 hours for a day trip if possible. Walking along a river or lake is also something we love to do. Where would you stay...in one location or in several? We could split up the time spending two nights in one location and three in another. I do speak German, if that helps.

Thank you!

Thorn Is a nicer location for countryside than Maastricht. But the city is a good location for an historic city.
with nearby nature park of De Koningssteen.
Given your requirement of short journey times. Then maybe Monschau as a base would be a better choice. Neither is bad and I agree that your idea of cutting down trip times. Do not forget that there are nature parks/reserves around Monschau for those walks.
Your route will take you past Leuven
.And on the way back Utrecht.

Thank you riberiasacra. I looked at each of your suggestions and they all look wonderful. I had not heard of them so it's just what I wanted in a reply. Really appreciate your quick response.

Aachen would seem to be well located for all of those.

That is what the forum should be about, finding those places that may not be on your radar.
How is that so? Needs more information on that.

Aachen is close to Maastricht and Cologne - farther from the others which are farther I believe from Aachen and Maastricht and Cologne. All are easy drives it seems but the smaller towns you mention may be better bases if not wanting a large city.

ribeirascara and PalenQ - both of you seem to know Cologne. If we are really interested in a town that has a well preserved Altstadt or medieval section, is Cologne still worth a visit considering we only have 5 days in this area? I would love to see the cathedral, but it's not a priority for my husband. I've heard from others that as Cologne was bombed during the war and had to rebuild, the city is a bit more modern. Have never been there, so don't have an opinion

Thanks for the help.

Yes Cologne is very modern due to war damage - little old-world ambience but cathedral superb and pedestrian shopping section one of best in Germany if looking to buy stuff.

Cologne with a car is tricky as it has an environment zone. With a foreign rental you will need to park outside of that zone as it is highly unlikley you will have a sticker for German zones.
Don't be tempted to drop into Brussels either unless you are certain the car is registered for the centre or you could end up with a hefty fine. Every vehicle has to be registered online before it entered inside the Brussels ring road.

Just noticed that Aachen also now needs a sticker for it's Low Emission Zone!
Check where it applies in Aachen and Cologne and in which other towns and cities you might be visiting.

That is not 100% true.
Germany has zones where stickers are required.
However, when renting a car it will be outside of the regulations because it is too new.
Google
Map of Aachen zone.PDF
Details on Cologne.


OP you do not have enough time to visit everything, I suggested alternatives to those in Germany. Sorry I did not make that clear in my post.

If wanting to see Cologne and cathedral take a train from some nearby town - train station smack dab next to cathedral and avoid hassles of driving in Cologne. And IMO the cathedral is worth it plus the Rhine Ufer or walking esplanade below it along the river.

Calling Cologne modern is an euphemism, it's more or less pretty ugly.
It's definetely a hotspot for arts and museums lovers, though.
Even with a car, I'd take the train from Aachen - if only to avoid the messy morning and afternoon rush hours.
The train will take you within 1-5 minutes walking distance of the Cathedral and the nearby museums.