The River Rur is a major river that flows through Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. It is a tributary of the Meuse river and has a length of 164.5 km (102.2 mi). Monschau is a small resort town in the Eifel region of western Germany, located in the narrow valley of the Rur river.

The town has a historic center with many preserved half-timbered houses and narrow streets that date back to the Middle Ages. The town is also known for its open-air classical music festival at Burg Monschau, a castle that was once a seat of the dukes of Jülich.

Monschau attracts many tourists with its picturesque views, especially in the warm months 3. The Rur river is also a source of trout and salmon for local fishermen. In 2023, the river experienced a severe flooding that threatened the town of Monschau and its surroundings.