The Eifel is a low mountain range western Germany and eastern Belgium.

In Germany it occupies parts of southwestern North Rhine-Westphalia and of northwestern Rhineland-Palatinate and is located between Aachen in the north, Trier in the south, Koblenz in the east.

Maria Laach © flickr/gmancgn 2008

Long ago the heart of the Eifel used to be a site of extensive volcanic activity and some of the hills are volcanic vents. Now there circle shaped lakes called “Maar” in the volcanic craters. One of the most popular is the Laacher See lake, which in fact is not a “Maar”, where the last volcanic eruptions took place about 13,000 years ago.

In the region there are about 240 volcanic vents and 60 “Maar” lakes. In numerous museums in the region visitors can learn all about the volcanic past of the Eifel. And you can also go on a discovery tour of the “German Volcano Route”. It is about 280 kilometres long and connects 39 geological sites of cultural and industrial historic interest and related to the Eifel volcanoes.

Besides the splendid nature and hiking and cycling trails visitors will also find castles and palaces in the Eifel. From the 11th to 13th century there used to be 140 castles in the region. Today most of them are ruins but nevertheless interesting. Many of them are now used for classical events. And visitors who want to see a rare example of a medieval castle in its original state should visit Bürresheim Castle near Mayen. It was even inhabited till 1921.

Burg Eltz © flickr/Jaeger-Meister

Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle) is another very beautiful example of an undestroyed medieval castle. It epitomizes German castle romanticism and really is worth a visit.

There are many abbeys and churches in the Eifel too. One of the most famous is the abbey “Kloster Maria Laach”. The church was built from 1093 to 1230 and is said to be one of the most perfect examples of Romanesque architecture.
But you should also visit the picturesque towns and villages such as Monschau, Bad Münstereifel, Nideggen or Blankenheim.

Families can spend their holidays on a farm as that always means great fun for the kids. Of course you don’t necessarily have to work during your stay but no one would mind a helping hand if you are interested in that kind of work. But of course there are hotels and private accommodation in the area too.