Best lakes around Pelm are primarily volcanic maars, characteristic of the Eifel region in Germany. This area features a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, resulting in unique circular lakes. The region offers diverse natural settings, from wooded shorelines to marshy areas and natural swimming spots. These lakes are integrated into a network of trails and parks, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 3, 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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The Gemünden Maar is the smallest of the three Daun Maars. These are three particularly well-known crater lakes in the Volcanic Eifel region around the town of Daun in Rhineland-Palatinate. They were formed by volcanic explosions approximately 10,000 years ago. The Daun Maars are located in the Volcanic Eifel Nature Park, which covers an area of 970 square kilometers near the Moselle and Ormont on the Belgian border. Numerous hiking trails introduce you to the landscape with its maars and volcanoes. Detailed information about the nature park and its flora and fauna can be found here: https://nationale-naturlandschaften.de/gebiete/naturpark-vulkaneifel.
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Very nicely located. Also popular for a little pedal boat tour
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Nice place in summer.
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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 lakes around Pelm are primarily volcanic maars, characteristic of the Eifel region in Germany. These unique circular lakes were formed by ancient volcanic activity, offering diverse natural settings from wooded shorelines to marshy areas.
Yes, the View of the Gemünden maar features a swimming pool where visitors can swim in the maar itself. Additionally, there is a dedicated Natural swimming pool at Gemündener Maar, offering an idyllic spot for a refreshing dip.
Several lakes are family-friendly. The Daun Spa Park has a large pond with ducks, a children's playground, and sunbathing lawns. The View of the Gemünden maar offers swimming, boat rentals, and a diving platform, which are great for families. Eichholzmaar is also considered family-friendly with paths around the nature reserve.
Absolutely. The Eifel region, where Pelm is located, is well-known for its hiking trails. For instance, a section of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail runs through the View of the Gemünden maar and the Daun Spa Park. You can find various hiking routes, including easy and difficult options, around Pelm. Explore more hiking trails in the area on the Hiking around Pelm guide.
Yes, you can. The View of the Gemünden maar has a forest café. Near Müllenborn Pond, you'll find the comfortable Landhaus Müllenborn, a 4-star country hotel with a spa, perfect for relaxing after a walk.
The lakes, particularly those designated as nature reserves, support diverse wildlife. Eichholzmaar, a small nature reserve, has bird observation posts and is home to water birds and reptiles. The pond at Daun Spa Park is also known for its ducks.
Yes, for example, a beautiful approximately 6km circular trail leads around Müllenborn Pond, passing historic millstone ruins and along the Oosbach stream. The Eichholzmaar also features many paths for circular walks.
The lakes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months for activities like swimming, boating, and hiking. The Müllenborn Pond hosts a Lake Festival in July, which is a particularly atmospheric time to visit with brass bands and a convivial village atmosphere.
While many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly for walks, dogs are generally not allowed in designated swimming areas. For instance, dogs are explicitly not allowed at the Natural swimming pool at Gemündener Maar.
Beyond hiking, the region around Pelm offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain biking trails, including routes that pass by the Daun Spa Park. There are also several running trails available. For more details, check out the MTB Trails around Pelm guide and the Running Trails around Pelm guide.
Parking is available at several locations. The Daun Spa Park has parking facilities, and there is a small parking lot at Eichholzmaar, which serves as an ideal starting point for hikes. Parking spaces are also available near the Natural swimming pool at Gemündener Maar.


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