Top 11 Lakes around Arft
Best lakes around Arft are located in the surrounding Vulkaneifel area in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This region is characterized by its unique volcanic crater lakes, known as maars, and several picturesque reservoirs. These natural features provide diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and offer varied landscapes.
Best lakes around Arft
- The most popular lakes is Rieden Forest Lake, a lake that offers swimming opportunities and hiking trails. It is surrounded by meadows and provides facilities for relaxation.
- Another must-see spot is…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Rieden Forest Lake
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Königssee (Eifel)
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Riedener Waldsee
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Booser Double Maar Wetlands
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View of the Booser Double Maar
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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I would like to make a correction: the place is called Rieden, and the lake is called Riedener Waldsee. </smartassmodeoff> ;)
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Nice view from above through the woods
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A beautiful little lake. A pizzeria and a restaurant with good plain cooking are right on the lake. There is also a playground and a gym.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I expect to find around Arft?
The region around Arft, particularly the Vulkaneifel area, is known for two main types of lakes: unique volcanic crater lakes called maars, and picturesque reservoirs. The maars, like Pulvermaar and Laacher See, are geological formations from the Eifel's volcanic past, while reservoirs such as Kronenburger See offer diverse recreational activities.
Which lakes near Arft are most popular for visitors?
Visitors frequently enjoy the Rieden Forest Lake, which offers swimming and hiking. Another popular spot is the Königssee (Eifel), a former basalt mine now an idyllic lake. The Booser Double Maar Wetlands and its associated View of the Booser Double Maar are also highly appreciated for their unique natural features and geological insights.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Arft?
The best time to visit the lakes around Arft is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and boating. The natural pools are open, and the landscapes are lush. Autumn also offers beautiful foliage around the maars and reservoirs.
Are there good opportunities for swimming in the lakes near Arft?
Yes, several lakes offer excellent swimming opportunities. Pulvermaar features a natural pool with slides and diving towers. Schalkenmehrener Maar and Gemündener Maar also have natural open-air pools. The Rieden Forest Lake is also a popular spot for swimming. Meerfelder Maar permits swimming in its natural pool from May to September. Kronenburger See is another popular spot for swimming.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around the lakes?
The lakes around Arft offer a variety of hiking trails, from leisurely walks to more challenging routes. You can find scenic circular paths around lakes like Laacher See (a 15 km trail) and Bitburger Stausee (a 5 km path). Trails like the Eifelsteig traverse areas around Gemündener Maar. For more specific routes, you can explore the running trails or MTB trails guides for the Arft region.
Are there options for boating or water sports on the lakes?
Yes, several lakes provide options for boating and water sports. Pulvermaar is great for boating, and Laacher See offers sailing and boat rentals. Schalkenmehrener Maar and Gemündener Maar also have boat rentals. Kronenburger See is a popular spot for sailing, surfing, and angling, while Bitburger Stausee allows rowing, paddling, surfing, and pedal boating.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
Many lakes around Arft are family-friendly. Pulvermaar has a natural pool with children's areas. Schalkenmehrener Maar is a favored spot for families in summer, with swimming and boating. Gemündener Maar features an outdoor pool and spacious sunbathing areas. The Rieden Forest Lake also offers family-friendly amenities and trails.
Are the lakes around Arft dog-friendly?
While specific regulations vary by lake, many trails around the lakes are suitable for dogs, especially if kept on a leash. For example, the Rieden Forest Lake is noted as an ideal walk for dogs. It's always advisable to check local signage for specific restrictions on swimming or access for dogs at each location.
What unique natural features can I observe around the lakes?
The Vulkaneifel region is rich in unique geological features. You can observe mofettes (carbon dioxide vents) at Laacher See, indicating ongoing volcanic activity. The Booser Double Maar Wetlands showcase silted-up maars with marshy areas and reeds. Ulmener Maar, the youngest maar in the Eifel, has a distinct volcanic rock wall and small bubbles at its edge. Holzmaar is recognized for its unique ecosystem and scientific research.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers historical and cultural sites. Near Laacher See, you can visit the impressive 11th-century Romanesque Maria Laach Abbey. Ulmener Maar is close to the ruins of an 11th-century medieval castle. The historic village of Kronenburg, with its castle ruins, is located near Kronenburger See, adding cultural interest to your visit.
Where can I find the best viewpoints of the lakes?
For panoramic views, the "Landesblick" viewing platform on the crater rim of Meerfelder Maar offers stunning vistas. The crater rim around Ulmener Maar also provides beautiful perspectives. The View of the Booser Double Maar is another excellent spot, with information boards explaining the geological features.
What kind of wildlife can be seen around the lakes?
The lakes and their surrounding areas are often nature reserves, providing habitats for diverse wildlife. Meerfelder Maar, with its marsh meadows and reed zones, supports a variety of species. Holzmaar's protected ecosystem allows for observation of local wildlife. Birdwatching is also a popular activity at Laacher See.
Are there facilities like cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, many of the popular lakes have facilities nearby. The village near Schalkenmehrener Maar offers restaurants and cafés. The Rieden Forest Lake area includes restaurants. Kronenburger See has a kiosk and a campsite. Maria Laach Abbey near Laacher See also offers hospitality services.
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