The Eifel vacation region

The green heart of Europe

When the Eifel was formed thousands of years ago by the elemental forces of volcanoes, the foundations were laid for a beautiful and unique landscape. The green heart of Europe, as it is affectionately called by nature lovers, delights with gentle hills, deep lakes and dense forests.
Enjoy the view from one of the many mountain cones, evidence of volcanism and experience a landscape that has retained its originality and remained an oasis of tranquillity.

The Boos Eiffel Tower is a steep climb. 25 meters above the ground, you have a unique view of the Eifel landscape all the way to the Westerwald from the viewing platform. If the view is clear and you look closely, you can even make out the ruins of Nürburg or the "Kaiser Wilhelm Tower" on the Hohe Acht.

The juniper heaths of the Vordereifel are a very different kind of highlight. What was once created by a special form of land cultivation still offers a safe refuge for rare and in some cases protected animal and plant species. The hazel grouse and the kite are just as much at home here as the juniper, orchids and heather. A hike through this special natural landscape is worthwhile at any time of year.
The area around Lake Laach is perfect for unwinding, marveling at the magnificent building of the Benedictine abbey Maria Laach, which was built 900 years ago, or discovering nature on one of the many hiking trails.

Great acting and the deepest beer cellar in the world

Learn about the mining of slate and take a seat in a wagon that takes you through the narrow tunnels deep underground. The German slate mine in Mayen invites you to do just that.
And while you're here, the town of Mayen has much more to offer. There are over 700 years of history to discover. The Genoveva Castle towers high above the market square. Every year in the summer months from June to August, the inner courtyard is transformed into a large open-air stage and enchants the audience with top-class actors, a unique backdrop and a varied program.

Throughout the year, there are many lovingly designed festivals and markets that delight visitors.

The best way to get to the origins of the Eifel is to visit the Eastern Eifel Volcano Park. Embark on a very special journey through time and experience volcanism up close.
With 28 breweries per 2800 inhabitants, Mendig was once the brewery capital of Germany. Nowhere else was the density of brewers as high as here. Unfortunately, only one brewery still exists today, but what remains is the deepest beer cellar in the world. Around 30 meters underground, basalt quarrying created a huge rock cellar that can still be admired today. There is no more beer down here, but as the temperature is 6-8°C all year round, bats love the dark niches and like to hang from the ceiling.

Nestled in the beautiful Nettetal valley is a real fairytale castle. Bürresheim Castle has been the backdrop for many films and can be visited in conjunction with a guided tour.
Not forgetting, of course, the proud and unique Eltz Castle. Situated in a side valley of the Moselle, it has survived the many years almost unscathed and is just as imposing as it was when knights and lords came and went.