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Vulkaneifel

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Mountain
—°10
Vulkaneifel (Germany)

Weather…

The Vulkaneifel is a geologically unique region in Rhineland-Palatinate, shaped by intense volcanic activity during the Cenozoic era. It extends from the Wittlich Depression to the High Fens and consists of numerous cinder cones, lava flows, and the characteristic maars. The maars, often called the 'Eyes of the Eifel,' are funnel-shaped collapse basins formed by violent steam explosions when magma encountered groundwater. The most recent eruption in the region was the Laacher See volcano approximately 13,000 years ago, a catastrophe of continental scale. Today, the Vulkaneifel is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, offering profound insights into magmatic processes. Alongside the lakes, basalt quarries and mineral springs, such as those in Gerolstein, are of great significance. The landscape is also defined by alternating forested hills and deep valleys, making it a primary destination for geotourism.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01481216181814951
Rain mm655555467270707555616474

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The region is optimally reached by car via the nearby autobahn network, with scenic winding roads leading directly to the iconic crater lakes and local visitor centers.
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Best season
Spring through autumn is generally favored by hikers and nature lovers, while the spirited fall foliage reflecting in the dark blue crater lakes creates an especially photogenic setting.
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Terrain & paths
The landscape consists of rolling hills, deep volcanic craters filled with water, and dense forests. The hiking trails range from wide, easy paths to steeper, rocky ascents near the rims.
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What to bring
Good quality hiking boots are recommended for the varied terrain. Depending on the weather, bring layered clothing, a rain jacket, and enough water for a full day of exploration.
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Parking
Dedicated parking lots are usually situated just a short walk away from the most popular crater lakes and trailheads, though they can become quite full on sunny weekends.
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Safety
Swimming in the crater lakes is often prohibited or restricted to specific areas to protect nature. Always adhere to local signage and stay clear of unstable crater edges.
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Time needed
A simple stroll around one of the main lakes might take just an hour, but many visitors choose to combine multiple trails for a half-day or even full-day geological hike.

Geography

Coordinates
50.15000, 6.83300

Facts

  • Over 350 volcanic centers are documented in the region.
  • There are about 75 maars, 10 of which are filled with water.
  • The Laacher See eruption occurred approximately 12,900 years ago.
  • Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.
  • The deepest maar is the Pulvermaar at 74 meters in depth.
  • The Gerolstein Limestone Basin is famous for fossil finds.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Daun5 km · NExplore →
📍Gerolstein15 km · NWExplore →
📍Wittlich19 km · SExplore →
MoselleMoselle20 km · SEExplore →
NürburgringNürburgring22 km · NExplore →
Eifelpark GondorfEifelpark Gondorf22 km · SWExplore →
Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate)Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate)23 km · NExplore →
Cochem Imperial CastleCochem Imperial Castle23 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Vulkaneifel (10)

Schwere Flakbatterie LVZ West

Remains of a heavy anti-aircraft battery from WWII, now a ground monument in the Vulkaneifel.

Bunker WW2

Ruins of a WWII bunker in the Vulkaneifel region, a relic of wartime history.

Tellerley

Viewpoint in the Vulkaneifel, heavily overgrown as of June 2025, limiting the view.

Loehley

Viewpoint in the Vulkaneifel offering views over rolling hills and forests.

St. Bartholomäus

Catholic church in Üdersdorf, Germany, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew.

Eifeler Glockengießerei

Bell foundry in Brockscheid, Eifel region, practicing traditional craftsmanship.

Eifel Blick

Viewpoint with a panoramic vista of the Eifel landscape and surrounding villages.

Sangweiher

Nature reserve in Rhineland-Palatinate, a wetland habitat for rare plants and animals.

Heimwebereimuseum🏛 museum

Museum dedicated to home weaving, displaying looms and historical textiles.

Brandgräber Hillscheid

Archaeological site with cremation graves from the Iron Age near Hillscheid.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the famous 'Eyes of the Eifel'?
This is the name for the maars: funnel-shaped, often water-filled volcanic craters.
Are the volcanoes in the Eifel still active?
They have been dormant for about 10,000 years, but geologically are considered sleeping, not extinct.
Is swimming allowed in the maars?
In some maars, such as the Pulvermaar or Schalkenmehrener Maar, there are public swimming areas.
Where can one learn more about volcanism?
The Eifel Volcano Museum in Daun gives interactive insights into Earth's history.
Which hike is particularly recommended?
The Eifelsteig leads in stages through the impressive volcanic landscape.
Vulkaneifel: where is it located?
Vulkaneifel is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Vulkaneifel: what is there to see?
Highlights include Schwere Flakbatterie LVZ West, Bunker WW2, Tellerley.
Vulkaneifel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vulkaneifel: why is it worth visiting?
The Vulkaneifel is a geologically unique region in Rhineland-Palatinate, shaped by intense volcanic activity during the Cenozoic era.
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