Vulkaneifel

Vulkaneifel is a volcanic landscape in the Eifel, a low mountain range in western Germany, located in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The region contains a concentration of volcanic features dating from the Neogene to the Quaternary, including hundreds of maars, lava flows and tuff rings. The maars are large crater lakes formed by explosive interactions between rising magma and groundwater. Notable examples include Meerfelder Maar and Pulvermaar, among others, many of which today lie within forested hills and farmland.

Geology and geography: The area is part of the broader Eifel volcanic field. Although volcanic activity ended thousands of years ago, the surface shows well preserved geology that is studied by scientists and used for geotourism. The region is accessible via hiking trails and viewpoints that highlight crater lakes, volcanic rocks and the landscape’s undulating form.

Geopark and tourism: The Geopark Vulkaneifel preserves and interprets this geology, promoting conservation and education about volcanic history and natural heritage. It offers visitor centers, educational trails and museums focusing on volcanic activity and crater lakes. The region includes towns such as Daun and Gerolstein and is popular for hiking, cycling and lakeside recreation around its crater lakes.