Lakes around Landkern provide access to the volcanic lakes, known as Maare, of the Eifel region. These crater lakes, formed by volcanic steam explosions, are a defining natural feature of the landscape. The area offers diverse recreational opportunities and scenic views, reflecting the Eifel's volcanic past. Landkern serves as a base for exploring these geological formations.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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Very beautiful artificial lake created, for big and small, what
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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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beautiful small reservoir, ideal for a short walk
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Barrier-free circular hiking trail around the Ulmener Jungferweiher. There are places to sit and rest, sometimes even seating groups with tables. Unfortunately, the proximity to the motorway means that you can hear its noises all the time, but you can also block them out.
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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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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 Eifel region, accessible from Landkern, is known for its volcanic lakes, or Maare. Popular choices include Ulmener Maar, known for its depth and nearby castle ruins, and Jungfer Pond, a renowned bird sanctuary. The artificially created Heilbachsee is also a favorite, especially for families.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Heilbachsee offers a circular route suitable for bikes and includes attractions for children. The Gemündener Maar, one of the Daun Maare, is very popular for recreation with a lido, sunbathing lawn, and boat rentals. Pulvermaar also features a natural lido catering to both swimmers and young children.
For swimming, the Gemündener Maar is a popular choice with a lido and boat rentals. The Schalkenmehrener Maar also has a natural swimming area, particularly enjoyed in summer. Pulvermaar is known for its natural lido, which is suitable for all ages, and Meerfelder Maar also permits swimming in summer.
The Ulmener Maar is notable for the ruins of an 11th-century knight's castle situated on its southern edge. The Eifel region's volcanic past itself is a significant historical and geological feature, with the Maare being remnants of ancient steam explosions.
Many of the Eifel Maare offer pleasant circular walks. The Jungfer Pond has an approximately 3-kilometer loop, and the Heilbachsee also features an accessible circular route. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Wild Endert Valley Trail' or 'Bridge Over the Endert' near Landkern. Find more hiking options at Hiking around Landkern.
The Jungfer Pond is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering a pleasant circular route. While specific details for all lakes are not available, many popular Maare have well-maintained paths around them, but it's always best to check local conditions for specific accessibility needs.
The Eifel maar lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and birdwatching, especially at Jungfer Pond during migration periods. Summer is perfect for swimming and water activities at lakes like Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar. Winter offers tranquil landscapes, and sometimes even ice skating on frozen lakes like Jungfer Pond.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Heilbachsee has a circular route that can be explored by bike. The Eifel region offers various cycling routes, including road cycling and touring bicycle options. You can find more cycling tours at Cycling around Landkern and Road Cycling Routes around Landkern.
For a trip off the beaten path, consider the Meerfelder Maar. It's nestled within the Eifel village of Meerfeld and offers a unique atmosphere, with opportunities for boating and swimming in summer, often with fewer crowds than the more famous Maare.
The Jungfer Pond is a renowned bird sanctuary, protected for its rare flora and fauna. It features a bird observatory on its western bank where you can spot endangered species like snipe and meadow pipits, as well as migratory birds such as cranes and teals.
The lakes around Landkern are primarily volcanic Maare, formed by powerful steam explosions. These crater lakes are often deep, like the Ulmener Maar, and represent the Eifel region's active volcanic past. Pulvermaar is particularly notable for having the largest water surface area and greatest depth among the Eifel Maare.
While many natural areas in the Eifel are dog-friendly, specific rules can vary by lake, especially around designated swimming areas or nature reserves. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash and check local signage. The scenic trails around the Maare are popular for walks with dogs, but always ensure responsible pet ownership.


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