Holiday in Eifel

What makes Eifel special as a destination?

The Eifel is a fascinating volcanic landscape in western Germany, extending over parts of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. Just 13,000 years ago — geologically a blink of an eye — a volcano last erupted here, leaving behind the circular maars, water-filled volcanic craters that are among the most impressive natural wonders in Germany. The Pulvermaar near Gillenfeld is the best-preserved maar in Europe. The Eifel National Park protects ancient beech forests, which are developing into one of the few wilderness areas in Germany. As a certified star park, it offers a spectacularly clear night sky — a rare experience in Central Europe. Wildcats, black storks, and over 2,000 endangered animal and plant species find habitat here. The Eifelsteig, a 313-kilometer premium hiking trail from Aachen to Trier, crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the region. Along the route, castles like Burg Eltz — one of the best-preserved knight's castles in Germany — historical monastery complexes, and picturesque half-timbered villages await. Eifel cuisine is hearty and down-to-earth: Döbbekooche (potato cake), Eifel trout, and Eifel game dishes are served in rustic inns. The Nürburgring, the legendary racetrack in the Hocheifel, attracts motorsport fans from around the world. Whether it's volcanic adventures, stargazing, or hiking bliss — the Eifel is an underrated natural gem.