4.4
(35)
155
hikers
Volcano Trail
07:20
26.2km
510m
Hiking
This hike shows you what traces volcanism has left in the Eifel and tells you exciting things about the geology of the region. It goes up and down, because the seething history of the earth has left volcanic mountains and maar craters here. This extended day tour through the wonderful nature of the Eifel is pure relaxation.
You start in Schalkenmehren, which is located directly on a maar and thus gets you in the right mood for the topic of the hike. After the first few meters you have a wide view over the valley. Behind Mehren, the longest ascent of the day is on the program: It goes to the Steineberger Ley, which is crowned by a lookout tower.
The terrain remains hilly and after a beautiful section through the Geisert juniper heath, it goes uphill again towards Ellscheid. Next you will pass the idyllic Mürmes nature reserve, a moor with a volcanic history. Over a last hill you finally reach your starting point again.
Last updated: March 5, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Natur- und Geopark Vulkaneifel
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
955 m
At the edge of the Schalkenmehrener Maar
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.05 km
Vulcano Observation Tower Steineberger Ley
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
9.88 km
Geisert Juniper Heath
Highlight • Natural Monument
The Wacholderheide has been a nature reserve (NSG) since March 19, 1962 and has been under intensive biotope care since 1991 by Gerd Ostermann, graduate agricultural engineer, from Birgel. The development goal is: "Preservation of a juniper heather on a silicate subsoil (here winged gorse grows as a Kennart) as a relic of historical land use forms."
The NSG juniper area near Demerath, together with the area "Geisert near Demerath", is the relic of an originally widespread landscape form in the Demerath and surrounding area. And because this is so important, trees and bushes were thinned out there and the resumption of sheep and goat grazing was promoted. This means that the juniper heather is kept open and the typical heather vegetation such as bristle grass and heather can recover and expand.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
17.7 km
Mürmes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
Many different birds live on the vast wet meadows. In addition, a visit to the Mürm is particularly interesting for plant lovers: innumerable rare plants and flowers grow on the meadows and along the streams.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
22.0 km
Sangweiher Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
The fact that the Sangweiher is an old maar was recognized only a few years ago when sputum material was found north and south of the pond. The depression left over from the old maar explosion was turned into a fish pond in the 17th century with the help of a dam. This in turn was drained in the 19th century in order to use the area for agriculture. In the 1980s the old condition was restored and as a nature reserve habitat for many bird species. Two bird-watching stations are hidden between the trees on the shore.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
26.2 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
19.8 km
2.30 km
2.22 km
1.92 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
10.4 km
5.57 km
4.46 km
4.14 km
1.21 km
458 m
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Elevation
Highest point (550 m)
Lowest point (400 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 28 June
25°C
18°C
17 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
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komoot.com/de-de/collection/4228116/-vulkaneifel-pfade
Vulkaneifel-Pfad Vulcano-Pfad:
Hike with a view over the garden fence into the land of Maare and fairy tales. Whether Maar or fairy tale – both are visible achievements from the battle of the elements. Whether fire or water – both are creators of this patch of earth. It is the Eifel landscape in its perfection between Ellscheid …
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In Mehren we looked for a restaurant because of the disorientation 🙈 unfortunately without success 😞 we had to hike the last 5 km hungry 😊
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May 4, 2021
This hike shows you what traces volcanism has left in the Eifel and tells you exciting things about the geology of the region. It goes up and down, because the seething history of the earth has left volcanic mountains and maar craters here. This extended day tour through the wonderful nature of the Eifel
Translated by Google •
June 4, 2021
The observation tower on the Steineberger Ley has been closed for a long time!
We were only there in March and it was still closed !!!
Just for information 😉
Translated by Google •
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