Eifel Maars as a Day Trip

The Eifel maars are of great geological importance because they offer insights into the volcanic past of this region. Volcanologists and geologists research and exhibit their procedures and findings as well as important finds in the geology museums.

During the Tertiary period, around 10 to 30 million years ago, the Eifel was an active volcanic region. The volcanic eruptions formed craters or maars, which filled with groundwater. Seen from the air, these maar lakes look like eyes, which is why they are also known as the "Eifel eyes".

Many maars have a characteristic ring wall structure, on which you can walk around the maar lake today.

Some of the more than 70 maars that we find in the Eifel are dry maars that can be hiked through. Others are filled with clear water. Some maars are relatively shallow crater lakes of 5-15 meters, while others have a considerable depth, such as the Pulvermaar, which at 74 meters is the deepest Eifel maar lake.

The Schalkenmehrener Maar is a good 20 meters deep, the Gemündener Maar almost 40 meters. They are all excellent bathing lakes that are well frequented in summer and advertise an official bathing area.

Some maars are designated as nature reserves, while others are ideal for barge or pedal boat trips and the like.