Attractions and Places To See around Ulmen - Top 20

The Ulmen region is renowned for its unique volcanic lakes, known as maars. You can visit the Schalkenmehrener Maar, one of the three Dauner Maars, or enjoy the views of the Gemünden maar. The Ulmener Maar itself is the youngest volcano north of the Alps, and nearby, the Jungferweiher offers a glimpse into an older maar. These natural wonders provide beautiful scenery and opportunities for relaxation.

Yes, Ulmen boasts significant historical landmarks. The most prominent are the Ulmen Castle Ruins, perched above the Ulmener Maar. These ruins, with parts dating back to around 1000 AD, offer a tangible connection to the region's medieval past. Additionally, the historic St. Matthias Church, also believed to be from around 1000 AD, preserves ancient grave inscriptions and artifacts, providing insights into Ulmen's religious and historical heritage.

Yes, the Ulmener Maar offers opportunities for swimming and boat rentals, complete with a diving platform. The Gemünden maar also has a swimming pool and allows swimming in the maar itself. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar due to its protected flora and fauna.

Ulmen is an excellent starting point for various cycling adventures. You can find numerous routes for different styles, including gravel biking, road cycling, and touring. For example, there are challenging gravel biking routes like the "Ulmener Maar – Ulmener Maar Tunnel loop from Gunderath" or scenic road cycling tours such as the "Grünewald Tunnel – Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel loop from Berenbach." You can explore more options on the dedicated cycling guides, such as Gravel biking around Ulmen, Road Cycling Routes around Ulmen, and Cycling around Ulmen.

Absolutely! Many attractions around Ulmen are suitable for families. The Schalkenmehrener Maar and the Gemünden maar are great for leisurely walks and enjoying nature. The Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel, a former railway tunnel converted into a cycle path, offers a unique and fun experience for all ages. The Ulmener Maar Tunnel is also largely barrier-free, making it accessible for families.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg. This 11-meter-high observation tower provides a wide perspective of the volcanic landscape, including direct views of the Gemündener Maar and the Weinfelder Maar. The paths leading up to the tower can be steep but are very rewarding.

Yes, the Ulmener Maar Tunnel is a fascinating site. Originally built in the Middle Ages for water management, this 126-meter-long tunnel now connects the Jungferweiher with the Ulmener Maar. It allows visitors to walk through and observe thousands of years of Earth's history, showcasing various sediment layers from the region's volcanic past. It was opened to the public in April 2023 and is largely barrier-free.

The Weinfelder Maar, also called Totenmaar (Dead Maar), is known for its serene, almost melancholic atmosphere. Its second name comes from the cemetery and small chapel located on its north bank, which was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, abandoned due to the plague in the 16th century. This maar is a nature reserve, and while swimming is prohibited, a nearly two-kilometer-long path allows for wonderful exploration on foot.

The Schalkenmehrener Maar is notable as the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars. It is a rare double maar, consisting of a lake and an eastern dry maar, both formed about 10,500 years ago after a volcanic steam explosion. A beautiful circular path allows visitors to walk around the maar and appreciate its unique geological formation.

The Ulmener Maar Tunnel is largely barrier-free, making it accessible for many visitors. While some sections narrow to about 70 cm, its overall design allows for easier exploration of this historical and geological site.

Ulmen is a prime location for hikers, offering numerous trails throughout the Volcanic Eifel region. Popular routes include the MaareGlück circular route, which encompasses maars like the Gemünden maar. You can find a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to more challenging paths, allowing you to explore the diverse volcanic landscape. For more detailed routes, refer to komoot's hiking guides for the area.

The Volcanic Eifel region, including Ulmen, is beautiful year-round. However, for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer (June-August) is ideal for swimming in the maars, while winter can provide a unique, tranquil experience, though some paths might be less accessible.

The Ulmen Discovery Tour is a digital journey that allows visitors to interactively explore Ulmen's past and present. By using a smartphone to scan QR codes along a 3.7-kilometer route, you can access videos that bring local stories and history to life, offering an engaging way to learn about the town and its surroundings.