Top 20 Natural Monuments around Kelberg
Natural monuments around Kelberg are primarily shaped by the region's volcanic past, situated in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The area features prominent geological formations such as the Hochkelberg, a stratovolcano, and the Mosbrucher Weiher, a lake within a former volcanic crater. This landscape offers a diverse environment of valleys, plateaus, and forests, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration. The region is designated as a Landscape Protection Area, preserving its natural beauty and geological diversity.
Best natural monuments around…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
Dreimühlen Waterfall
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Rock face at Nohner Mühle
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Boos Eifel Observation Tower
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Boos Lava Bomb
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Ulmener Maar
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On the way to the Dreimühlen waterfall, which is well-known beyond the Vulkaneifel region and a popular excursion destination, the hiker sees the limestone rock formation towering over the water a little beforehand. It's a bit reminiscent of the Swabian Jura, as someone told me on the way today.
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The karstified limestone cliffs are the first highlight on the path from the parking lot to the waterfall. Here, the stream has carved its way through the limestone, creating the rock face. The limestone originated as a deposit of dead marine organisms on the seabed of a shallow ocean that covered this area millions of years ago. Later, the ground was uplifted by tectonic processes. Limestone reacts with acid and is therefore dissolved by rainwater and surface water, which is slightly carbonated due to the CO2 in the air. This process creates weathered formations and caves. The formation of the Dreimühlen Waterfall is also related to this process.
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Beautiful rock face to see.
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For information about the limestone cliffs, see e.g. https://kreis-ahrweiler.de/kvar/VT/hjb1960/hjb1960.54.htm
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Imposing limestone wall behind the Nohner Mill
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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 so-called Dreimühlen waterfall is also known as the Nohn waterfall. The name Nohn waterfall comes from the waterfall's proximity to the town of Nohn. The houses on the outskirts of Nohn are only a few hundred meters above the waterfall. Most people talk about the Dreimühlen waterfall, however. The name Dreimühlen comes from a former castle called Dreimühlen. Today, however, only the remains of the walls are said to remain. We looked for the former castle on our trip, but couldn't find anything of it. The waterfall in the Eifel is located between the towns of Üxheim, Kerpen and Nohn. Although the other large towns in the Eifel are not located here, many visitors come here. Some of them travel especially to visit the waterfall. The Dreimühlen waterfall is one of the most visited Eifel attractions. Almost every holidaymaker in the area comes to the waterfall at least once during their Eifel vacation. In addition, many day tourists travel from outside, making it the most visited waterfall in the Eifel. They all want to see the unique natural wonder.
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Nice entrance to hiking tours to the waterfall
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Kelberg?
The region around Kelberg is rich in volcanic formations. You can explore the Boos Lava Bomb, where explanatory panels detail the geological events and shifting soil layers. Another unique feature is the Dreimühlen Waterfall, an artificial waterfall that 'grows' through limescale deposits, making it a fascinating natural phenomenon.
Are there any natural monuments suitable for families with children?
Yes, several natural monuments are family-friendly. The Boos Lava Bomb is a great spot, offering an interesting educational experience about geology. Additionally, the Ulmener Maar, a volcanic lake with a rich history, is also suitable for families.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments in the area?
Many natural monuments around Kelberg offer impressive views. The Hochkelberg, a prominent stratovolcano, provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding Eifel region. You can also find beautiful perspectives from the Rock face at Nohner Mühle, which is a natural monument itself, and the Boos Eifel Observation Tower, which offers extensive views of the Eifel, including the Nürburgring on clear days.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments?
The Kelberg region, designated as a Landscape Protection Area, offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous local hiking trails, including themed routes. For those interested in cycling, there are various options, including road cycling routes and general cycling tours. If you prefer running, there are also dedicated running trails available.
Are there any natural springs or water features to visit?
Yes, the region features the 'Sauerbrunnen,' a natural spring. Additionally, the Dreimühlen Waterfall is a unique water feature formed by merging streams, and the Mosbrucher Weiher, a lake within a former volcanic crater, provides a tranquil setting for nature observation.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Kelberg?
The Eifel region, including Kelberg, is beautiful throughout the year. Spring offers lush greenery and blooming flora, while summer is ideal for longer hikes and outdoor activities. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, making it a particularly scenic time for exploring the natural monuments and forests. Even in winter, with snow, the volcanic landscape can be quite striking, though some trails might be more challenging.
What kind of geological history is evident in Kelberg's natural monuments?
Kelberg's natural monuments are primarily shaped by its volcanic past. The Hochkelberg is a classic stratovolcano, and the Mosbrucher Maar is a former volcanic crater. Sites like the Boos Lava Bomb and the Ulmener Maar clearly showcase the region's intense geological history, with visible tuff rock formations and evidence of ancient eruptions.
Can I find any historical or cultural sites near the natural monuments?
While the focus is on natural monuments, the region does have some historical context. The Ulmener Maar, for instance, has the ruins of an 11th-century knight's castle on its southern edge. The broader Kelberg Landscape Protection Area also includes themed routes like the 'Geschichtsstraße Kelberg' (History Road Kelberg), offering insights into the local heritage.
Are there opportunities for wildlife observation near the natural monuments?
Yes, the natural monuments and protected areas around Kelberg provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna. The Mosbrucher Weiher, a lake largely filled with reeds, is an interesting spot for nature observation. The Jungferweiher, a silted-up maar north of Ulmen Maar, is a bird sanctuary where rare and endangered birds can be observed, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Kelberg?
Visitors frequently appreciate the breathtaking views from spots like the Hochkelberg and the Boos Eifel Observation Tower. The unique geological formations, such as the 'growing' Dreimühlen Waterfall and the impressive Boos Lava Bomb, are also highly rated for their educational and visual appeal. Many also enjoy the tranquility and varied hiking opportunities through the forests and volcanic landscapes.
Are there easy hiking options to reach some of the natural monuments?
Yes, the Kelberg Landscape Protection Area offers trails for various difficulty levels. While some routes to viewpoints like the Hochkelberg might involve climbs, there are also numerous local hiking trails and forest nature trails that are less strenuous, allowing for easy exploration of the natural beauty. The path to the Dreimühlen Waterfall, for example, is generally considered an easy and pleasant walk.
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