Eifel Design Cabins
WHAT?
The straight-line architecture of the cabins juts majestically through the soft lines of the natural world they inhabit, while the natural colours of the wooden cabin exteriors indicate that these cabins belong here. More impressive are the cabins’ interiors; cosy spaces with huge glass windows that draw your attention to the hues of green outside. Wooden walls are broken up with black pieces of furniture and rooms are unconventional sizes and layouts, but this just contributes to the cabins’ charm.
During the day, spend your time exploring the unspoilt nature of the Eifel National Park and its dozens of hiking and biking routes that start on your doorstep. At night, turn on your sauna or fireplace, laze in the reading nook, and gaze upwards, as the millions of the stars in the universe come out to light up the sky. It’s simple magic.
The location is an interesting one. Creators Frank Zweigner and Frederik Eichen thought long and hard about building their sanctuary alongside the National Socialists’ former educational centre and decided to do so in order to contribute to the positive energy shift that is happening in the region. Many nonprofits are popping up on this historical complex, which is now proudly called Vogelsang IP, an international place for tolerance, diversity and peaceful co-existence.
We love this active decision to reclaim the stunning landscape of the Eifel National Park for good, and to empower individuals to reconnect with nature, with themselves, and their loved ones, with the hope of positive experiences contributing to a positive world.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- There is a huge emphasis on championing the natural, here. From cabins built from natural materials to glass windows that not only frame the landscape but also are designed to ensure birds don’t collide - nothing has been overlooked
- Stargazing is such a magical activity, but often so hard to do, especially from the comfort of a spoiling cabin. Here you are truly spoilt
You must...
- Pack your hiking shoes and take a long walk through the Eifel National Park’s gorgeous volcanic landscape to the impressive Victor-Neels-Brücke
- Explore Rursee, either by foot or by SUP
You might dislike...
- Some of the cabins are semi-detached, meaning they share a wall and may feel less private (though all have their own terrace)
- Eifel Design Cabins is very remote, and while not essential, a car is recommended
WHO?
Introducing the Eifel Design Cabins team!
“The starting ideas for the cabins were architecture and design in nature.”
They love…
“There is total peace and quiet here. This, mixed with the striking external and internal architecture, as well as the focus on ecological principles, make it very special.”
Eifel Design Cabins team's insider tips
- The cabins are at the heart of the Eifel National Park’s hiking centre; the Eifelsteig and Wilderness Trails begin close by, and we love the trails around the Urft reservoir
- If you feel like a city day trip, head to Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf or Aachen (all reachable in less than an hour). NRW’s cities are often overlooked, but we love them all
- A little darker, but still historically important: Eifel Design Cabins is located at the edge of the former Burg Vogelsang, an education centre for the National Socialist Party. It served for a while as a Belgium military camp, but today it has been transformed into Vogelsang IP, an international place for tolerance, diversity and peaceful co-existence - a visit to the centre is recommended
- Maastricht (NL) and Liège (BE) are also only a short drive away, just in case you want to explore across the border
Eifel Design Cabins
We spent 5 wonderful days here in a cabin with a sauna and fireplace. I was able to relax well here, the cabin was clean and very well-furnished upon arrival. The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking. Overall it is very quiet on the site and I will definitely come back here.
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Need to know: There’s a 2-night minimum stay. If you suffer from allergies, let the team know and they can reserve one of the cabins specifically for those who suffer from allergies.
- Sleeping arrangements: There are two sizes of cabins - for 2 (the Cozy and Starview categories) and for 4 (the Family&Friends category). Cozy and Family&Friend cabins have private saunas.
- Bathroom set-up: All cabins have their own bathroom with a shower. You can rent a bathrobe, too (extra charge).
- Food: All cabins have their own fully-equipped kitchen complete with basic ingredients. There is a dining space inside and a terrace with a table should you want to eat outside. Different breakfast options can be ordered (extra charge) and are served to the cabin. Additionally, there is a service shop, which offers a carefully selected range of staple products. Shops selling daily essentials as well as restaurants are just a few minutes’ drive away.
- For families: Families with children of all ages are allowed, and cots are available for a small extra charge in all of the cabins. Do note that younger children will need closer supervision due to the design and layout of the cabins.
- On-site equipment: There are plenty of books to borrow available from the cabins’ libraries and there is a speaker in each cabin.
- Help: Help is available on-site.
- Remember to pack: A rain jacket, some board or card games, and equipment for stargazing.
- Pets: Up to 2 pets are allowed in some of the cabins on a request-only basis.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly building materials were used during the construction of all cabins, and they have been installed with a low-emission heating system, efficient insulation materials and no harmful varnishes and paints. Starpark Cabins have also used anti-reflective glass, which both stores thermal energy and prevents bird strikes. Nature preservation has been prioritised. For instance: a breeding ground for bats has been created and light pollution has been minimised.
WHERE?
Eifel Design Cabins is located in the middle of the Eifel National Park.
You can easily drive, and there’s on-site parking.
Due to its rural location, it’s a bit more complex to arrive by public transport, but not impossible! From Cologne, you catch a regional train to Kall station, and from there you can catch the national park shuttle, before catching another smaller bus to Eifel Design Cabins.
