Best lakes around Sassen are situated within the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This region is characterized by its volcanic history and distinctive geological formations. The area is known for its numerous "maar" lakes, which are formed in volcanic craters. These natural features contribute to the unique landscape surrounding Sassen.
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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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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beautiful small reservoir, ideal for a short walk
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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 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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The region around Sassen is characterized by its unique geological features, primarily offering "maar" lakes, which are formed in volcanic craters. You can also find artificially created lakes that provide different recreational opportunities.
Yes, near Ulmener Maar, you can explore the ruins of an 11th-century knight's castle on its southern edge. This adds a historical dimension to your visit to the lake.
Heilbachsee is an excellent choice for families, as it is an artificially created lake with a circular path and various attractions specifically designed for children. Jungfer Pond is also considered family-friendly and offers a pleasant loop trail.
Jungfer Pond is a renowned bird sanctuary, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. You can observe many endangered species, such as the snipe and meadow pipit, and migratory birds like cranes and teals. There's a bird observatory on the western bank for better viewing.
Yes, in winter, Jungfer Pond is known to be suitable for ice skating, offering a unique seasonal activity.
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and general cycling paths. For example, there are moderate running trails like the "Heilbachsee – Center Parcs Park Eifel loop" and cycling routes such as the "Ulmener Maar Tunnel – Ulmener Maar loop." You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Sassen, Road Cycling Routes around Sassen, and Cycling around Sassen guide pages.
Swimming and other water sports are generally prohibited in Jungfer Pond due to its status as a protected bird sanctuary. Always check local regulations for specific lakes.
Yes, fishing is possible in some areas. For instance, Jungfer Pond has a fishing pier on its southern bank, and fishing permits can be obtained from the local municipal administration in Ulmen.
Ulmener Maar is considered one of the youngest Eifel maars, with an estimated age of around 9,500 to a maximum of 12,400 years. It formed after the eruption of the Laacher See volcano.
Yes, both Jungfer Pond and Heilbachsee feature circular paths, making them ideal for pleasant walks. The loop trail around Jungfer Pond is approximately 3 kilometers long.
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique natural beauty of the maar lakes, the tranquility of places like Jungfer Pond, and the family-friendly attractions at Heilbachsee. The historical elements, such as the castle ruins near Ulmener Maar, also add to the appeal.
Yes, since 2023, the Ulmener Maar Tunnel connects Jungfer Pond underground to Ulmener Maar. A visit to this 126-meter-long tunnel is highly recommended.


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