Top 20 Lakes around Gelenberg
Lakes around Gelenberg are primarily characterized by the unique volcanic lakes, known as maars, found in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This region is situated in a geologically active area, where these funnel-shaped craters formed by volcanic eruptions have filled with water. The landscape offers a blend of natural monuments and diverse recreational opportunities. These maars are significant natural features, often referred to as the "eyes of the Eifel."
Best lakes around Gelenberg
- The most popular lakes include Booser…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Booser Double Maar Wetlands
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Heilbachsee
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Circular route also possible by bike.
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View of the Booser Double Maar
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Grüner Weiher (Hurenbüsch-Weiher)
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Meisenthaler Mill
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Very beautiful artificial lake created, for big and small, what
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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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especially when the sun rays penetrate through the treetops a great sight
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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 Booser Doppelmaartour is an Eifel dream trail. It is important that you look in vain for water here, because the two maars are so-called dry maars.
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Here you can spend your holidays on the farm. http://website.meisenthaler-muehle.de
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Gelenberg unique?
The lakes around Gelenberg are primarily unique volcanic lakes known as maars, often referred to as the 'eyes of the Eifel'. These funnel-shaped craters were formed by violent steam eruptions and subsequently filled with water. Notable examples include the Daun Maars (Gemündener, Schalkenmehrener, and Weinfelder Maars) and Pulvermaar, which is one of Germany's deepest lakes.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Gelenberg?
Yes, Heilbachsee is an artificially created lake with a circular route suitable for walking or cycling, offering attractions particularly appealing to families. The Gemündener Maar also provides recreational opportunities like swimming, boat rentals, and a sunbathing area, making it suitable for families.
Where can I go for a swim in the lakes near Gelenberg?
Several maars offer swimming opportunities. The Gemündener Maar is a popular spot with a sunbathing area and even a diving platform. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is also suitable for swimming. Pulvermaar, despite its depth, features a natural swimming pool for both swimmers and non-swimmers.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around the lakes?
The region offers diverse hiking experiences. Pulvermaar is known as a hiking paradise. You can also find circular routes, such as the one around Heilbachsee. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore the various running trails or MTB trails that often pass by or offer views of the lakes.
Can I explore the geological history of the region's maars?
Absolutely. The Booser Double Maar Wetlands offer a glimpse into the region's volcanic past, featuring two silted-up maars. The View of the Booser Double Maar provides information boards explaining the geological features. The Weinfelder Maar is also valued for its impressive geological history.
Are there any historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar is famous for the quaint chapel dedicated to St. Martin located at its northern end, which has historical significance. Additionally, the Grüner Weiher (Hurenbüsch-Weiher) is a historical site with a dark past, adding a mystical aura to the area. The Meisenthaler Mill, now a farm, is also a stop on a local history route.
What is the largest lake in the Vulkaneifel region?
Laacher See is the largest lake in Rhineland-Palatinate and a significant water-filled caldera in the Vulkaneifel. It was formed by a massive volcanic eruption and still shows signs of volcanic activity today through carbon dioxide bubbles.
What activities can I do at Laacher See?
At Laacher See, you can jog, bike, or hike along its 8 km long path. Visitors can also explore the nearby Maria Laach Abbey, a prominent Benedictine monastery.
Is there a lake with unique natural features that is protected?
Yes, the Windsborn Crater Lake is unique as the only crater lake north of the Alps constantly filled with rainwater. It is a protected biotope, home to rare plant species and endangered dragonflies. Swimming is prohibited to preserve its natural state, but visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the crater rim.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Gelenberg?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and hiking. Autumn offers stunning foliage, while winter can provide a serene, picturesque landscape, though some recreational facilities might be closed.
What kind of views can I expect around the lakes?
You can expect diverse and scenic views. The View of the Booser Double Maar offers a clear perspective of the Doppelmaar and its crater rim. The Meerfelder Maar features a 12-meter high wooden tower, 'Landeblick', providing sweeping views of the largest maar crater in the Eifel. Many hiking trails also offer panoramic vistas of the volcanic landscape.
Are there opportunities for cycling around the lakes?
Yes, many lakes, like Heilbachsee and Laacher See, have circular routes suitable for cycling. The wider region also offers numerous road cycling routes and mountain biking trails that allow you to explore the volcanic landscape and its water bodies.
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