Best lakes around Schwirzheim are found within the Volcanic Eifel region, a landscape characterized by its unique volcanic crater lakes, known as Maare. Schwirzheim, a municipality in the district of Bitburg-Prüm, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, serves as a base for exploring these natural water bodies. The area's topography offers a mix of geological formations and tranquil waters. This region provides opportunities to experience diverse natural attractions and geology.
Last updated: October 13, 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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children's playground
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On the meadow path you come across the small pond. When we were there, there were lots of tadpoles swimming in it.
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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 flower-covered extinguishing pond is super idyllic. But this isn't Canada. Of course, you can also hear the howling motorcycles and whistling trucks from the federal highway 265, 500 m away.
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"The Landal campsite near Stadtkyll appears on the internet as if its world were all right. But she isn't here either. The place is closed. No info anywhere. Drowned meadows, torn power lines... We look for a secluded spot and camp free of charge on the closed site. There are well-occupied fixed camper sites above the camping meadows, so a wash house is open. The associated restaurant is publicly located on the street and so the evening meal is guaranteed. Everything good? Starry sky, suddenly it gets cold at the pond where we are still sitting in the evening. The course is almost 500 meters above sea level. Off to the tent. The coldest night of the journey is upon us. Klausen's sleeping bag corner in the tent draws water out of the ground. I put on almost all my clothes, so to speak, the entire onion, during the night, sit in the overheated toilet for a while and don't think ungratefully about this enormous waste of energy. And about light pollution; the closed square is brightly outshined by the light of the lanterns all night long. Despite it. All good." https://www.komoot.de/tour/777211898
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The region around Schwirzheim, particularly the Volcanic Eifel, is renowned for its unique volcanic crater lakes, known as Maare. These are formed by explosive volcanic eruptions and often fill with water, creating picturesque, circular basins. You'll also find recreational lakes and natural ponds.
Yes, for tranquility and natural beauty, consider visiting Eichholzmaar, a natural monument known for its peaceful atmosphere and bird observation posts. The Meerfelder Maar is also noted for its tranquility and idyllic setting within the largest maar crater in the Eifel region. The Fire pond in Naturpark Hohes Venn-Eifel offers a peaceful spot, especially when water lilies bloom.
Several lakes are family-friendly. Eichholzmaar has a well-maintained circular trail and bird observation posts. The recreational lake at Landal Campsite Stadtkyll is part of a holiday park offering pedal boating, fishing, and various leisure activities. The Fire pond in Naturpark Hohes Venn-Eifel and Three Small Ponds are also considered family-friendly spots for a break.
Yes, some of the larger maars in the Volcanic Eifel region offer swimming opportunities. Pulvermaar, known for its depth, features a natural swimming pool. Schalkenmehrener Maar and Gemündener Maar also allow swimming and offer boat rentals. The recreational lake at Landal Wirfttal is generally not suitable for swimming, but another swimming lake is nearby.
The lakes are typically surrounded by hiking trails. For example, Eichholzmaar has a well-maintained circular trail. You can find various hiking routes in the area, including easy to moderate options. For more detailed hiking routes, explore the Hiking around Schwirzheim guide, which includes trails like the Vlierbachtal Valley loop.
Yes, the region offers cycling opportunities. You can find various routes for touring bicycles and gravel biking. For instance, the Cycling around Schwirzheim guide features routes like the Basilica of St. Salvator loop. For off-road adventures, check the Gravel biking around Schwirzheim guide.
The period from April to October is generally excellent for visiting, with guided tours often available at places like Eichholzmaar. Mid-July is particularly beautiful at the Fire pond when water lilies are in bloom. The Eifel region offers stunning scenery throughout spring, summer, and autumn for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty.
For Eichholzmaar, there is a small parking area conveniently located near the L24 road, serving as an ideal starting point for exploration. For other lakes, parking availability can vary, often found near trailheads or local amenities.
The Maare are unique geological formations resulting from explosive volcanic eruptions where magma interacted with groundwater. This created crater-like depressions that subsequently filled with water, earning them the nickname 'eyes of the Eifel.' They offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's volcanic history and are significant natural monuments.
Eichholzmaar is a vital refuge for rare waterfowl and reptiles, featuring numerous bird observation posts for wildlife enthusiasts. Its successful renaturation has made it an excellent spot for observing diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.
Near the recreational lake at Landal Campsite Stadtkyll, you'll find a holiday park with an indoor heated pool, beach volleyball, mini-golf, and other sports facilities. Near Müllenborn Pond, the comfortable Landhaus Müllenborn, a 4-star country hotel with a spa, is available for relaxation after a hike.
Visitors consistently praise the tranquility, natural beauty, and the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife. The unique geological features of the Volcanic Eifel maars, the well-maintained circular trails, and the family-friendly activities at places like Landal Wirfttal are also highly appreciated. The region's natural charm and peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted.


Still not found your perfect lake around Schwirzheim? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.