Best lakes around Gevenich are found in the nearby Eifel region, known for its unique volcanic lakes called Maare. Gevenich, situated between the Moselle and Rhine rivers, provides access to these natural features. The Eifel Maare are circular lakes formed by volcanic activity, often surrounded by wooded slopes. These lakes offer diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
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The Ulmen Maar lies 420 meters above sea level today, covers an area of 5.5 hectares, and is 36 meters deep. The bubbles at the maar's edge demonstrate that volcanism is still active. They bear witness to a turbulent past—but rest assured, there's no eruption in sight! A wall of various rocks and ash, up to 20 meters thick, surrounds the cone. For those interested, these testimonies to this explosive past are beautifully displayed in St. Matthias Church. This unique wall, with its different colored layers and rounded inclusions, is worth seeing for more than just geologists. The slopes of the maar basin are covered with a beautiful forest, which can be explored on a circular walk. A detour to the medieval castle ruins, from which the Crusaders once launched their campaigns, is recommended. The view from the crater rim over the maar and the Eifel beyond will take your breath away. Whether after a sweaty hike or a long drive, the blue of the Ulmer Eifel lake is all too tempting in summer. However, bathing in the maar is prohibited because it is designated as a nature and water protection area.
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The lower castle has completely disappeared. You can still see the beginning of the ring that connected the lower castle and the Ulmen city wall, a two-story outer wall of the palace, as well as a cistern and some foundation walls of other buildings. The old part of Ulmen Castle was built around 1074 AD and likely rests on the remains of a Roman settlement. In the Middle Ages, Ulmen Castle was further expanded and divided into the upper castle, whose remains of the walls still exist, and the lower castle, which extended to the banks of the maar river. Two knightly families lived in the castle, which is believed to have never been attacked or destroyed until 1673 due to its size. Only the Sun King's troops succeeded. It was rebuilt, but fell again in 1689 during the War of the Succession. However, Ulmen Castle was also rebuilt this time, with only the city wall being abandoned. With the invasion of Napoleon's soldiers, Ulmen also became French and later Prussian. The empty castle, whose last descendant died in 1801, was auctioned to a merchant from Cochem, who sold it as a quarry. When a devastating fire burned Ulmen to the ground in the 19th century, the residents of Ulmen rebuilt their houses with stones from the castle. That's why you can still see a coat of arms on some of the stables today. It wasn't until the early twentieth century that Ulmen Castle was declared a listed building and became the property of the municipality of Ulmen. The castle is always freely accessible.
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The Immerather Maar is 6 hectares in size, lies at an altitude of 371 metres in the Volcanic Eifel and is 1.50 metres deep.
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The Ulmener Maar is small but beautiful. Located in the middle of the Eifel and in the middle of the city, it is a wonderful destination. You can easily combine a walk around the maar with a walk around the neighboring Jungferweiher. Both have recently been connected by the Ulmener Maar tunnel, which runs under the A 48 motorway.
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The Jungferweiher Maar is located at an altitude of 428 meters, is 1.7 hectares in size and is very shallow and swampy at 80 cm.
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Sleepy Maar, but full of life. Worth staying and watching for a while.
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A visit is worthwhile both in summer and in winter. However, the Ulmener Maar is a nature reserve, which is why bathing is strictly forbidden here!
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The Pulvermaar in the Vulkaneifel southeast of Daun is a water-filled maar whose almost circular lake is, despite its small area of around 38.48 hectares, one of the deepest in Germany at 72 meters. Like the smaller Holzmaar, it is part of the Gillenfelder Maaren. Beautiful hiking trails and nature.
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Gevenich is located close to the Eifel region, which is famous for its unique volcanic lakes, known as Maare. These are circular lakes formed by volcanic activity, often surrounded by wooded slopes, offering diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Several Maare in the Eifel region offer excellent swimming opportunities. Pulvermaar is known for its natural swimming area, suitable even for non-swimmers and small children. The Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar also feature designated swimming areas and facilities like sunbathing lawns and boat rentals.
Yes, many of the lakes are family-friendly. Pulvermaar has a circular route of almost 2.5 kilometers that is easy to manage with children, and its swimming area is suitable for all ages. The Maiden Pond offers a tranquil setting with many benches, ideal for a relaxing family outing. The Ulmener Maar is also considered family-friendly.
The Eifel Maare are natural monuments themselves, showcasing unique volcanic geology. You can observe tuff rock formations around the Ulmener Maar, and enjoy the tranquil setting and flower meadows at Immerath Maar. Many lakes are surrounded by wooded slopes, offering picturesque landscapes and opportunities for nature observation.
Yes, near the Ulmener Maar, you can find the ruins of an 11th-century knight's castle, known as the Upper Castle of Ulmen. This site offers historical context and beautiful views of the surrounding area.
The region around Gevenich and its lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Green bench in Faider Wald – Bonertskump Pond and Gazebo loop' or 'Chapel Cross in Georgsweiler – Bench in the Eifel Forest loop'. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as 'Upper Castle of Ulmen – Ulmener Maar loop'. For mountain biking, trails like 'Stream Crossings in the Ellerbachtal – Kaiser Wilhelm Tunnel Entrance with Eagle Sculpture loop' are available. Find more routes in the Easy hikes around Gevenich, MTB Trails around Gevenich, and Cycling around Gevenich guides.
Yes, there are several easy options. The circular route around Pulvermaar is approximately 2.5 kilometers and is considered easy to hike. The Maiden Pond also offers a pleasant, decelerating circular walk. Many of the trails are wooded, providing comfortable hiking even in warmer weather.
The Eifel Maare are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for swimming and enjoying the lush greenery and flower meadows. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage around the wooded slopes. Even in winter, the lakes can provide a serene experience for walks, though specific facilities might be limited.
Yes, many of the Maare offer scenic viewpoints. The Upper Castle of Ulmen provides a beautiful view of Ulmen and the Ulmener Maar. The circular trails around lakes like Pulvermaar and Maiden Pond often feature spots to pause and enjoy the tranquil waters and surrounding nature.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil and mysterious atmosphere of lakes like Maiden Pond, with its many benches for lingering. The deep, clear waters and swimming opportunities at Pulvermaar are also highly rated. The scenic beauty and nature reserve status of Immerath Maar, partly surrounded by flower meadows, also draw many admirers.
While specific establishments vary by lake, popular Maare like Gemündener Maar and Pulvermaar, especially those with swimming facilities, often have kiosks or small cafes nearby for refreshments. For a wider selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation, you would typically find options in the nearby towns and villages like Ulmen or Daun.


Still not found your perfect lake around Gevenich? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.