Municipality of Mendig

Laacher See volcanic region

When the earth shook in the Volcanic Eifel 13,000 years ago, the largest volcanic eruption in Central Europe created a breathtaking and unique landscape around Lake Laach. Let yourself be inspired and fascinated by its wealth of variety.

You can experience volcanism up close on the museum site, in the lava dome and in the German volcano museum in Mendig with its underground lava cellars and gain exciting insights into the world of volcanoes. An impressive world of experiences awaits you here.

Basalt was mined in Mendig as early as Roman times and well into the 19th century. This resulted in an underground network of lava cellars, covering a total area of around 3 square kilometers at a depth of 32 meters below the town. When the demand for millstones declined in the middle of the 19th century, the cellars continued to be used as “refrigerators”. With a constant temperature of between 6 and 9 degrees Celsius, these were the ideal conditions for storing beer. No wonder that up to 28 breweries settled in Mendig during its heyday and used the cellars to store beer.

In the local recreation area between Rieden, Bell and Volkesfeld you will find various hiking trails (Traumpfade and Traumpfädchen) that lead you through the beautiful natural surroundings.

The Riedener Waldsee is a little gem that you should not miss. Idyllically situated, it offers the perfect setting for relaxing or swimming.

The enchanting Fraukirch rises out of the open field very close to the municipality of Thür. The pilgrimage church dedicated to the Virgin Mary is one of the oldest in the Eifel and Rhineland and is the destination of numerous visitors and pilgrims every year.