Dreis-Brück: Volcanism, Trails and History

The Dreiser Weiher is a dry maar, formed by the collapse of a volcanic crater. Its geological history gives a trip to Dreis-Brück an unusual theme; water, outdoor activities and local history are also part of the picture. When planning your trip, consider which aspect interests you most and tailor your accommodation search accordingly.

Maar landscape and Vulkania healing water

The Dreiser Weiher is one of the largest maars in the Eifel. It measures about 1,360 metres from north to south and around 1,180 metres across. The volcanic ash around the Weiher is also known for mineral finds, including olivine bombs. The site thus combines a striking landform with tangible traces of volcanism.

Vulkania healing water is a state-recognised healing spring at the Dreiser Weiher. You can drink the water directly from the spring; check its suitability before drinking it on site. A small chapel stands beside the spring and is one of the stops on the approximately nine-kilometre Panorama Trail. The Quellenweg is a circular trail around Dreis-Brück and Dockweiler that passes both the Vulkania healing spring and the Dreiser Weiher.

Time by the water and trails at the reservoir

The reservoir in Dreis has a water surface area of 10,000 square metres. A wetland habitat with a water area lies in its upper section. The lake offers space for picnics, sunbathing and a peaceful break. It is also a starting point for hikes and forest runs on designated trails. It is suitable for fishing too; local conditions may vary.

For those who prefer mountain biking, the MTB Vulkan Trails offer another option: they start in the centre of Dreis and follow forest and field paths near the Ernstberg. The MTB route from Dreis leads through the Vulkaneifel landscape, with its gentle hills, streams and lush forests. At Radersberg, Hohe Eifelblick offers a viewpoint and rest area with seating, two forest sofas and a large swing.

These options offer different experiences: the reservoir combines relaxation with trails for hiking and forest running, while the MTB Vulkan Trails focus on forest and field paths. Hohe Eifelblick adds a place to stop and rest. When planning your day, consider whether you would rather spend time by the water, on a trail or at a viewpoint.

Buildings, remembrance and local traditions

Burg Dreis was first mentioned in 1579. It is described as a three-storey gabled house with a round stair tower—a distinctive architectural form that offers a particular perspective on local history. The Bergkapelle stands in Dreis territory at 577 metres above sea level, beside an old Roman road. It was consecrated in 1950 in honour of the Mother of Sorrows.

Near the cemetery in Brück, the Bomberabsturz memorial stone commemorates the crash of an American B-17 on 1 December 1943. The Kässchmerr tells a different kind of local story: buttered bread with toppings, served in Dreis during Hexennacht as part of admission to the youth group.

The Vulkaneifel in a wider context

Across the wider Vulkaneifel destination, 77 maars have been identified to date. A further 350 eruption centres have been counted there, around 270 of them from the more recent phase. The Ulmener Maar marks the most recent volcanic eruption in the Vulkaneifel, which occurred about 10,900 years ago. These regional figures place the volcanic landscape in a broader context without equating the distinctive features of the Dreiser Weiher with those of other places.

Discover more destinations: Ellscheid, Dockweiler, Tettscheid, Deudesfeld, Winkel, Steiningen, Darscheid, Steineberg.

See the wider travel overview: Daun.