Lake Laach

Lake Laach (Laacher See) in the Eifel is a round, deep-blue crater lake ringed by forested slopes, right beside Maria Laach Abbey. It is the only water-filled caldera in Central Europe and a popular spot for walking, volcano geology and a peaceful day out. If you are looking for things to do in the Eifel, a walk around the lake is one of the best.

Where it is and how to get there

The lake lies in Rhineland-Palatinate, roughly 30 minutes by car from Koblenz and an hour from Cologne. Most visitors start at Maria Laach Abbey on the southwest shore. Leave the A 61 at the Mendig/Maria Laach exit and drive about 2 km (1.2 miles). The abbey car park charges 2 euros per hour after the first free 30 minutes, with a daily maximum of 12 euros. By train, the nearest stations are Niedermendig and Andernach, with a bus from Andernach to the stop "Kloster/Parkplatz, Glees - Maria Laach".

How it formed

The lake fills the caldera of a volcano that erupted about 13,000 years ago. A 2021 study dated the eruption to 13,006 years before present, a century earlier than the older estimate; experts still disagree on the exact date. The lake covers about 3.3 square km and is 51 to 53 m (about 170 ft) deep, depending on the source. The crater rim rises up to about 125 m.

What to see and do

• Maria Laach Abbey: the six-towered Romanesque church on the southwest shore.
• The lakeside path: the full circuit is about 5 to 8 miles (8 to 13 km) according to sources, and the marked Geopfad L trail with the Lydia Tower is about 15 km (9 miles).
• Gas vents (mofettes): on the east shore, cold carbon dioxide bubbles up, a sign of volcanic activity underground. You can see the bubbles from the trail.
• Boats: rowing boats and pedal boats can be rented on the shore.

Practical tips

Plan three to four hours for the full circuit, or just 2.2 km (about 26 minutes) for the short stretch from the abbey to the campsite. After heavy rain, some lakeshore sections can be impassable. Swimming is limited: according to one source, it is permitted only at the bathing spot of the Laacher See campsite, so check the current rules. We found no reliable information on wheelchair access or dogs.

Nearby

Maria Laach Abbey stands right beside the lake. Beyond that, the volcanic landscape of the East Eifel and the Rhine town of Andernach make good additions to a day trip.