Best lakes around Plein are characterized by their unique volcanic origins, featuring numerous maars and crater lakes. This region, often associated with the Vulkaneifel, presents a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Visitors can explore diverse water bodies, from naturally formed maars to artificially created reservoirs, set within forests and natural monuments.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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The remains of an ironworks built in 1701 on land belonging to the Cistercian abbey of Himmerod are located on the site of today's hotel.
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Epic fog in the morning. Amazing sunsets in the evening ☀️📯 Be sure to take the small path below, not above! 🌳🌲❤️
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It looks like a “simple” lake - only from above can you actually see the maar
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Beautiful maar, you can hike, ride a MTB, fish and relax here
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Nice path with different perspectives on the surrounding area
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The lakes around Plein are primarily characterized by their unique volcanic origins, featuring numerous maars and crater lakes. You'll find diverse water bodies, from naturally formed maars like Holzmaar to volcanic crater lakes such as Windsborn Crater summit, and even artificially created reservoirs like Lake Sterenbach.
Yes, several lakes around Plein are considered family-friendly. Holzmaar is situated in a nature reserve and has a small circular path, making it suitable for families. The wooden boardwalks at Windsborn Crater Lake also offer a pleasant experience for all ages. Additionally, Lake Sterenbach is noted as family-friendly.
The region is famous for its volcanic landscape, particularly maars and crater lakes. At Windsborn Crater summit, you can see one of the few volcanic crater lakes north of the Alps, formed around 30,000 years ago, surrounded by a 20-30 meter high rampart. Many lakes, like Holzmaar, are almost entirely surrounded by forest, offering pure natural idyll.
Absolutely. The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'Lieser Cycle Path – Alte Pleiner Mühle loop' or the 'Plein Hiking Car Park loop'. Many lakes, including Holzmaar, have small circular paths around them. You can find more hiking trails in the Easy hikes around Plein guide.
The area around Plein is excellent for cycling. You can find routes like the 'Maare-Mosel Cycle Path – A1 Viaduct Tunnel (MMR) loop' or the 'Pleiner Tunnel – View of the Eifel loop'. These routes offer varying difficulties, from moderate to difficult. Discover more options in the Cycling around Plein guide.
Yes, there are several running trails available. Popular routes include the 'Lieser Trail loop from Plein' and various 'Running loop from Plein' options. These trails offer moderate difficulty and are a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region. For more details, check the Running Trails around Plein guide.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the lakes. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere at places like Wooden boardwalks at Windsborn Crater Lake, describing it as a great place to relax. The idyllic settings, especially at Holzmaar, are frequently praised for offering 'pure nature' and 'pure idyll'.
Yes, Windsborn Crater summit offers a fantastic viewpoint where you can look down onto the nearly circular crater lake. The wooden boardwalks at Windsborn Crater Lake also provide excellent spots for photography and enjoying the scenery.
Yes, for accommodation and dining, Hotel Molitor's Mill at Salmsee is a highly-rated option. It's a beautiful wellness hotel known for its very good cuisine and charming atmosphere, offering everything a visitor might desire for a restful stay near the lakes.
The Windsborn Crater Lake is one of the few volcanic crater lakes north of the Alps, formed approximately 30,000 years ago. Unlike maars, which are blasted into the earth, the Windsborn is a stratovolcano that built itself up as a mountain. It's a unique geological feature, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient volcanic activity.
Lake Sterenbach is an artificially created reservoir. Its primary purpose is to regulate the significant water flow of the Sterenbach and protect the nearby area of Lüxem from flooding. It acts as a retention basin, managing water levels and diverting overflow through pipes.


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