Eifel

The Volcanic Eifel is a region of breathtaking beauty and a fascinating geological phenomenon. This unique area owes its name to the numerous volcanoes that were active in the region many millions of years ago. Today, the Volcanic Eifel is best known for its maars, a special form of volcanic crater lakes that shape the landscape and are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.

The history of the volcanic Eifel goes back as far as 50 million years, when the first volcanic activity occurred here. The rocks that were formed during these eruptions form the foundation of the region today. The maars of the volcanic Eifel were formed about 10,000 to 30,000 years ago when underground magma met water and caused explosions. These explosions left deep craters that filled with water over time, forming the characteristic maar lakes.

One of the best-known maars in the volcanic Eifel is the Laacher Maar. It is not only the largest, but also the youngest maar in the region. The Laacher Maar is surrounded by a deep green environment and attracts thousands of visitors every year who want to explore the idyllic landscape and the secrets of volcanic activity. In addition to the Laacher Maar, there are dozens of other maars in the Volcanic Eifel, including the Schalkenmehrener Maar, the Gemündener Maar, the Pulvermaar and many others. Each of these maars has its own unique history and scenic beauty to offer. On your excursions you can explore them at your leisure.

For those who want to learn more about the volcanic history of the Eifel, a guided tour through the Volcanic Eifel Nature Park and UNESCO Global Geopark is a great way to do so.

On the extensive hiking trails that lead over extinct volcanic craters in the volcanic Eifel, for example, you will quickly work up a sweat. Extensive multi-day tours on the Eifelsteig provide plenty of kilometres to hike: From Aachen it goes through the Eifel National Park and idyllic rivers to the Moselle and Trier. Crater lakes, maars and bubbling springs along the way offer not only photo opportunities, but also a cool-down.

An alternative are the partner trails of the Eifelsteig as well as the Vulkaneifel-Pfade and the circular trails with premium quality in the NaturWanderPark delux. Thus, hikers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and families with children will find their favourite tours in the diverse network of hiking trails.

For a spontaneous bike trip with the family, it is best to follow one of the railway tracks over viaducts and through tunnels. For example, you can experience the scenic diversity of the Eifel on the Maare-Mosel cycle path without the hassle of traffic and steep gradients.

Also along the rivers, for example on the Kyll cycle path or the RurUfer-Radweg offer enjoyable cycling tours. The Eifel-Höhen-Route is more challenging, with a varied route around the Eifel National Park.

At the Nürburgring and in its surroundings, racing bike fans will find the best conditions for over 1,500 km. And mountain bikers can expect three outstanding single trails in the nearby MTB Arena.