Eifel Brass Festival 2027
Experience a celebration of brass music in the heart of the Eifel at Camp Tannenhof.
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Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate)
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The Eifel is a prominent low mountain range in western Germany, distinguished in Rhineland-Palatinate by its unique volcanic history. Geologically part of the Rhenish Massif, the region is world-famous for its maars, water-filled crater lakes formed by massive steam explosions. The highest elevation in the Rhineland-Palatinate section is the Hohe Acht, reaching 747 meters above sea level. The landscape is characterized by dense forests, deep valleys, and expansive plateaus that host high biodiversity. Historically, the region was long regarded as poor and difficult to access, but it developed through basalt and iron ore mining, and later through tourism. Today, the Eifel is a significant recreational area, home to the famous Nürburgring racetrack and parts of the Eifel National Park. Subterranean geological activity remains present today, evidenced by CO2 emissions in various areas. The region is bordered to the east by the Rhine Valley and to the south by the Moselle River.
- Location: Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Top sights: Ruine Dreimühlen · Ahbachtal · Michelsbach, Ahbach und Aulbach mit Nebenbächen
- Nearby: Gerolstein (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 63 | 55 | 56 | 47 | 72 | 75 | 77 | 80 | 58 | 59 | 63 | 67 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
This volcanically shaped low mountain range is excellently connected to the rest of the federal state via highways and well-developed country roads. A dense, reliable network of hiker parking lots and local train stations enables a highly uncomplicated start into nature.
Best season
Spring and early summer bathe the vast forests in a lush, bustling green, while autumn spectacularly transforms the rolling landscape into a fascinating sea of colors. The volcanic maar lakes frequently offer highly welcome, refreshing bathing opportunities on blazing hot summer days.
Terrain & paths
The gently rolling, hilly landscape is distinctly characterized by dense forests, wide river valleys, and the highly characteristic, perfectly circular maar lakes. The hiking trail network is excellently signposted and gives absolutely everything from flat shore paths to easy mountain ascents.
What to bring
For the exceptionally well-prepared hiking trails, light to medium hiking shoes and comfortable, highly adaptable outdoor clothing are generally quite sufficient. Anyone wishing to linger at the inviting maar lakes should absolutely pack swimwear and towels during the warm summer months.
Parking
Around the most famous volcanic lakes and within the remarkably scenic villages, there are sufficient designated hiker parking lots available for day-trippers. These central gathering points serve as highly handy launch pads to turn onto the various certified premium hiking trails.
Safety
The region is widely considered an extremely safe hiking area, though one should be cautious on the sometimes steeply sloping and slippery shores of the maars. Standard rules apply in the nature reserves: keep dogs strictly on leashes, leave absolutely no trash, and stay on marked trails.
Time needed
Everything is genuinely feasible here, from perfectly leisurely walks of a few kilometers around a maar to highly extensive day tours straight across the Volcanic Eifel. To gain a truly representative impression of this profoundly special landscape, one should take half to a full day.
Geography
Facts
- The highest point in the Eifel is the Hohe Acht, standing at 747 meters tall.
- There are about 75 maars in the Vulkaneifel, 9 of which remain filled with water today.
- The last major volcanic eruption in the region occurred approximately 12,900 years ago.
- The Eifel range covers a total area of approximately 5,300 square kilometers.
- The Nürburgring, one of the world's most famous racetracks, opened in the Eifel in 1927.
- Large parts of the region belong to the German-Luxembourg Nature Park, established in 1958.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) (8)
Ruine Dreimühlen🏰 castle
The remains of a medieval castle ruin in the scenic Eifel region.
Ahbachtal🌿 nature
A nature reserve in the Eifel region, centered around the Ahbach valley.
Wasserfall Dreimühlen📍 landmark
A well-known growing waterfall in the Eifel, formed by limestone sinter deposits.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Eifel a volcanic area?
Yes, the West Eifel is known for its volcanic craters and water-filled maars.
What are the famous 'Eyes of the Eifel'?
This is the name given to the circular, blue-shimmering maars (volcanic crater lakes).
Where is the famous Nürburgring race track located?
The Nürburgring is located in the heart of the Hocheifel around Nürburg Castle.
Which hiking trails are especially famous in the Eifel?
The Eifelsteig runs for 313 km across the region and provides diverse landscapes.
When does the broom bloom in the Eifel?
The 'Eifel Gold' (broom) usually blooms in May and June, turning the slopes into a yellow sea.
Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate): where is it located?
Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate): what is there to see?
Highlights include Ruine Dreimühlen, Ahbachtal, Michelsbach, Ahbach und Aulbach mit Nebenbächen.
Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate): why is it worth visiting?
The Eifel is a prominent low mountain range in western Germany, distinguished in Rhineland-Palatinate by its unique volcanic history.
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