Hidden Gems of the Vulkaneifel
Places off the beaten path
The Pulvermaar is absolutely magnificent. Eltz Castle, of course, is too. But if you look a little further afield, you’ll find so much more. Places that aren’t listed in every travel guide. And that give you the feeling that you’ve discovered something truly special. A few of these places are featured here.
For everyone looking for something special.
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More than just the classics.
The Vulkaneifel for the Curious.
The most beautiful places are often the ones you don’t see at first glance. The ones you only discover when you take a little detour. Or when you follow a tip a local shares with a wink.
The Vulkaneifel is full of places like this. Quiet, unspoiled, and often surprising. Just the thing for anyone who likes to go exploring on their own.
Windsborn Crater Lake
Tucked away on the Mosenberg near Bettenfeld lies a true natural wonder: the Windsborn Crater Lake. It is the only water-filled crater lake north of the Alps—not a maar, but a genuine volcanic crater.
A short climb through the woods, and suddenly the view opens up to a tranquil body of water, surrounded by reeds and old trees. A place to marvel and pause.
Something special happens here every 35 minutes. Water shoots up from an unassuming basin in the center of Wallenborn. It’s not a hot geyser like those in Iceland, but a cold one—driven by volcanic carbon dioxide that still rises from deep underground.
A fascinating spectacle that proves the Vulkaneifel is far from dormant.
The Holzmaar
While swimmers spread out their towels at Pulvermaar in the summer, the nearby Holzmaar often lies quiet and peaceful. Smaller, more secluded, surrounded by woods and meadows.
A leisurely loop trail winds along the shore, and benches invite you to take a break. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher darting across the water.
The Papenkaule near Steffeln
Not all maars are filled with water. The Papenkaule near Steffeln is what’s known as a dry maar—a deep basin that now lies as a meadow. From the viewing platform at the edge, you can admire its perfect crater shape.
Right next door is the VulkangARTen Steffeln, featuring interactive exhibits on the region’s geological history. It’s perfect for a family outing.
The village of Meerfeld
The Meerfelder Maar is the largest maar in the Eifel. And right in the middle of the crater lies a small village. It’s an unusual setting that can’t be found anywhere else.
A stroll along the shore, a glance up at the crater rim, and perhaps a slice of cake at the village café make this place a truly special experience.
Insider tips don't stay secret for long. So let's go.
The Vulkaneifel rewards anyone with a sense of curiosity—those who are willing to veer off the main paths and see what lies around the next bend.
Because that’s exactly where the places are waiting—the ones you won’t find in every travel guide. But the ones that stay in your heart forever.
