Crater Lake Hikes in the Eifel Region of Germany

I really had no expectations or ideas of what western Germany's Eifel region had in store for us. So how lucky are Olive and I to have ended up in a region known for their castles, hikes and volcanic crater lakes?

Visitors from around the world come to this area to find outdoor adventure and gorgeous, unique scenery. Something I didn't know and I feel very grateful to have chosen a Workaway in such a region. The land is scattered with rivers, streams, and lakes formed from the craters of ancient volcanoes. Most of these you can swim in but some are just for hiking around and enjoying the view (like Immerather Maar and Daunder Maar).

The Maars Olive and I visited are pictures below in the following order (from left to right):
Immerather Maar, Dauner Maar, Gemundener Maar, Meerfelder Maar

Each maar has it's own personality. One of them, Dauner Maar, even had goats and small horses roaming free. Gemundener Maar was filled with tourists and locals alike, renting boats and bathing in the waters. This was also the gnarliest hike - very steep as you can see in the 3rd picture.

Some of these Maars also have hidden gems like churches, graveyards, castle ruins, cafes, etc. So you never know what you're going to get which makes for an even greater adventure!

Goats in Dauner Maar

You really do need a car to do anything in this area though - there's no way around it. Luckily I'm able to use a car as a part of my Workaway, otherwise we would've never seen any of this gorgeous landscape. If you're able to get a car for just a few days you could probably hit up all of the maars - the Eifel region isn't very big. Expect to do a good bit of hiking because some you can park near but most require a trek to get to the good stuff. Olive and I were certainly up for the challenge although she did need to be carried a few times when her little legs just wouldn't go anymore. She puts up with a lot from me.

Aside from the occasional exhaustion, Olive has loved all of the maar hikes - or any hikes at that. She's been a happy girl up here in Germany! I would highly recommend a visit for anyone traveling with a dog. There are so many free activities and it's almost all pet-friendly.

For information about the region and its famous crater lakes, click here.

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