Ulmen: Maar Lakes, Castle Ruins and Maar Tunnel

Ulmen combines two maar lakes with a viewpoint at castle ruins and a walk-through tunnel crossing the volcanically shaped landscape. Jungferweiher and Ulmener Maar give the town a distinctive natural character; the castle, Maar Tunnel, and digital tour add history and geology. This makes it easy to shape your trip around specific interests: nature watching, geological features, or a discovery tour with a set duration can take centre stage.

Two Maar Lakes, Each with Its Own Character

Jungferweiher is considered the oldest and largest volcanic crater in the Eifel and is a nature and bird sanctuary. Rare bird and plant species are found there. The central Ulmener Maar is considered the youngest maar in the Eifel and is 37 metres deep. The two bodies of water offer different experiences: at Jungferweiher, the focus is on the protected area and biodiversity; at Ulmener Maar, on its geological classification and specific depth. Those interested in nature will find two named bodies of water, each with its own distinctive feature.

Castle Views, the Maar Tunnel, and a Discovery Tour

The ruins of an 11th-century Crusader castle overlook Ulmener Maar. From the viewpoint, you can see St Matthias Parish Church and Ulmen. This brings the historic site and views of the town as it is today together at one specific location.

The Maar Tunnel offers a close-up look at the landscape: the 126-metre-long tunnel connects Ulmener Maar with Jungferweiher. Visitors can walk through it independently and without protective equipment, view sediment layers, and visit a geological exhibition chamber. The accessible entrance is on the Jungferweiher side. Check access information before setting out, as access arrangements may change.

A smartphone discovery tour links the Maar Tunnel, Ulmener Maar, Jungferweiher, and the castle via QR code points. Short videos and a quiz for children are also included. The route covers 3.7 kilometres and takes around 2.5 hours, including walking and stops. This estimate is useful for planning your day, as it includes more than just walking time.

Also in the wider Cochem-Zell destination

Reichsburg Cochem offers another historical perspective. It was restored and rebuilt in the 19th century by Louis Ravené in the Neo-Gothic style during the Romantic castle revival. Visitors can explore interior rooms including the Knights’ Hall, dining room, hunting room, and ladies’ chamber. So, alongside Ulmen’s medieval castle ruins, the wider Cochem-Zell destination also offers a look at the history of Neo-Gothic castle restoration. On Fridays and Saturdays, Reichsburg serves traditional knight’s feasts under the name “Gasterey nach Art der alten Rittersleut”; check the current dates in advance.

Many tourist attractions across the wider Cochem-Zell destination are well connected by public transport. A visitor programme published in July 2025 lists the relevant bus or train line for each attraction. If you use this regional information to plan your trip, check the specific connection against the current timetable before travelling.

Choose the Right Search Location for Your Trip

If you would also like to include destinations across the wider Cochem-Zell area, plan these places and their connections separately. This way, your search can reflect the mix of experiences you actually want.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Auderath, Lutzerath, Bad Bertrich, Meiserich, Gillenbeuren, Urschmitt, Zell, Kliding.

Back to the wider travel overview: Cochem-Zell.