Best lakes around Birresborn are found in Germany's Volcanic Eifel region, characterized by unique volcanic lakes known as maars. The area offers a variety of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. While Birresborn itself is known for its mineral springs and the Kyll river, the nearby maars are significant natural attractions. This landscape provides diverse options for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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To us, such a mill pond, as it presents itself to the viewer here on site – at the Müllenborn hiking parking lot – may seem very ordinary, but in the fantasy world of, for example, Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), who became famous for the children's books he wrote, it looks completely different: It is also the habitat of a water sprite family, and his book, still popular today, "The Little Water Sprite" tells of the adventures that the young family members experience in the mill pond. The "Stiftung Lesen" (Reading Foundation) reviews: "The water sprite has invited twenty-seven relatives – and twenty-six have come. Twelve water sprites with their wives, a well sprite and the bridge maiden from the Sankt Nepomuk Bridge! And they have all accepted the invitation because they want to see the little water sprite, of whom the water sprite dad is so proud. And he can be – because the cheeky little rascal can swim as soon as he is born. And he learns everything else faster than his worried parents would like. Sometimes his friend, the thoughtful carp Cyprinus, can only wiggle his fins ... The 1956 children's book classic has already enchanted generations of readers, who, alongside the fantastic adventures of the little water sprite, can also pass on their own childhood memories when reading aloud to children from approx. 5 years of age." (Source: Stiftung Lesen)
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Lake Müllenborn – often called Müllenborner Weiher – is picturesquely located in the Müllenborn district north of Gerolstein and is a real insider tip for Komoot tours. The idyllic expanse of water, surrounded by cool forests, invites you to stroll, picnic, and enjoy mindful moments by the water. A beautiful, approximately 6km circular trail leads around the lake, past the historic millstone ruins and along the Oosbach stream – ideal for quiet explorations away from the hustle and bustle. Around Müllenborn, you'll learn firsthand about the region's volcanic history: Oversized basalt blocks from the former Rother Kopf dominate the forest landscape, and you'll repeatedly encounter springs, small bridges, and the remains of old mills – hence the name "Mühlenborn" (Millsborn). The village itself, with its chapel and baroque houses on the shore, provides a charming, historic setting for the lake. The lake is not open for swimming, but in summer, you'll often find locals cooling off or fishing here; provided you have a valid license. A visit to the Müllenborn Lake Festival in July is particularly atmospheric – with brass bands, a festival tent, and a convivial village atmosphere. Just a few hundred meters away is the comfortable Landhaus Müllenborn, a 4-star country hotel with a spa, sauna, and sauna terrace – perfect for relaxing after the circular hike. The Eifelsteig trail runs nearby, and cyclists can also find connections to regional routes such as the Eifel-Ardennes Cycle Route.
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Beautiful place to enjoy peace and quiet
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At the beginning of the 20th century, the village priest bred trout in the maar, which was around 100,000 years old. In the 1920s the water was drained and its quickly overgrown, fertile ground was used as a viewing area. 80 years later, scientists proved that this was a silted maar. During a core drilling, 23 m of animals found tuff remains from the Laacher See eruption 13,000 years ago. In addition, the funnel lies on a geological fault line that runs from northwest to southeast. The renatured maar is around 120 meters in diameter and offers a biotope for numerous birds. When the maar was revived from 2007, the Oosbach was dammed. Source: 111 places in the Eifel that you have to see Further information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eichholzmaar
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The enchanting Meerfelder Maar lies in the middle of the largest Maar funnel in the Eifel. This maar is at least 30,000 years old and takes up about half the space of the maar funnel. The idyllic village of Meerfeld nestles against the steep southern slopes of the other half.
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Super nice little nature reserve with many bird observation posts. Many paths around the Maar and a small parking lot are the ideal starting point for a hike.
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The Müllenborn See is somewhat hidden, but it is always worth a look. You can also go around this small lake without any problems.
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Why not combine the Maar with a triathlon.
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The Birresborn region is primarily known for its unique volcanic lakes, called maars, which are formed by explosive volcanic activity. You'll also find some reservoirs. Notable examples include the Meerfelder Maar, Eichholzmaar, and the scientifically significant Holzmaar.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Meerfelder Maar offers a natural swimming pool from May to September. Eichholzmaar is a tranquil nature reserve with easy circular trails. Müllenborn Pond has a picturesque setting with small bridges and a fountain, ideal for leisurely strolls. The Üdersdorf Reservoir also provides a quiet spot with benches for relaxation.
Yes, you can swim in the natural swimming pool at Meerfelder Maar from May to September. Kronenburg Lake, though further afield, is also a popular spot for swimming and various water sports. Müllenborn Pond is generally not open for swimming, but locals sometimes cool off there.
The region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Heimatspur LW Lava Trail' or 'Vulkanpfad' around the maars. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Birresborn. There are also running trails and cycling routes that pass through the scenic lake landscapes.
Absolutely. Many lakes feature well-maintained hiking trails. For instance, the Meerfelder Maar is surrounded by trails like the 'Vulkamaar Path' and 'Vulkanweg'. Eichholzmaar has a peaceful circular trail, and Müllenborn Pond offers an approximately 6km circular trail. You can find more hiking options in the easy hikes around Birresborn guide.
The period from spring to autumn is generally ideal. The natural swimming pool at Meerfelder Maar is open from May to September. Guided tours at Eichholzmaar are offered between April and October, providing insights into its geological history. The lush greenery and pleasant temperatures make it perfect for hiking and enjoying the volcanic landscapes.
The maars are important nature reserves. Eichholzmaar, after successful renaturation, is a crucial refuge for rare waterfowl and reptiles. The Meerfelder Maar nature reserve features marsh meadows, sedge beds, and reed zones that provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
While specific rules vary, Kronenburg Lake, a bit further out, is noted as suitable for dog owners, though dogs must be leashed. When visiting other nature reserves like Eichholzmaar or Meerfelder Maar, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash to protect the local wildlife and maintain the peaceful environment.
For unforgettable panoramic views, visit the 'Landesblick' viewing platform high on the crater rim of the Meerfelder Maar. There are also parking spaces and trails leading to this viewpoint, offering sensational views of the Vulkaneifel and the maar.
The Holzmaar, though the smallest water-filled maar in the Eifel, is globally recognized for scientific research. Its lake sediments provide valuable insights into climate research and volcanism, making it a significant site for geology enthusiasts. It's also a quiet, idyllic spot for peaceful walks.
Yes, guided tours are offered at Eichholzmaar between April and October by the local Eifel Club, focusing on its geological history. Guided tours around Holzmaar also provide interesting information on Eifel maar volcanism and climate development.
Yes, you can find options for relaxation. The Üdersdorf Reservoir has benches and a hut for shelter. Near Müllenborn Pond, the comfortable Landhaus Müllenborn, a 4-star hotel with a spa, offers a place to relax after a hike. Kronenburg Lake also has a kiosk and campsite facilities.
The maars in the Eifel region, like Meerfelder Maar and Eichholzmaar, are unique volcanic lakes formed by ancient explosions. They are not only beautiful natural attractions but also significant for scientific research, providing valuable archives of the region's climatic and settlement history through their sediment cores.


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