Best lakes around Kötterichen are primarily found within the surrounding Vulkaneifel district, a region characterized by its volcanic history and geological formations. Kötterichen itself is a small municipality, serving as a gateway to the unique natural landscapes of the Vulkaneifel. The area is known for its maars, which are volcanic lakes formed in explosion craters, offering distinct natural features and recreational opportunities.
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 Kötterichen, part of the Vulkaneifel, is primarily known for its unique maars. These are volcanic lakes formed in explosion craters, offering distinct natural features. You'll also find artificially created lakes and reservoirs.
Yes, the Vulkaneifel region is famous for its maars. A prominent example is Ulmener Maar, one of the youngest Eifel maars, known for its depth and meromictic properties. It's surrounded by a tuff rock wall.
Jungfer Pond is an excellent spot for birdwatching. It serves as a renowned bird sanctuary, especially during migration periods in spring and autumn. You can observe many endangered species in its reed-rich banks.
Yes, Heilbachsee is an artificially created lake with a circular route that includes attractions specifically for children, making it a great family destination.
Swimming and other water sports are generally prohibited in sensitive natural areas like Jungfer Pond due to its status as a bird sanctuary. Always check local regulations for specific lakes.
Near Ulmener Maar, you can find the ruins of an 11th-century knight's castle, the Upper Castle of Ulmen, which offers beautiful views of the area.
Yes, many lakes in the Vulkaneifel region, including Ulmener Maar and Jungfer Pond, have circular walking paths. For more extensive hiking options, explore the running trails around Kötterichen, which often pass by these natural features.
The area offers various cycling routes. You can find options for road cycling and general cycling, with some routes like the 'Ulmener Maar Tunnel – Ulmener Maar loop' specifically incorporating lake views.
Yes, the Ulmener Maar Tunnel connects Jungfer Pond underground to Ulmener Maar. This 126-meter-long tunnel is a notable feature to explore.
Fishing is possible in some lakes, such as Jungfer Pond, which has a fishing pier. Fishing permits are typically required and can be obtained from the local municipal administration in Ulmen.
The Vulkaneifel region is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly good for birdwatching at places like Jungfer Pond due to bird migration. Summer is ideal for enjoying the circular paths and family attractions, while winter offers opportunities for ice skating on frozen ponds if conditions allow.
Some areas, like the circular route around Jungfer Pond, are generally considered pleasant walks with benches, suggesting a degree of accessibility. However, specific wheelchair accessibility should be verified for individual trails.


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