Top 10 Lakes around Acht
Lakes around Acht, Germany, are primarily volcanic maars located within the Eifel region, offering diverse natural landscapes. Acht serves as a central point for exploring these unique geological formations. The area is characterized by its volcanic origins, with many lakes formed in ancient explosion craters. This region provides opportunities for outdoor activities centered around these water bodies.
Best lakes around Acht
- The most popular lakes is Rieden Forest Lake, a lake that offers hiking trails, swimming opportunities, and sunbathing areas. It is recognized as an approved bathing water with high quality.
- Another must-see spot is Booser Double Maar Wetlands, a natural monument. This area features two silted-up maars, which appear as flat hollows in the terrain, with some areas retaining permanent water surfaces.
- Visitors also love View of the Booser Double Maar, a viewpoint. This spot provides views of the Doppelmaar, which is now a marshy area with a lake, supporting local flora and fauna.
- Acht is known for volcanic maars, forest lakes, and wetlands. These include deep, clear-water maars and smaller, marshy lake areas.
- The lakes around Acht are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 700 upvotes and over 300 photos shared.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Rieden Forest Lake
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Riedener Waldsee
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Booser Double Maar Wetlands
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of the Booser Double Maar
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Eiterbachweiher and Shelter
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Acht.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The Luisenplatz Hut is picturesquely situated above Mayen, nestled in the city forest and the gentle hills of the Eifel region. It is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area and invites hikers to rest and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views. On the popular "Förstersteig" (Forester's Trail) hiking route, this spot is described as a highlight of the tour – offering a "stunning panoramic view over Mayen, the Maifeld region, and all the way to the Rhine." Just a few steps from the hut is a trigonometric survey point, which underscores the unique topographical location of the site. This prominent point was once used for geodetic measurements.
1
0
The Eiterbachweiher pond is located near Kürrenberg (a district of Mayen) in the Vorderwald or Vorderer Stadtwald of Mayen, nestled in the so-called Eiterbach valley.
1
0
The Boos Double Maar consists of two silted-up maars, which today appear as shallow depressions in the terrain. They are located within the municipality of Boos. The two maars formed between 10,150 and 14,160 years ago and belong to the Quaternary volcanic field of the Volcanic Eifel. The two maars form large, circular basins surrounded by tuff embankments. They lie on a west-southwest-east-northeast trend, thus following the Variscan strike of the subsurface. The west-southwest maar has a diameter of approximately 700 m and a depth of between 30 and 60 m; the east-northeast maar is between 650 and 700 m and a depth of between 50 and 87 m. Both depressions are very humid, so there are still areas that have a permanent water surface. The waters were formerly used as fish ponds, but later silted up and served as meadows and fields. Today, there is once again a fish pond in the west-southwestern part of the maar, the Booser Weiher. In the vicinity of the maars, there are tuff pits where the volcanic tuff formed during the eruption of the maars was mined. Very beautiful nature.
0
0
The history of the Volcanic Eifel can be explored at the Booser Doppelmaar. The Booser Doppelmaar consists of two silted-up maars, which today appear as flat hollows in the terrain. The two maars were formed between 10,150 and 14,160 years ago. Viewed from above, the two maars are circular basins. The west-southwest maar has a diameter of around 700 m and is between 30 and 60 m deep, the east-northeast maar is between 650 and 700 m large and has a depth of 50 to 87 m. The two hollows are very wet, so there are still places that have a permanent water surface. The water areas were previously used as fish ponds, but later silted up and served as meadows and fields. Today there is again a fish pond in the west-southwestern maar, the Booser Weiher, see also https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booser_Doppelmaar
1
1
The Booser Doppelmaartour is an Eifel dream trail. It is important that you look in vain for water here, because the two maars are so-called dry maars.
0
0
From a wooden bridge there is a wonderful view of the swampy foothills of the rainwater-filled Booser Maar, which is located in the Hohe Acht mountain region and approx. 8 km south of the Hohe Acht. The maar lies in a circular tuff basin, whose tuff walls are covered with swampy meadows and the edge of the bank is overgrown with reeds. Galloways graze in the dry, higher meadows.
1
0
I would like to make a correction: the place is called Rieden, and the lake is called Riedener Waldsee. </smartassmodeoff> ;)
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore near Acht?
The region around Acht is primarily known for its unique volcanic lakes, called maars, which are formed in ancient explosion craters. You'll find deep, clear-water maars like Laacher See and Pulvermaar, as well as smaller, marshy lake areas such as the Booser Double Maar Wetlands. There's also the Rieden Forest Lake, a beautiful reservoir with excellent water quality.
Which lakes are best for swimming and water activities?
Several lakes near Acht are excellent for swimming and other water activities. The Rieden Forest Lake is recognized as an approved bathing water with high quality, offering jetties and sunbathing areas. Pulvermaar is known for its crystal-clear water and facilities like diving towers. Schalkenmehrener Maar and Gemündener Maar also offer swimming, boat rentals, and sunbathing areas, with Gemündener Maar featuring an outdoor pool and accessible facilities.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Acht?
Yes, many lakes in the area are suitable for families. The Rieden Forest Lake provides children's play and barbecue areas, along with easy hiking trails. Pulvermaar has children's pools and sunbathing areas. Gemündener Maar is also very family-friendly, offering an outdoor pool, sunbathing, and boat rentals. The View of the Booser Double Maar is another family-friendly spot with information boards.
What hiking opportunities are available around the lakes?
The lakes near Acht offer numerous hiking opportunities. Laacher See features a scenic 15 km circular trail. Around Pulvermaar, you'll find well-maintained trails with stunning views. The Rieden Forest Lake is the starting point for the 'Traumpfad Waldseepfad Rieden' trail, offering panoramic views. For more options, you can explore various running, cycling, and mountain biking routes in the wider region, such as those found in the Running Trails around Acht guide.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes near Acht?
While specific rules vary by location, many areas around the lakes are suitable for walks with dogs. For instance, the trails around the Rieden Forest Lake are described as an 'ideal walk for dogs'. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash where required and respect local regulations.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, Laacher See is notable for the impressive Benedictine Maria Laach Abbey, an 11th-century Romanesque structure situated on its southwestern shore. This combination of geological wonder and historical architecture makes it a significant attraction.
What unique natural features can I observe at these lakes?
The lakes are primarily volcanic maars, offering unique geological insights. Laacher See is still volcanically active, with mofettes (carbon dioxide gas vents) visible on its southeastern shore. The Booser Double Maar Wetlands are a natural monument showcasing two silted-up maars, now marshy areas supporting diverse flora and fauna. Pulvermaar is considered the best-preserved maar in the Eifel.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Acht?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the summer months are ideal for swimming and water sports. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the vibrant natural scenery without the summer crowds. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during migration seasons.
Are there viewpoints to appreciate the lake landscapes?
Absolutely. The View of the Booser Double Maar provides excellent perspectives of the marshy maar area. Hiking trails around Pulvermaar, Schalkenmehrener Maar, and Gemündener Maar also offer breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape. The 'Traumpfad Waldseepfad Rieden' trail starting at Rieden Forest Lake also provides panoramic vistas.
Where can I find amenities like restaurants or cafes near the lakes?
You'll find amenities near several lakes. The Rieden Forest Lake area includes restaurants and a holiday park. Schalkenmehrener Maar is situated directly next to the village of Schalkenmehren, offering restaurants and cafés. Laacher See also has facilities, particularly at its campsite.
How accessible are the lakes from Acht?
The lakes are generally accessible by car from Acht. The Rieden Forest Lake is the most local, approximately a 15-20 minute drive. Laacher See is about 30-41 minutes away, while Pulvermaar, Schalkenmehrener Maar, and Gemündener Maar are roughly 40-45 minutes by car.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Acht?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the unique volcanic maars to the serene forest lakes. The combination of geological wonders, opportunities for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities, and the peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted. The presence of historical sites like Maria Laach Abbey also adds to the appeal.
Most popular attractions around Acht
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Acht? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
