Volcanic Eifel – Maars, volcanism and discoveries

Maars and traces of volcanism give the Volcanic Eifel a distinctive theme for a trip. So far, 77 maars have been identified in the region; 350 eruption centres have also been counted, around 270 of them from the more recent phase. The Ulmen Maar marks the most recent volcanic eruption in the Volcanic Eifel, which took place around 10,900 years ago. These figures tell the story of different phases in the formation of the landscape and provide a shared geological context for nature experiences and museum visits.

Comparing maars and crater lakes

The bodies of water also each have their own character. The Gemünden Maar has a surface area of about 7 hectares and is the smallest of the three famous Eifel Eyes. The Windsborn crater lake near Bettenfeld is the only natural crater lake north of the Alps. At the Ulmen Maar, the history of the place also comes to the fore alongside the landscape: the ruins of Ulmen Castle rise above the steep shore, with parts of the upper castle still standing. Different places in the region thus bring bodies of water, volcanic features and visible castle heritage into focus.

Hiking and mountain biking: different route profiles

The Volcanic Eifel Trails lead to scenic highlights on both sides of the Eifelsteig. They are marked and signposted, with half-day hikes, day hikes and multi-day hikes to choose from. The different time options make it easier to match a hike to the time available. Two specific routes can be compared by type and length: the Vulcano Trail is a 26.2-kilometre circular route east of Schalkenmehren. The eleventh stage of the Eifelsteig runs from Daun to Manderscheid and is 23.4 kilometres long.

For mountain biking, the Volcanic Eifel Trail Park has a network of around 750 kilometres of trails with more than 17,500 metres of elevation gain. This offers a different scale of experience from the marked hiking trails. If you are planning a specific tour, it is a good idea to check current trail conditions, as routes can change.

Water activities and volcanic impressions

At the Gemünden Maar, fishing and boating are among the water activities available in summer; swimming is permitted at the Gemünden Maar natural outdoor pool. The Schalkenmehren Maar has a natural outdoor pool and a boat rental service, both open in summer. If you are planning to enjoy these seasonal facilities, check the latest opening information beforehand.

The Strohn lava bomb offers another encounter with volcanism: visitors can explore how it formed on site and experience the effects of volcanism in the Eifel. This is a specific place and geological phenomenon, while the maar landscape and the Windsborn crater lake showcase other natural features of the region.

Museums, geological history and castles

The Eifel Volcano Museum in Daun features three-dimensional landscape models of scoria cones, maars and mineral springs, as well as exhibits on West Eifel volcanism. The interactive Volcano House in Strohn contains a lava fissure wall around 30,000 years old, about six metres long and four metres high. The Gerolstein Natural History Museum is considered the largest and oldest geo-museum in the Eifel; across three floors, it displays stone evidence from the region’s geological history. The exhibitions each focus on different themes: landscape models and volcanism in Daun, the lava fissure wall in Strohn, and geological evidence in Gerolstein.

The castles offer another way to connect with the landscape. The two Manderscheid castles are separated by the narrow Lieser valley, creating a blend of nature and culture. Museums and castles thus offer different ways to explore the geological and cultural themes of the Volcanic Eifel.

Tailor your stay to your interests

Think about which of the places and experiences mentioned you would most like to focus on during your stay, and tailor your search to the type of trip you have in mind.

Discover more destinations: Daun, Gerolstein, Hillesheim, Kelberg, Bodenbach, Obere Kyll, Kirsbach, Horperath, Stadtkyll.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Rhineland-Palatinate.