Lakes around Kelberg are situated in the Vulkaneifel district of Germany, a region characterized by ancient volcanic activity. This geological history has created unique formations known as maars, which are volcanic lakes. Kelberg serves as a central point for exploring several notable maars in the surrounding area. These natural features offer diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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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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From a wooden bridge there is a wonderful view of the swampy foothills of the rainwater-filled Booser Maar, which is located in the Hohe Acht mountain region and approx. 8 km south of the Hohe Acht. The maar lies in a circular tuff basin, whose tuff walls are covered with swampy meadows and the edge of the bank is overgrown with reeds. Galloways graze in the dry, higher meadows.
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The lakes around Kelberg are primarily maars, which are unique volcanic crater lakes formed by ancient volcanic activity in the Vulkaneifel region. These geological formations offer distinct natural beauty, from deep, clear waters to partially bogged nature reserves, showcasing the area's explosive past.
For swimming, you have several excellent options. The Ulmener Maar is a popular choice, as are the Daun Maars, specifically Schalkenmehrener Maar and Gemündener Maar, which offer natural outdoor pools and boat rentals. Pulvermaar near Gillenfeld also features an idyllic natural swimming pool. The Meerfelder Maar natural swimming pool is open from May to September, allowing you to swim in an extinct volcano.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Maiden Pond offers a pleasant, decelerating circular route with benches. The Heilbachsee has a circular path and attractions, especially for children. Pulvermaar is also suitable for all ages with its natural swimming pool and hiking trails.
You can observe a wide range of natural features. Mosbrucher Weiher is a designated nature reserve with a sedge bog and diverse flora and fauna. Weinfelder Maar is part of a nature reserve, ideal for nature lovers and hikers. Meerfelder Maar features marsh meadows, sedge beds, and reed zones, providing habitats for numerous animals. The Ulmener Maar showcases impressive tuff walls and ongoing volcanic activity indicated by bubbles.
Yes, the region is rich in history. Near the Ulmener Maar, you can find the medieval castle ruins of Ulmen, offering breathtaking views from the crater rim. The Booser Double Maar Wetlands allow you to explore the history of the Volcanic Eifel, as they consist of two silted-up maars formed thousands of years ago.
The area around Kelberg's lakes is perfect for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and touring bicycle adventures. Many lakes, like Pulvermaar and the Daun Maars, also offer excellent hiking trails around their shores.
Absolutely. Many lakes feature scenic circular hiking paths. For instance, you can hike along forest and field paths around Mosbrucher Weiher. The Daun Maars offer a beautiful circular path around Schalkenmehrener Maar and breathtaking views from the Eifelsteig near Gemündener Maar. Pulvermaar and Ulmener Maar also have circular routes through beautiful forests. You can find more hiking options in the lakes guide.
Yes, fishing is permitted in several lakes. Pulvermaar is a good spot for fishing. The Ulmener Maar is known for pike and carp, and the Maiden Pond also attracts many anglers due to its abundance of fish. Anglers can also enjoy fishing at Meerfelder Maar.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. For swimming, the warmer months from May to September are ideal, as natural pools like Meerfelder Maar's are open. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the vibrant colors of nature. The unique geological features can be appreciated in any season.
Yes, the Maiden Pond is noted for being wheelchair accessible, offering a pleasant and quiet circular route for visitors with mobility needs.
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique volcanic landscape and the diverse recreational opportunities. The komoot community has shared over 720 photos and given more than 940 upvotes, highlighting the natural beauty, serene walks, and the chance to explore the geological history of the Vulkaneifel. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the well-maintained trails.
The Ulmener Maar is considered the youngest of all Eifel maars, having been formed around 10,900 years ago. It's a significant geological site, recognized as an IUGS geological heritage site for being the 'youngest volcano in central Europe'.


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