The low mountain range Eifel in the German state Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz) is rich in forests. The natural scenery is characterized by volcanism. Especially hikers, water sports enthusiasts and wellness tourists appreciate a stay in the Eifel. Hundred kilometers of hiking paths and more than 30 waters offer enough possibilities for an active holiday. The most popular lakes and dams are Freilinger See, Kronenburger See and Rurstausee. The abbey Maria Laach is referred to be one of the most beautiful and romantic churches in Germany. Another eye-catcher is the so called “Laacher Paradise”, an extraordinary medieval chiseler work. The Laacher Lake, a paradise for sailing and surfing, is representative for the numerous maars that are typical for the region. A maar is a volcanic crater filled with water.

Gerolstein is the center of the volcanic Eifel. Visitors can enjoy healthful mineral springs and can explore the geological secrets of the region on a geological path. In the Roman springs in Bad Breisig you can enjoy southern flair. A refreshment provides the Dunaris-spring in the spa gardens in the town of Daun. Here you can also visit the volcano museum. One of the most popular tourist attraction in the Eifel is the Nürburgring where you find a racing museum. It is possible to do some laps on the race track with your own car.

Pure Nature!
The Eifel offers impressive nature. Everywhere in the region you can recognize its volcanic history, for example by the numerous maars. These are circular craters that arose after volcanic eruptions and steam explosions. Some of the maars are filled with water, so that you find many maar-lakes in the Eifel, for example the “Holzmaar”, the “Pulvermaar”, the “Meerfelder Maar” or the “Dauner Maare”. Other popular lakes are the Rursee Lake, the second biggest water reservoir in Germany, and the Laacher Lake, a famous recreational area. One of the largest natural sights in the Eifel is the Eifel National Park. On 110 square meters numerous threatened animals and plants have found their home. If you are very lucky, you can even see a wildcat or a wall lizard. The wilderness-trail and the 240-kilometer-long pathways are a paradise for hikers. Other exciting destinations are the „Teufelsschlucht“ in the southern Eifel, the ice caves in Birresborn, the waterfalls in Dreimühlen and the Dietzenley, a 618-meter-high mountain that offers a great view of the region. It is the highest mountain in the Gerolstein area.

Important Buildings
Beside spectacular nature, the Eifel is full of impressing buildings. One of them is the fort Ehrenbreitstein, located on a hill vis-á-vis the German corner in Koblenz. Today it accommodates a youth hostel and the National Museum of Koblenz. A famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Porta Nigra, the symbol of the town Trier. The construction from the 2nd century is a Roman town gate that got its name from the dark coloured stones. Another important building in Trier is the cathedral, built in the 4th century. In the eldest episcopal church in Germany you find lots of monuments, paintings, a museum and a treasure chamber. A well-known location in the Eifel is the Nürburgring, a race track where lots of international events are taking place. It is overtopped by the Nürburg. The castle from the 12th century is located on the 680-meter-high hill “mons nore”. In the town of Cochem the same-named castle towers 100 meters above the city. This former toll castle from the 12th century is special for its huge site. Furthermore, the castle Eltz, close to the town of Münstermaifeld, enthuses its visitors with its 800-year-old walls, a treasure chamber and a museum. Everyone interested in sacred building should pay a visit to the abbey Maria Laach at the Laacher Lake.

Museums
In the Eifel you find museums for every taste. Museums about toys, pottery, mining, wine, Roman times, farms or even mouse traps. Very popular are museums of local history and exhibitions about volcanism and the natural history of the Eifel.